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

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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

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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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THE HARVEST FESTIVAL Again this year the whole school laid down its books for a day and donned its oldest clothes to get busy and make the Harvest Festival a success. There were a great many different committees, each with its Senior foreman. The wood-choppers got busy and split up a large pile of firewood which ought to fill the fireplaces of the school and Leicester for the winter. The canners, undaunted by bushels of garden produce, canned pints and quarts of fruit and vegetables. Several teams went out to nearby farms to help the farmers get their crops in, and in return received a part of the food. From this generous supply of fruit and vegetables we sent to Chicago Commons squash,- to St. Francis Hospital squash, pears, apples, cabbages, carrots, and beets, to Evanston Hospital cabbages and squash; while to Benton House went beets, squash, green tomatoes, three eggplants, a few pears and apples, and one lone pumpkin. The school kept some tomatoes and applesauce. Altogether it was a very successful day and supplied the school and various charities with a great deal of both fresh and canned food. 28