New-York tribune., 1921-06-19

school. Tall, slim, boyish, he radiates
enthusiasm and energy. He has keen
eyes and sense Of humor
Seated at large desk in his study,
he spoke of the course he is about TO
give and about the school in general.
This is not sectarian institution"
he said. "The only question we ask
boy who applies for tuition is, Have
you good voice?' Besides the musical
studies, we have a regular school, cur
riculum and prepare many boys for
college.
"The summer masters course will
not be devoted to the consideration of
the performance of liturgical music
but will include the study of the inter
probation of all choral music, particu-
larly a Cappella music, Gregorian
chant, polyphonic music of the six
teenth century, modern liturgical
as related to choral ensemble, as we'll
as such phases of the training of bows
voices, as the making of the counter
tenor voices, the treatment of bows
voices during the period of change, the
balance of parts, ensemble treatment
and conducting"
Mr.. Rand interrupted at this point tn
inquire at what time the Father would
IKE to have lunch. We found ourselves
continuing the conversation at table in
a room unfortunately not haunted, but
where legend has it George Washington
once was entertained.
The atmosphere was delightfully."- in
formal. We looked around furtively
for some one to say grace. But moth
ing happened. We found ourselves sit
ing next to the chauffeur, who proved
to be the teacher OF mathematics.
"Will yez have ice cold milk, Father.
Or do yez be wantin' the tay?" asked
the attending Celt, in the richest of
brogues.
Every one voted for coffee.
"Our servants are Irish, English,
Scotch and Greek" remarked the
Father. "Not long ago we had two Eng
lishmen and a Sim Feiner in the
kitchen. 1t nearly disrupted the house
hold"
BY degrees he admitted having been
born in Boston and having attended
the Boston Latin School and the New
England Conservatory Of Music. Still
later he showed himself amazingly we'll
Informed on all musical topics of the
day.
Are you a Muratore FAM" he in
ouired, and seemed pleased to hear that
we are not. "Years ago, in Paris, I
played accompaniments for him." he
continued, "and even then I couldn't
see him for trees.'
1t was no surprise to learn that
Father Finn is familiar with European
musical life, for before organizing the
Choristers, in 1904, he spent some time
in study abroad. In 1912 his choir was
awarded the prize in the international
competition in Paris, and he himself
was decorated by the French Academy.
Soon afterward the choir sang before
Pope Leo XIII at the Vatican. Every
year has seen an increase in the num-
ber Of concerts given by the Choristers
outside of New York. Their tour last
season included 161 concerts. In April
they sang for President Harding at the
White House.
Unfortunately, all good times come
to an end. Father Finn was tactfully
reminded Of an appointment by his sec
retary, and we cast appealing glances
at the mathematical chauffeur. But it
was Father Finn himself who, bare
headed, drove the car down to the sta
tion.
Many man looks back upon his
school days as the happiest time in his
life. 1t is more than likely that Father
Finn's graduates, while looking about
for an engagement, will think over
their years at Libby Castle, and, face
to face with the problem of earning
living, will eXclaim:
"Those were the days!"