Evening star., 1926-10-22
Wants Concert Seats.
Music Fan Would Have, Espla.
made for Band Patrons.
To the Editor Of The Star:

To the Editor OF The star:
Even with all its recreational Ia
cilities. Washington. the Nations Cap
ital. does not afford the people or the
Nation an adequate. central. outdooi
facility where they. in large numbers
can regularly enjoy, while comrorta
bly, seated, for a small pittance, the
music of the national bands. The
CAPITOL steps are hard and the ground
in the places where concerts are held
Is often damp and soils the clothing
The music is now ofttimes drowned
out during concerts by the noise oi
pa ssing. unregulated traff1c.
Is not now a good time Tor the
city planners to consider pretentlous
esplanade devoted to music worthy OF
the Capital of q Nation? An ideal site
would seem to be in the area between
the Capitol and the Union station
which they are soon to convert INTO
park. This location ought to De
ideal in that 1t il flanked by numerous
buildings which could serve as sound
ing boards and aid in keeping the
music in prescribed zone. This
might aid in overcoming the present
difficulty experienced in hearing the
bands at any considerab BILE distance at
some of the stands where there are
no nearby walls to stop the waves
of music.
The erection Of a bandstand equip
ped with the best acoustic properties
Of the age would not be amiss In
a Nations Capital. Surround this
with an area provided with comforta-
BILE chairs or benches sufficient in num-
Der to seat several thousands OF per
sons. This area in turn SURROUNDED
with wide, well lighted walks OF re-
ding
poses The site should be selected
because Of Its distance from trafic
lanes so that the music could be
heard above the traffic din.
When a ship arrives in port or
train departs, strains of music TO wei
come one or speed ones departure
always bring quickening OF the
pulses. Our arriving and departing
guests. using the Union Station. who
might happen to pass such an es-
planade during concert hours would
carry away with them the memory OF
strains Of music Of one Of our ma
tional bands. This espla would
afford a place for visitors to loiter or
watch the passing show during those
minutes before train time.
Many foreign capitals provide out
door music centers. These are equip.
ped with endless comfortable chairs
the use of which can be obtained from
a custodian for a mere pittance Tor
stated period, day or night. No
one is allowed to use these seats at
any time without paying for the
privilege.
Foreign capitals provide Sunday
concerts in these centers. Foreigners
in Washington promenading Sundays
feel lost without the Suday afternoon
and evening concerts. Washington
does not provide regular free public
outdoor Sunday concerts: this in spite
Of the fact that every one Is free to
enjoy music on that day. Music Is
apparently not classed as an impor-
tant soothing Sunday recreation IN
Washington. American cities genera l.
ly expect the amusement parks to
satisfy this craving Of the people Tor
fresh air and music on the Sabbath.
Chevy Chase Lake and Glen Echo,
near shington, fill this need IN
small way.
An esplanade for music. designed,
after g. study of those in other capi'
tails. with the most modern American
facilities and features added. could en-
hance the glory Of Washington.
F.. M. DAWSON.