Canastota High School - Toot Yearbook (Canastota, NY)

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THE TOOT ' 15 gained great distinction, his 'Hora Novissima” having become a perman- ent addition to the repertories of the best choral societies of America and England. He has received the honorary degree of Doctor of Music and served as prcfessor of music at Yale University. The name of George Whitfield Chadwick must not be omitted from the list of compcsers, for he has exerted a great influence upon the music of America and become famous by his overture “Rip Van Winkle”. Chadwick is considered by critics the most important American musical composer, with the exception of MacDowell. Since eighteen ninety-seven he has conducted the annual music festival at Worcester, Massachusetts. Touchirg upon the American music of today there is one word which seems to express it most adeqately and that word is Popular. By popular we mean the music of the people, which consists of folk songs, national sergs, church music and last but not least, the present syncopated or commonly called jazz” music. Folk songs are these that have passed from one generation to another, and they will alwn.vs have a place in the hearts of the people. Stephen C. Foster is by far the best known writer of the folk-song. Among his compositions are “Old Folks at Heme,” “Old Black Joe,” “My Old Ken- tucky Home, Massas in the Cold, Cold Ground”—songs familiar to many nationalities. Words play a very important part in popular music, as is plainly illustrated in the touching words of “Home, Sweet Home” and in the jingle of the words of “Dixie”. The repertory of popular music in America is especially rich in patriotic and national songs. Such songs usually or’ginate in time of depression and war. The Revolution, the War of 1812, the Civil war and the late World war have all had their part in calling forth certain songs. This pa- triotic music seems to act as an incentive to patriotism, enlistment and courage, cheering and inspiring our soldiers and sailors. Among some of the most popular patriotic songs are Yankee Doodle” introduced during the Revolutionary war. “The Constitution and Guerriere. during the War of 1812, Battle Hymn of the Republic, during the Civil war, and in the late World war “Keep the Heme Fires Burning.” “Long, Long Trail” were two of the numerous songs which gained popularity. The growth of the gospel and Sunday school hymn, the outcome or the revival and Sunday school movements, added to the trend of popular music in general. There has been much oppos’tion to the use of the popu- lar, secular song and there is no question that its spirit is far from religious, but it is the music which satisfies the uncultured taste, and as such is neces- sary in the less formal services of the church. Some of the gospel hvmns have become very popular. Such as “Sweet Bye and Bye, by J. P. Web- ster is sung wherever the English language is heard. The syncopated or jazz melodies have been abused by many, yet they have dene much in educating the public to an appreciation of music (continued on page 19

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14 THE TOOT of the affected part can be reproduced. Numerous severe cases can be cited where the X-ray has saved lives. With the constant advancement and development of electricity it would almost be impossible to mention the numerous purposes to which it is ap- plied. The electric age has just begun and electric art is progressing by gigantic strides. Each stride brings it more and more to modern life. This is especially true in America where capital is ever ready to encourage promising enterprises and where new systems constantly find unoccupied fields for development. DARWIN L. GREGG. AMERICA’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN MUSIC Someone has said that music is the universal language of the soul and since this is true, its development has gone along with that of civilization, leaving various types characteristic of these different stages of develop- ment. As the intellectual side of man expressed itself in the other arts, so has it in music. There are several sources of American music. Among the most prominent are, the music of the North American Indian, the ne- gro melodies, the Psalmody of the Puritans and the Kentucky Mountain songs. The Indian music has had little share in the actual development of the art, because when the Indian came under the influence of civilization, he cast off his old customs, and with them the accompanying music, so that only in rare instances have the tunes for war dances and religious rites been preserved. Although the negro brought his songs from Africa, they are usually regarded as American. He, in contrast to the Indian did not cast his melodies aside, and upon these many American and foreign composers have based their compositions, giving these beautiful plaintive tunes due recognition. A third source from which we have the term “American music” is the Psalmody of the Puritan. When the Puritans first migrated to America, they regarded singing as a sin and all their Psalms were read. Gradually, however, it became popular to chant them, and eventually a precentor was appointed, whose duty was to lead the psalms or hymns. After taking up the source of music in America, it may be well to con- sider a few of the composers who have greatly influenced its develop- ment. Edward Alexander McDowell holds the present position as an American composer and he has truly been classed as the “most gifted and characteristic representative of our national music”. Mr. MacDowell had the advantage of receiving his education in Europe when a very young man and his association w:th the great teacher, Raff, was considerable help to him. Of his mary orchestra compositions the “Indian Suits” has strongest appeal. In eighteen ninety-six, MacDowell was given the chair of music at Columbia University. He resigned this position in nineteen four. Another composer worthy of mention is Horatio Parker. Mr. Parker

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16 THE TOOT LOIS E. TE WINKEL She had the essential attributes of a lady, high veracity, deicate honor in her dealings, deference to others and refined personal habits.” Member of Athletic Association, member of Glee Club, treasurer 1919; Junior Response Committee 1920; Flag Pole Committee 1920; Junior Committee for Senior Picnic 1920; Pageant 1920; Class Secretary 1921; Editor-in-Chief TOOT” 1921; Senior Play 1921; Salutatorian 1921. JAMES ALLEN CULVER (“Jim”) James, the lad so courageous and bold, His wonderful feats could never be told. Manager Varsity Basket Ball Team 1920, Captain Varsity Basket Ball Team 1021, Athletic Council 1920-21, Class President 1918-21, Class Treasurer 1919, Civic’s Prize 1920, Winner in Prize Speaking Contests: second prize 1918, first prize 1921; honor- able mention in Hamilton Preliminary Contest 1921. MARIE ENGEGERD GUSTAFSON Thou earnest not to thy place by accident.” Member of Athletic Association, Member Glee Club, Captain Girl’s Basket Ball Team 1920, Mana- ger Girls’ Basket Ball Team 1921, Class Will 1921, Valedictorian 1921.