Lyman Hall High school - Singer Chronicle Yearbook (Wallingford, CT)

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THE CHRONICLE 3 beat with joy at the realization that Spring is at hand. His was the precious secret of blending into glorious music that season of new life and awakening, Spring; and with it he often added a touch of sweet melancholy that tenderly fills some of his songs with a moving sadness. Who has not felt the fascinating, unique sway of his waltzes? Who has not had some deeply-hidden chord touched by one of his nocturnes? Chopin has borne his cargo to a most receptive world; to a world that will never forget him, and will sometimes stop in the midst of its turmoil, to listen, for a moment, to his sweet, dreamy music, and then go on, feeling more refreshed and invigorated for having had that moment of ecstasy. But—look! Another ship is rapidly coming into view, bringing with it the wrath of Jove himself. The skies grow dark, and ominous sounds of thunder mutter in the distance and finally end in a mighty crash of thunder. The wind is rising and comes sweeping down upon the sea in a furious gale. The strong, heavily-built ship withstands the mad tempest, and comes determinedly on. One gains the impression of hidden strength and vigor from its appearance. The cargo of magnificent, sturdy oak and massive framework for huge structures is worthy of that imperial ship. Lofty monuments for heroes of the ages will be fashioned from the heap of marble and granite. The pilot stands upon the deck, steering his ship safely through the trials and struggles of storms and tempests. Richard Wagner fears nothing. He knows his cargo is of the best. He is certain it will endure for centuries, for he has poured his soul into its making and feels satisfied to think what he has done is worthy of his genius. George T. Ferris says, “The poet-musician Wagner rightfully claims that in his music-drama is found the wedding of two of the noblest of arts, Music and Poetry”; and Shakespeare says, “One God is God of both.” This puts the character of Wagner’s music in its true perspective. Wagner, a wonderful combination of two great arts, has, in a most masterful way, combined poetry and music into powerful and tempestuous creations. While this regal ship passes on, another is not far behind. The atmosphere again changes and becomes very peaceful and calm. Everything lies in a state of perfect quiet except for a passing cloud, so white and fluffy, which drifts silently along as if afraid to disturb the symphony of peacefulness. How very stately the craft looks! Its very simplicity gives it a dignified air. It is typical of its pilot, John Sebastian Bach, who is gravely steering his ship through the calm waters. He is bringing precious gems and wonderfully, most intricately woven fabrics to the world. His cargo will always be a model for others. He is proclaimed King of Classical Music, and his themes for the organ are famous for their beauty and depth. Hubbard says, “What Shakespeare is to literature, Rembrandt to portrait painting, and Michael Angelo to sculpture, John Sebastian Bach is to organ music. Bach was so great that he had no artistic jealousy, no whim, and when harshly and unjustly criticized, he did not concern himself enough with the quibblers to reply. The man who thus allows life to justify itself, and lets his work speak, and who, when reviled, reviles not again, must be a very great and lofty soul.” Thus it is. Ships are passing by forever and ever. All are different—some strikingly so; yet all have a common bond. Their one goal and destination is the great storehouse of Immortal Works. Here lie the creations of many, the treasures of centuries. An understanding heart and an appreciative mind—these are the keys to the storehouse. Enter, all who desire, and find there glorious music—music expressive of every human emotion—music, the language of the soul. Florence Koletzke.

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2 THE CHRONICLE SALUTATORY ADDRESS Friends, teachers, and parents, forget the sadness that is mingled with the joy of this evening—for there is sadness and sorrow in parting—and think how much sweeter and clearer to you is the happiness that has felt the touch of sorrow. We are glad that you have come, and we want you to feel that the Class of 24 is most grateful to you for the great part you all have played in giving to us this night which will be treasured in the Storehouse of Memory forever. Florence Koletzke. PILOTS OF DREAM SHIPS “Lo! Creation’s self is one great choir, And what is nature’s order but the rhyme Whereto the world keeps time, And all things move with all things from their prime? Who shall expound the mystery of the lyre? In far retreats of elemental mind Obscurely comes and goes The imperative breath of song, that, as the wind, Is trackless, and oblivious whence it blows.” —William Watson. Come with me into the Land of Imagination and Dreams. There, there lies a big, beautiful sea, a sea of ever-changing moods and colors. One may reach its shores of shining sands through the doors of music, poetry, nature, art, or literature. On this Sea of Fancy, as it is called by some, sail many ships. And all these ships are sailing on to a single destination, passing through the golden gates to the harbor of Fame and Everlasting Glory. Xow, we are standing on its shores, watching the calm water which is occasionally ruffled by some passing breeze. Suddenly, a faint speck rises over the horizon. A tiny mast appears—a pair of snow-white sails, and soon the outline of a dainty, little ship. The water seems bluer, and it sparkles more joyously as the ship approaches. The skies are clear, and Heaven itself smiles upon the delicate craft. Light breezes waft it on, and it comes swifter and swifter, in a peculiar, dancing rhythm that is all its own. From the far-off land from which it sails, it brings a cargo of treasures. Hidden deep in its hold lie the purest of pearls, fashioned from the foam of the dashing waves of the sea. Then, there are delicate and minutely-carved figures of ivory and fair sandalwood. What beautiful tapestry it bears! What a perfect harmony of colors! One portion has the soft flush of rosy dawn, while another has the deep blue of the ocean. But the pilot—“Who is he?” we ask. Who could it be other than that wonderful man, Chopin, the composer? He is the one who makes our hearts

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4 THE CHRONICLE SECURING WORLD PEACE Competitive Essay At the present time it is becoming more and more evident to thinking people that wars in the future must be avoided. The ideal civilization that we are striving for has no place for war. The instruments of war, as now being developed, will make armed conflict too terrible for the human race to endure. To keep away from these horrors, extensive measures will have to be taken. The people of the entire world must be educated in peace. Co-operation of governments needs to play a prominent part. Speaking broadly, intellectual and political advancement will provide the means of securing world peace. Education of a sort that would foster peace must be far-reaching. It must include everyone. To have the world progress, its inhabitants must progress individually. Education should not be reserved for the highest; the lowest and poorest classes of every land should have its advantages. Our country is forward in this respect. Anyone with a little ambition may receive instruction and make something of himself. The opportunities offered here are far greater and better tham those of many other nations. The people here are learning more and are constantly seeking a better condition of affairs. They see and desire the benefits of peace, though many, fearing to be thought pacifists, are unwilling to do anything to contribute to ultimate peace. These people think that such a move might be unpatriotic, although it would really be of great value to the nation, The educational systems of the more backward countries need improvement. When the authorities in control of these governments meet this need their countries will be able to hold a higher rank among the powers of the world. Their people will have higher and nobler ideals, gained while receiving their education for peace. A thing that has caused much unnecessary strife has been the establishment of national boundaries without regard to the different kinds of people brought together or separated. This has been chiefly true of small countries, where sections of land frequently pass from the hands of one country to those of another. People of one race, and with certain customs, are split and made to join with people of entirely different ideas. The result of this has been a great deal of turmoil and unrest. To eliminate it, boundaries should be fixed, as far as possible, according to the race and inclinations of the people living in the land concerned. This policy was carried out to a certain extent after the late World War. The question of government and control in securing universal tranquility is an important one. It is clear that there must be some co-operation among governments. Civilization has seen the advance from the family to the tribe, to the old city state, to the national forms of government. Will there ever be an international government? Time will tell. At present, a practical, working combination of the best ideas of the present League of Nations and the World Court seems advisable. There should be a legislative body composed of representatives from the nations, given enough power to be able to act with some degree of certainty and efficiency. They should decide the relative standings of the member nations and questions like reduction of armaments. An executive body would inform the nations of the manner of carrying out the agreements made. A judicial body of responsibility and dignity would hear and give decisions on cases between countries. This department would necessarily be very important, as it would be the highest word of authority. This working together of governments, which will simplify many otherwise unsolvable difficulties, along with the achievements of the education of the future, will be the essential feature in the program of securing world peace. Henry Burghoff.