The Washington times., 1922-02-09

Luc SIduCo oIlu W :" ucAS
In connection with the latter sub
ject, Mr.. Cogswell writes: -
1T is with some hesitation that l
undertake to discuss this phase OF
the work. important as II Is, owing
| to the fact that / hold the position
of director of music, which ID un.
derstood to cover, only the work OF
the elementary schools, and TO act
as an advisor regarding the matter
of high school music.
This is the only city in the coun-
try where the supervisor mot direc-
tori of music Is not given full power
to plan and see to It that the work
is carried out according to his
plans, from the kindergarten to the
college or university. He alone
should be held responsible for re-
! suits.
1T is because of this handicap
that I have asked to be raised to the
position Of supervisor of music when
| / would feel perfectly free to try
and carry out the plans that have
been in my mind from the begin
ming.
ut has been my privilege to visit
many cities and to carefully observe
the work done along all lines.
my first discovery regarding the
work of the high schools was de-
cided lack Of uniformity in the mat
| ter of courses of study as well as OF
the methods of instruction. These
conditions have been considerably
improved.
,, Holds Wonderful Possibilities.
There are such wonderful posi-
bilities that could and should be
worked out in our high schools
such as instruction in the way Of
chorus singing. frequent recltals, or.
chestra, glee clubs, ETC.. rounding
out the work in the grades. Thus
II would fit the individual for higher
ideals Of living, as well as for a
better understanding and apprecia-
ton Of muse, all Of which make for
better citizenship as well as a life
OF enjoyment, wherein music plays
so important a part.
Just as in the work Of the grades,
the same careful graduation is abso-
lutely necessary in the high school,
especially during the freshman and
sophomore years.
THE study of easy choruses. can
tatas, ETC., should form the major
part Of the work Of the entire school
during the last three years, while
the work of the freshmen should be
largely technical. as we'll as indi-
vidual, thus preparing each stu
dent for the junior or senior chorus
, work.
The function Of the high school
orchestra or glee club is to provide
music for special occasions, support
the chorus when any of the larger
works are given, to give frequent
programs for the classes in Music
Appreciation. and to help in main.
tanning and promoting a real school
spirit.
I'm most up-to-date cities credit
Is given for orchestral and glee club
work.
I'm many cities the high school
band Is made an important feature.
hope to live to see the day when u
good band is found in each high
school in Washington, and out of
these the formation Of a larger band
to be designated as the Washington
High School Cadet Band, one that
will be a real credit to the fine body
Of cadets already known the world
over as one of the finest"
Grade Orchestras.
Instrumental Music in the
Grades" is a subject very dear to Mr..
Cogswell's heart, and he argues most
convincingly for It's development.
I'm almost every school," he says,
may be found pupils who are learn.
ing to play the violin, cornet, or
other orchestral instrument.
For these students the value of
ensemble playing. as taught in the
schools, is manifest. The perfect
information required" and then he de.
tails the perfect" use Of the instru.
ments, adding but above all the
study Of good music such as can be
played only by a large orchestra,
make for real musicianship.
1T Is not the purpose to allow the
work of the public schools to inter-
fere In any way with that Of the
private teacher, but on the other
hand to encourage the pupils to take
lessons Of a good teacher.
I'm many cities Of the United
States this work is made a marked
feature. notably in the city Of Oak.
land, Cal, where each school is pro.
vided with both band and orchestral
instruments.
AT the recent Panama Exposi.
ton the various organizations of th,,
Oakland schools gave seventy-seven
concerts, to the great delight as we'll
as establishment of the crowds that
heard them.
The city of Pittsburgh is max
ing rapid progress along this line.
Each year the board Of education
appropriates a handsome sum for
instruments and several thousand
dollars has been raised by giving con.
certs as well as by means Of liberal
contributions from men of wealth."
Mr.. Cogswell marshals forth many
facts as incentive and inspiration for
Washington Of the future.
He outlines constructively the plan
that Is being followed in the schools
Of Washington today, Of the careful
canvass made among the students,
above the fifth grade, to ascertain
~I A N.0 O.