The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-05-19

pnOny OTCneStTd OrSouiLcu W
Arturo Toscanini was preparing
for its summer concert series. Mr..
SarnofY happened to read news
paper announcement of q forth
coming concert by Dean Dixon's
orchestra for which Mrs. Eleanor
Roosevelt was sponsor. He COM
missioned Samuel Chotxinoh.
music director Of NBC, to attend
the concert and pass judgment on
the young conductors capabilities.
Mr.. Chotzinoh reported that Dixon
was a capable conductor" A few
days later. young Dixon was in the
ONCE Of the head Of the Radio Cor
poration OF America. and to his UNI
believing surprise was receiving an
invitation to All a post which is
the dream OF every ambitious con-
ductor in America.
Mr.. Sarnoff had conscientiously
probed into every possible area OF
dificulty. The orchestra itself had
voted unanimously that its men,
bership would be proud TO follow
the leadership Of a capable conduc-
tor. no matter what his race. NBC
officials responded similarly and.
what was most impressive to Mr..
Sarnoff, the heads of the southern
stations affiliated with the NBC
network cordially welcomed the
suggested program. which would
be Q novelty for southern listeners
In every way the broadcast full
filed the hopes of It's sponsors and
=. A.. N.,,, vo~tr -; ~, - rsNnrt Ia
clsred: The men gave tDean
Dixon) everything he asked for.
He knew exactly what he wanted
and from the very beginning was
master of the situation"
Following his two successful
NBC concerts in the summer OF
l94l. Dixon was invited to conduct
the New York Philharmonic Or
chestra at the Lewisohn stadium.
thus within three months he had
won the honor Of being the hrst
Negro and the youngest conductor
ever to lead two world famous
music examinations in so short q
period. He was then 70 years old.
His audiences. the critics, and the
general public were enthusiastic
in their receptions. and the follow
ing winter he conducted the MIC
orchestra in its regular concert
series. In the Spring Of 1912 he
led the New York Chamber Or
chestra at Town Hall. and that
summer he again conducted the
professional skill in which RCA
had an interest. The NBC Sym.
New York Philharmonic at the
Lewisohn stadium.
During all of this time he was
continuing his studies. working to-
wards his Phi D. in music at Column
/ bia university.
A handsome. affable, and boyish
chap. Dean Dixon has taken in
stride his really remarkable anc
exceptionally fortunate surge Il
the front He takes his succesiv,
steps for granted and without civ
ing the appearance Of realizing
that there was IN unusual amour
Of chance connected with then
Perhaps this 10 fortunate. for Il 1
his ability to concentrate on tn
situation In hand, without becom
ing dismayed over the difncu1tie'
that possibly lie ahsad. that In!
been responsible for his mastery
of each situation as ii has come tc
him.
For instance. in organizing the
American Youth Orchestra, he re-
sponded to the request of an en-
cheering student from City college
who was spokesman for a group
Of youths who wished to organize
an orchestra under sfficient lead
ership. Seventeen people tried
out on the frst night at the Chat
ham Square Music school and Is
people were chosen from that num-
Der. Dixon sat At his grand piano
with the top up, SO that he did not
see the musician who was receiv-
ing the addition but only heard
the music. The candidate was &C.
cepted or rejected on the basis Of
his merit and nothing more.
Just as he was matter Of fact
in the building of his orchestra
Dean Dixon is philosophic about
its future. The group is. first o.
all, interested in giving impetu.
to the building Of other symphonic.
and bands and cultural activities
They wish to take music TO the
masses Of people who do not &c
the opportunity to hear good musi,
Music for the Millions" is one o.
Dixon's favorite sayings.
From the start up to now, he ha!
been conscious Of himself. hrst o.
all, rs q musician and only Incl
dentally as q Negro. For q brie
while he worked on the idea Of ,
Negro symphony orchestra an<
then realized that art can no NOR,
be segregated than beauty in gen
eral When he aimed his artist,
sights on the conductors podium
there were numerous advisers Il