Evening star., 1947-07-14
By Horry Lever
Stoy Stoff CORRESPONDENT

TRIANGLE, Va, July 14.-Eighty-
six boys and girls from the District
and surrounding areas who are at.
tending a band camp" here arr
learning to play musical instru-
ments in order to become 'street
corner" musicians for the Saliva
ton Army.
The camp Is known as Happy
land" It is located in the Chopa-
wansic area not far from town
1t has complete camp facilities and
the daily program provides for band
practice, recreation, rest, and de-
votional periods. ., ....
The campers, who range from II
to 18 years old, are affiliated with
the Salvation Army, sponsors of the
two weeks project. OF the total,
As now play in the advance" band
while Al are beginners. There is no
tuition fee and if some of the young
people do not have their own musi-
cal instruments, the Salvation Army
provides them.
Music and Outdoor Life.
Here we give the children q
musical education combined with
healthy outdoor life" said Col. Wes-
ley w. Bouterse, head of the Saliva
ton Army in the District. These
children are giving their time to the
dedication of a Christian motivation
They will go out on the street in
heir home towns and play the sacred
music of the Salvation Army when
their training fully qualities them. y
One of the most enthusiastic of
the beginners is Robert Moore, IL
of Bridgeport, w. Va, smallest boy
in the group. He wants to get into
the advance band and publicized his
desire by wriggling his SO pounds
into position behind a big brass
Sousaphone, largest instrument in
the band.
Finally ensconced in the horns
folds" he let loose with series OF
"oompah- which might
nave been perfect except that the
big horn began to fall and he had
to get out from under for reasons
of safety.
Hes coming along fine, though,
in playing the small alto horn, "
asserted Adjt. Walter Swyers, one
of the band leaders.
His 5 Children Play.
Adjt. Swyers' wife, Anna, teaches
the alto horn choral group and their
five children also are band members.
They are Ann, 18; William, II;
Walter, jr., 13; Robert, Q, and Davy, 6.
Davy is learning to play the tri-
angle and appears to like privacy
in his efforts. He was believed to be
the source Of some unusual music
which came from behind tree as
the band played a bit farther away.
There is all sort of mysterious
music around the area. It emanates
from doorways. windows and other
odd places as the youngsters prac-
tice by themselves. Many of them
have progressed far and their col
lective music, when under leader
ship, Is we'll synchronizfd.
Occasionally youngster who is
alone will break out in boogie-
woogie. This appears to excite Davy
Every 5 minutes he approached Col.
Bouterse with a plaintive request to
join the advanced section.
Advancement soon"
''Will I be able to play with them
soon, colonel?" he asked
Sure, Davy, soon,' replied Col.
Bouterse encouragingly. Davy walked
away, banging at the triangle and
telling friends: 20, boy, he said
Soon"
Besides their band duties, several
of the youngsters pitch in with
kitchen duty. The kitchen is a
popular place. with young appetites
and fresh air.
The leaders like their work, and
enjoy counseling the children, help
ing them with their devotional