The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram., 1916-02-04
MUSIC OCCUPIES
LEADING PLACE
IN SCHOOL LIFE
BY HELEN HADlEY.

1t has not been many years since
music in the public school was cons.d-
cred a novelty. desirable, but never
theless somewhat Of an extravaganza.
But this attitude has changed greatly
as music has gained stronger foot
hold until now it is thought OF as an
almost essential accomplishment.
Richmond public schools have led out
from the start with the high school
as natural center. At present, mu-
sical organizations and classes are
especially flourishing.
Probably the most important Is the
orchestra which consists of about six
ty pieces 1t meets twice week at
the close of school and practises for
an hour This year Mr.. Sloane, the
director, added many new numbers to
the musical library. Some of these
have already been mastered. The or
chestra plays regularly for chapel and
some times for events outside the
school. 1t is planning to give con-
cert in the near future and may take
some trips.
The Boys Glee Club" is a voluntary
organization just started this year
Considering it's newness it is getting
on splendidly with membership of
about twenty-four persons. The boys
are very Enthusiastic and are planning
many things for the future. They made
their first public appearance on the
Christmas program the last day be-
fore vacation.
Modify Chorus Work.
The work in the chorus classes has
been modified since the change in
school hours. The music period is now
too long to spend all the time in sing
ing SO the first half is devoted to lis
tening to the victrola and talks from
Mr.. Sloane and the last half to sing
ing. Every three weeks each class
gives a program in which each men,
Der is expected to take part In some
way sooner or later. The program CIV
en- Friday by the ffth hour class gives
some idea of this place.
Chorus, Long Years Ago in Bethle-
hem"-Hymnal.
Piano solo, "Taglace"-Helen Hazel
Vocal solo, "stille Nacht"-Paul
Reading Birth of Christ'-Irene Ut
ter.
Vocal solo, christmas Song"-Mer-
ril Hosler.
Piano solo. Hunting Song" Mendels-
sohn--Helen Hadley.
Moonlight Sonata" Beethoven -
Victrola.
Vocal solo, Little Town of Bethle.
hem"-Lillian Gem.
Flue solo, Holy City"-Robert Rol-
and.
Christmas Angels" (Schubert) -
Quartet.
Vocal solo. "Star of Bethlehem" -
Clarence Kerlin.
Piano duet, Christmas Festivals
Mildred Ramsey, and Lois Johanning.
But especially In her harmony
classes does r. Fl. s. excel. She gives
greater amount of knowledge free
in the same amount of time than In
a teachers training school. This has
been proven by the word of visitors.
The first. second and third term
classes learn only the principles OF
harmony but the fourth term applies
them to original composition.
Study Composers Work.
The Critical Study" classes have
been studying the composers of the
Romantic School, this term. So far
they have listened to lectures on Schu-
bert. Won Weber and Wagner and
heard their compositions on the vic
trola. Schubert was the first compos-
er to break away from the old classi-
cal school and write with more indi-
vidual freedom. Won Weber achieved
his great success by writing operas
which were the source of much of
Wagner's inspiration later on. But
hile Weber's work was great, Wag-
ner's was greater. Wagner took Web
er's ideas but elaborated on them and
combined them with ideas of his own.
The school has more records Of Wag.
ner than any other composer. These
include selections from Tannhauser,
Lohengrin, Partial, Twilight of the
Gods, the Flying Dutchman; the Ring
series and others. There is also much
literature available about the man
himself. 1t has been estimated that
no less than 500 books have been writ
ten on his life. This is not to be
wondered at as his personality was
quite as striking as his music. He In
fiuenced modern opera more than any
other man. For this reason, he Is es-
pecially emphasized in the present
work of the critical study classes.
In every different phase the Music
department has been steadily branch
ing out year by year and probably
will continue to do SO.
The beautiful grass of Parnassus,
Nv bich iS fOund in marShV quarters OF |