Erasmus Hall High School - Arch Yearbook (Brooklyn, NY)

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l.N.,..i,. -l Chairman The birds of Brooklyn are a happier lot today, thanks to the noble efforts of the students of the Industrial Arts Department. With plans by Drafting, walls by Woodworking, lighting by Electricity, and plumbing by Metal, the bird houses constructed easily ranked with the most luxurious duplex homes. Work in the four shops had a common purpose: to develop our manual and technical skills and to encourage creative expression through the use of tools and materials. In wood- working we gained valuable experience in carpentry and in It's two against one as Richard Squires and Anthony Torre team up to hit a nail on the head. drawing class. Clarence Martin the use of woodworking equipment. Metal shop taught us how to work iron, steel, and copper and how to construct products of metal. Electrical theory and methods of con- struction and operation of electrical apparatus were inte- grated in electrical shop. Mechanical drawing introduced us to drafting and blueprinting, essential skills for the engineer. Whether for vocational or avocational purposes, those of us who took Industrial Arts courses received valuable prep- aration. We left Erasmus with an excellent understanding of industrial processes and materials. Myron Feldstein designs a better mousetrap in mechanical John McDonough intently knocks a chip off the old block.

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Thomas G. Lawrence Chairman BIOLOGY Mr. Morton Roggen suspiciously eyes three pupils. Intrigue afoot! Mr. Thomas Lawrence and Shelley Chess plot the assassination of a brine shrimp as Freddi Shurr looks on aghast. The science of biology encompasses all living things. Since most of us belong to this category, it is not surprising that biology had such Wide appeal. Under the inspiration of its instructors, this department was Well equipped to meet our needs. As first termers We generally learned general facts about all branches of science in regular or general science classses. As sophomores we took biology. During laboratory sessions We could be observed intently following hairy paramecia through jungles of spirogyra, intently cutting up frogs, or merely intently paying attention to our fascinating biology teachers. The steadily mounting enthusiasm with which we performed these acts led many of us to take Thomas Law- rence's Zoology course, open to seniors who demonstrated unusual ability and interest in the field. Zoology acquainted us with the members of the animal kingdom, their structure and habits, and their relationship to one another. The achievements of Erasmus science students this year in award programs, such as the Westinghouse Talent Search and the Science Fair, were truly outstanding. This was due in large measure to the equipment and encouragement provided in generous quantities by the Biology Department.

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Cosimo V. De Pietto Qffimwfgggfg VVVV Chalrman J ' , .pri ff ' One of the few things capable of making the sonorous voices of our teachers inaudible was the vocal and instru- mental exuberance of the Music Department. Aside from interrupting French tests, mathematics lec- tures, and English poetry readings, the Music Department had other important functions. It was responsible for organ- izing the many music courses offered at Erasmus Hall, and it presented the traditional Christmas and Spring Concerts. In conjunction with the English Department, the various musi- cal groups Worked on several television projects, the result being a combination of narrative and song. Four terms of minor music were required for graduation. The basic fundamentals of music theory and group singing were stressed in these courses to help the student understand and enjoy good music. Many students also climbed the five flights in the Snyder Avenue Wing to take advantage of a variety of electives covering sight singing and the history, theory, and appreciation of music. Erasmus Hall's proudest possessions included the singing clubs and orchestral groups. The members of the Boys Glee Club, Cantata, the Junior Chorus, and the Choral Club were taught to improve the tone and pitch qualities of their voices to provide for better singing. In an innocent-looking base- ment room, our instrumentalists perfected their techniques and prepared for ensemble play. Music at Erasmus Hall was both interesting and informa- tive. It Was enjoyed by its teachers, practicing students, and all those within ear of its harmonies. Mr. Charles Johnson faces the music in a senior music class