Evening star., 1927-05-01

chorus gives those who choose the
vocal music as their chief musical
participation. Then, together, the
orchestra and chorus provide the
material that. developed i'll its larg-
est sense with the finest artists,
makes possible such rare entertain
ment as Metropolitan grand opera.
AS children are taught the piano,
some will be found who have natural
definite aptitude for that instrument
and who will wish to continue to de-
velop that talent. Others will use it
as an accompaniment for song or
other instrumental music. Some
children will have the violin hand
and car Others will find the brass
or reed instruments most interesting
| for personal use As for those who
wish 10 sing! The recent biennial
of the National Federation OF Music
Clubs of America was the singing
Clubs of America are provided an
other outlet and encouragement for
song. In Washington later this
month several hundred singers of
Choirs. quartetS. choruses and solo
lists will unite their efforts of their
own voluntary accord in a huge
maSSed chorus. to he directed by
John Finley Williamson. noted con-
ductor of the Dayton Westminster
Choir. one of the finest choral or
ganizations of this country.
Looking back over even the last
three years, the growth of the num-
Der of local participants in musical
endeavorS mot just students. but
also adults who were not previously
personally interested in music ex-
cept as liSteners), has been really
marvellous. The radio. instead of
diminishing the number, has in
creased the demand for varied and
competent musical talent.
| WASHINGTON has been too busy
W doing musical things right
straight along to plan any set pro-
grams especially for Music week.
There will be much music through
out the week, but it is not planned
especially because this happens to
be the seven days set aside by Ger
tain committee for music perform
ance. The Y. w. c. A., however,
which is instituting such hve-wire
and practical programs of musical
education for all its branches of
allied groups of women, has some
special Music week plans.
| Wednesday noon at II: 80 o'clock,
in Barker Hall of the Y. w. c. A..
Building. K and Seventeenth streets.
Mrs. Wayne B. Wheeler, soprano.
and Mary IzantCouch, pianist, will
present a program. Thursday at
1880 in the Y. w. c. A. Building at
Ola E street, Fred East. baritone, &C
companied by Robert Thomas at the
piano, will present a half-hour pro-
gram. Monday noon at the Recrea-
ton Hut, Twentieth and B streets,
Edith Dawson will play. and Friday
noon at the hut, Mrs. Hurley. Saida
Hartment and lmogene B. Ireland
will give several selections on the
violin. banjo and piano. The public
Is cordially invited'to hear these pro-
grams.
I0NE of the most touching and
~ memorable programs of music
given in the National Capital was
that presented last Wednesday night,
when Capt. William H. Santelmann,
developer of the splendid organiza-
tion now known as the United States
Marine Band Orchestra. gave his
farewell program" before retire
ment. More than 1000 people as
sembled in the hall, designed to hold
only 500 or 800 persons and hun
dreds of others were turned away
from the -overfowing doors Fifty
members of the United States Army
Band Orchestra sat in the audience
paying homage TO this great band
leader. The United States Navy
Band Orchestra sent huge harp
of flowers and Gen. Lejeune paid
Capt. Santelmann and his band spe-
cial honor. A moment of particular
| poignancy was when in the Waltz
Suite Debutante," his own compost
/ tion dedicated to debutantes OF the
National Capitals society. Capt. San
tclmann played violin in the first
violin section, sitting there beside
his son, Pvt. William +. H. Santel-
mann, with the promoted Capt.
Branson, conducting Again. when
the Marine boys gave Capt. Santel-
mann the beautiful table service of
huge silver vase of flowers and a
pair of silver candlesticks, there was
dampness in the air and also when
the boys played Aud Lang Syne.
! The climax of the whole evening,
however, was when Capt. Santle-
mann led The Star Spangled Ban
ner," with the audience singing the
words with a brilliance of tone and
volume that matched the excellent
performance of the orchestra on the
stage. 1T is amazing to think of
what this man has done with the
bands development since he first
took it over. on March 4, 1893. when
there were 80 men, playing only brass
instruments, and now, the ensemble
of o. finely trained musicians plav
brass or stringed instruments at will
under his baton. Capt. Taylor Bran
son, too, received his share OF com
pliments. The veteran retiring con-
ductor proudly spoke of Capt. Bran
sons being graduate from the
band membership" and the Gridron
Club was one of several organiza-
tions sending him special floral trib
utes upon his taking over the lead
ership of this gallant musical organ
ration. In short, this shows only
one of many ways that Washington
IS outgrowing the rather modest
suggestions OF Music week and prov
ing really thriving musically de-
veloping community.
Early Entrants Enthusiastic