North Shore Country Day School - Mirror Yearbook (Winnetka, IL)

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A CAPPELLA A Cappella Choir was established at North Shore three years ago last fall by some of the girls who were very interested in singing. This organization is entirely independent of the school and is directed efficiently through the good will of Mr. Duff. Because of the loss of half the A Cappella, the remaining members this year chose six new ones to make it entirely different from the original. Thus the girls had to work very hard to come up to the good reputation the choir has made for itself. Mr. Duff finally succeeded in whipping them into shape, and theACappella made its premiere at the Hannaford-Greeley wedding. After their appearance at the Vaudeville, they were generally acclaimed by all as being as good or better than ever. As usual the A Cappella made its appearance before music clubs, at Great Lakes, and at the Christmas program here at school. The money received by the choir from their various visits is sent to the Master Records Company, which sends records to the service men. At the time this article is being written the girls are practicing for their spring performances. TheACappella is looking forward to the height of their career when they are to sing at the Cliff Dwellers this April. By that time they will probably be booked up for more performances. Next year we are all looking forward to an even better and more renowned A Cappella. 26

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HIGH SCHOOL DANCES This year has been a gala year for dances at North Shore, for there seemed to be more than ever before. We started off the year in grand style with the annual get-acquainted Freshman-Senior dance, and although because of rationing each Senior boy had at least ten people in his car, everyone had a wonderful time. The Sophomores, a few months later, gave their traditional dance after the Vaude- ville, which was a climax to a very successful evening. During the winter the Sophomore girls put on a Valentine dance, which was strictly a turn-about. The gay decorations helped make the party a success, as well as the colorful person who produced those interesting lighting effects! The Juniors, too, have added their share to the year ' s gaiety. Their first contribu- tion was a juke box dance held during the football season. Their second dance was quite an experiment, for it was a hag and stag dance — no dates allowed. Although the juke box broke down toward the end, everyone, especially Mr. Smith, admitted the experiment had been highly successful. Plans for the Junior Prom are at this point well under way, and with all the finances and originality that this enterprising class possesses, it ought to be bigger and better than ever before. Besides the dances given at school, other wonderful parties were given at people ' s homes. All in all, we certainly have had lots of entertainment, and because the dances were original and so well run, this year has been fun for everyone. 25.

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ORCHESTRA One very important activity in the school is the orchestra. It is a source of entertainment not only to the school, but also to its members, and offers a fine opportunity for those interested in music. Under the direction of Mr. Duff, it receives invaluable instruction. Although it is greatly handicapped by a shortage of members and lack of time — the only available time being Thursday, eighth period — still, it achieves remarkable results. On the occasions when it does make an appearance, we are amazed to find how well a small orchestra can do. The most important of these appearances are the Opera, May Day, and Commencement. Usuallyat these performances the orchestra is filled outwith a few professionals, and this yearat Opera- time a few alumni helped out. During the course of the year the orchestra gives several Morning Exercises, which are long- rehearsed and perfected before they are presented. Perhaps few of us realize how hard the members work and what an addition they are to the school, but when we stop to think, we find that a great part of the charm of the Opera and Commencement is the music, which would certainly not mean so much to us if the orchestra were not a part of the school. Although we lose several important members of long standing this year, we hope that they will be replaced by other interested people, for there is certainly musical ability in the school. THE VAUDEVILLE On Saturday, the 18th of November, the stupendous Vaudeville, which marked the con- clusion of two weeks of concentrated effort by the whole high school, was produced and proclaimed by the enthusiastic audience as the greatest in the history of the school. This year the Vaudevillediffered greatly from its predecessors in several respects. In order to achieve more continuity in the show and liven it up with gay music, the Vaudeville was given as an old-time showboat production with songs and costumes of that time. The atmosphere of the river boat days was sustained by an effective backdrop and the lingo of the captain of the showboat who acted as master of ceremonies. The acts were varied and entertaining, ranging from an old-time minstrel show to a clever song and dance routine. A group of country folk happened to be aboard that night, and they did a couple of square dances. We were fortunate enough to have some European players aboard also, who did a short but amusing German play. The show included some nice musical numbers. The A Cappella Choir sang three songs, living up to their high standard and lending a professional touch to the performance. Most of the high school took part in the show in one way or another. Almost all were in the three choral arrangements. Most were in acts of one kind or another. The remainder were the noble, hard-working souls who did the inglorious but important jobs of scenery, costuming, make-up, and management. Everyone joined in to make the show a theatrical and financial success. The eventful evening was happily completed by the sophomores ' gala dance in the brightly decorated girls ' gym. 27