Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-09-29
COLLEGE OF MUSIC
IN NEW QUARTERS
Increased Faculty., Broader
Policy Combine to Give In
stitution Splendid Outlook.

A certain feeling of something accom-
plished, definitely characterized as "a
big thrill" pervades the attractive, wide
reception rooms and Offices of the
Washington College of Music, recently
installed in the new building on S street
northwest, a short half block west OF
Connecticut avenue. 1t Is perhaps
somewhat the same feeling that over
comes a boy on his twenty-first birth
day anniversary and girl on the eve
of her social debut.
For this college has grown from very
small beginnings indeed in 1904 and
struggled through intervening years To-
Gated on noisy downtown corner, its
conduct of classes beSet with changing
street cars, footing motors and the
Shrill whistle of the traffic cop across
the street. Now, established in spa
cious home in quiet neighborhood, 1t
is enveloped in a cultural and artistic
atmosphere, against background OF
educational history.
With the Holton Arms School as its
next-door neighbor the Washington
College of Music now occupies the To-
cation and buildings which a quarter
OF century ago were the premises OF
Mrs. Smallwoods School, known as
washington Seminary. Later the Paul
Institute had possession for some years,
and finally DR.. Arthur Ramsay pur-
chased the big house as the home OF
Fairmont Seminary, which now is 10
Gated on Massachusetts, avenue, in the
old home of Senator Dupont.
It was during its occupancy by the
Fairmont Seminary that DR.. Ramsay,
its president, bought the wonderful old
crystal chandeliers which prior to that
time had hung in the White House, and
had them installed on the reception
floor of the building, where they still
lend historic luster to the spacious halls,
reception room and lounge.
Not the least of the assets of the new
college is the big recital hall, just to the
left of the wide doorway. where student
recitalS and concerts by guest artists
can be held. Studios, practice rooms
and dormitorieS are above stairs for
out-of-town students. There is gym
nasium on the roof.
So with the advent of the present sea-
son the Washington College of Music
is coming into its own. Along with the
big new home has come also an in
creased faculty, broader policy-all
merging into splendid outlook for its
future.
DR.. Hugh Rowland Roberts, the new
president, has been the head of the
voice department for the past five years.
A graduate of Valparaiso University of
Indiana, he also took a postgraduate
gold-medal course there, then studied in
New York City with DR.. William Wade
Hinshaw of the Metropolitan Opera Co.
for four years, and With James A. Saw
age of New York for two years more.
He also studied theory with Edmund
Chaffee and piano with Frederick Hor-
ace Clark during that period. He taught
and coached for seven years at Leland
Stanford, Jr., University. He spent a
year as principal baritone of the
Hughes-Ro Opera Co., when his
alma mater called him back to teach
voice and serve as choral conductor at
Valparaiso. Then came the World War,
during which he served overseas as
music director and associate secretary
of entertainment of the A. E. F. Upon
his return to America he was at once
engaged as teacher of voice and super
intendent of branch schools in the
Sherwood Music School. Chicago; and
from there he came to Washington.
where in 1926 he received his degree as
doctor of music from the College Of
Music.
The college is Stressing the broadest
type Of musical education, lending en-
couragement to students of any degree
of adaptability, with the view of afford
study to all. Following the trend of the
most modern musical education, the COL
lege offers for the coming season strict
ly cultural courses, as well as purely
professional training to those who de-
sire it, According to DR.. Roberts,
THE newly planned cultural courses
in the college represent an opportunity
for those not anticipating professional
activity, to select studies which, while
correlated and complete, do not demand
the students entire time and attention"
Prominent members of the faculty for
the coming year are Weldon Carter,
head Of the piano department; Emanuel
Zetlin, head of the violin department;
Fanny Amstutz Roberts, head of the
theory department; Edwin N. c. Barnes,
music education; Alice L. Fowler of
New York, Harry Baker Humphrey, Ian
guages; Lewis Corning Atwater, church
organ; Mabel L. Duncan, violoncello;
Marguerite Carter, pedagogy: Nelson
Oertel of New York, Louise WalSworth,
artist pupil of oscar Seagel, and score
of other experienced instructors In all
departments.
The well known string-wood ensemble
of the college again this year will be
under the direction of Fritz Male for
the study of compositions of the highest
standard, and in case the quota Is not
filled musicians not studying at the col
lege are invited to play with this or
ganization. In the children's depart
ment, under the direction of Catherine
Benson, there will be also the toy SYM
phony and the childrens chorus.
The college has been licensed by the
Board of Education of the District of
Columbia to issue degrees and diplomas
Of the highest rank, and the Federal
Government, through the Bureau of
Education, recently granted the college
special recognition as an institution Of
learning for foreign students" which
opens its doors to students from all
parts of the world.