Arthur Jordan Conservatory of Music - Opus Yearbook (Indianapolis, IN)

Page 29 text:

Budapest String Quartet was in Indianapolis, Mischa Schneider, the ' celHst of the quartet and Ernest Krenek, composer, came to Jordan and cheerfully sub- mitted themselves to our many questions. Mr. Schneider answered some ques- tions of the problems of the string instrument players. Mr. Krenek explained his quartet which was played for the first time here in Indianapolis. Doctor Stith Thompson talked to us on Indiana folk music. He played several record- ings to illustrate the kinds of folk music and the different ways in which it can be presented. Music in the church was discussed by John Milton Kelly, who explained the projects now under way to promote better music in the church. We found that he knew his business when he sang several sacred numbers for us. Then, there were the speakers who correlated music and other subjects. Mrs. Alice Wesenberg, professor at Butler University, gave a very interesting dis- cussion on The Relationship of Music and Poetry. She read several fine poems to us. Butler was again represented by Dean Shelton who spoke on Music and Religion. We enjoyed the discussion on drama and music, given by Doctor Harrison from Butler University. These comparisons helped us to realize that music is not an isolated art, but is present in many phases of life. The students of Jordan were well represented in our convocations this year. The voice department gave several programs, as well as the piano, instrumental, and ensemble departments. It was very interesting to hear what other students at Jordan are doing. Oh, yes, we musn ' t forget the memorable occasion when the entire convocation blended their voices to sing Verdi ' s Requiem. Even though it was a little shaky in places, we had a lot of fun. Some of the numbers we particularly enjoyed were the original composition of Mr. Beldon Leonard, played by the woodwind quintet, the Brahms Horn trio, and Bach concerto for three pianos. The theory department sponsored a program of original compositions of members of the student body. This opportunity to he ar our fellow students perform and to be able to do so ourselves is one which we think is well worth while, and we hope that it will be continued next year. Each convocation this year has been one of the highlights of the week. May we extend our vote of thanks to Mr. Lautner, who certainly succeeded in making the programs most interesting and varied. [27]

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CONVOCATIONS Joseph Lautner, Chair man of Convocations The convocations held every Wednesday afternoon in the Student Hall provide a bright spot in the life of every student. These meetings provide a place for fellow students to meet, have their meetings, perform and hear the very interesting guest speakers. Mr. Lautner has been in charge of our convo- cation programs this year. He has done such a good job of planning these pro- grams that it is impossible to pick out one or two which were most interesting. On the schedule for the year ' s program were members of the faculty, includ- ing Madam Lautner, who told us about her experiences at Black Mountain Col- lege. We could have listened for hours; but unfortunately, there is a time limit on these meetings. Mrs. Lucille Wagner told us of the musical therapy work she had done this summer, a topic which has been of particular interest to all of us this year. Dean Bail from Butler University gave us a very timely lecture on How to Study. Dr. Dauner, former student and faculty member at Butler Uni- versity, related the story of Edward Arlington Robenson, well-known poet. She has done much research and recently wrote a book on his life. We learned How to Compose from Doctor Robert Sanders of Indiana University. Robert Tangeman who is also on the faculty at the Indiana University School of Music, spoke on Music History and then tested the student body on their ability to recognize the period in which certain compositions were written. While the [26]

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BENJAMIN HARRISON DORM NEWS It is a dark, stormy night. Benjie Harrison is taking his usual midnight walk in the halls of his former home. Now it happens that the home is now occupied by 1 8 girls and their housemother, Mrs. Woodie. We of the Harrison HomiC don ' t think much about Benjie — we are too absorbed in our work — but at times we do feel his presence ver strongly. If Benjie should walk into the basement room of his home in which live Maxine Jack, Collene Phillips, and Marilyn Fisher, he would probably find furniture in the middle of the floor, clothes in a bunch on the bed, and the rug in a heap, for these girls, like all women, are fond of rearranging their rooms. As he ambulates up the stairs he would no doubt smell bacon frying, for Mrs. Woodie is probably preparing breakfast in her sleep for 18 hungry girls. Going still farther up the stairs he would spy one dozen roses on Alice Jean Fisher ' s dresser. (Wonder who sends them?) Peg Warner ' s faithful fiddle would be lying out waiting for her magic hands to pick it up. Going into the room next door, he would find Muriel Oeth studying her Fugue ( fudge she calls it) and newcomer Helen Utley dubbed Ut by her classmates. Coming down the hall he would hear the melodious strains of a ' cello from Mary Alice Dilling ' s room, but her roommate, Martha Shannon is probably visiting Muriel per usual. Benjie would certainly make it a point to visit the room of Dorothy Steinert, Rowena Lackey and Edythe Mae Brizius for the peels of laughter given forth there are inviting to anyone. [28]