Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1921-11-02
LITTLE STORIES OF
THE STREET
By
The Man About Town

The editorial appearing IN ION
davis edition of the Gazette IN re-
card to tbs teaching of music IN the
public schools has aroused so much IN
terest and caused so much comment
that we deemed it wise tc get the
personal opinion of each individual
member of the School Board regard
ing the ACCESSIBILITY of installing such
a course of instruction at an early
date. Ten members of the Board, IN
Guiding the president. DR.. S. B. Moore,
and the Superintendent of Schools,
Mr.. w. H. Sweeny have been inter-
viewed by a representative of this pa
per and they are nearly all in favor
Of primary musical instruction.
DR.. S. B. Moore, President OF the
Board, in very concise English ex-
pressed his approval Of the plan ana
his hopes that it might be put INTO
effect.
Mr.. Gilbert Cox stated that he was
personally very much in favor of the
plan and would give it his support.
Mr.. C. Ashley Bladen is very en-
thusiastic over the proposition and
believes that it should be put through
as soon as possible. He commended
the editorial policy of the Gazette
along school matters and expressed
thanks for the cooperation received.
Mr.. Charles E. Tennesson expressed
his approval of the programme out
lined in the editorial but called the
reporters attention to the lack Of
room in the schools at this time which
in his opinion might prevent further
expansion.
Mr.. f. S. L~eadbeater is very favor
ably inclined towards including
musical instruction in the schools. 1t
might, Mr.. L~eadbeater suggested, be
substituted for French, or at least
the sort of French he learned at
school,. Mr.. L~eadbeater laughlng!y
explained that after he got to France
he was unable to find a single French
man who could understand French as
he had learned it in America. He
stated that in his opinion such in
struction would be a great help to the
church workers of the vicinity. who
necessarily, must recruit their choirs
from the ranks Of the schools.
Mr.. C. z. Dare thinks the plan
feasible and will give his support.
Mr.. r. \. Colvin is very conserv-
alive in his views and while in accord
with any movement for betterment
of the schools would not express an
individual opinion for publication.
DR.. S. Lunt would not express an
opinion, stating that he had not had
time to give the matter serious con-
sideration.
Mr.. T. Calvert Perry, while admit
ting that musical instruction should
be given in the schools, would not ex-
press himself concerning his a. 'tlde
in the matter when it came up for
action.
Mr.. Thomas E. Dyson, expresses
doubt that the money can be found
available for the purpose at the pres
ent time ever though he personally
believes hat rudimcntary vocal and
musical training should be included
in the courses.
Mr.. James Bayne, and DR.. L. f.
Powell we were unable to reach be-
fore the paper went TO press.
The Superintendent of Schools.
Capt. w. II. Sweeny, states that he
would be pleased to see music taught
in the schools.
The matter will come before the
School Board for discussion at its
next meeting on the evening of No
vember 9th and the Gazette will have
a representative present to report the
action taken at the meeting. Form
ing an opinion from answers received
to our questions in regard to the pro-
sYamme outlined in Mondays editor
ial it appears that the matter will re-
ceive favorable action at the hands
of the School Board when it meets.
Alexandria has a first class High
C.1-N1 1911 ,,,,Dr-.nrs,-l ,,onivn