Ithaca High School - Annual Yearbook (Ithaca, NY)

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MISS LAURA IRYANT MISS IERNICE H. FINCH MISS S. CAIOLVN MARSH Ml. JOSEPH M. RACINA O I In 1875 the Board of Education founded our vocal music department so that students might receive instruction not only in the study of voice but also in the appreciation of vocal music. Shortly after this, the first Glee Club was organized. A number of years later, in 1913, the girls' Choral Club, a parallel to the Glee Club, was started. Annually, both clubs combine to give a Thanks- giving Concert at which time all alumni are invited to return and sing the old school songs and to renew their pledge of loyalty to Ithaca High. The Thanksgiving Concert, with its unique set-up, has inspired other high schools and colleges throughout the United States to follow the idea. For this concert and for the Spring Cantata, Miss Bryant selects as soloists alumni who have chosen music as a life work. Perhaps one of the greatest achievements of the vocal music department is the large number of students who have been encouraged to continue in a musical career. More than one hundred alumnae of the Choral Club and many Glee Club men have become professional musicians because they have been taught not only to love their music but to love to give it. In 1915, the Board of Education organized a department of Instrumental Music, pioneering a movement which gave to the youth of Ithaca an opportunity then enjoyed by few schools in this country. The objective was to give every pupil under the supervision of the Board of Education an opportunity to know instrumental music for its own sake, to place musical advantages within the reach of every child in the public schools, and to discover exceptional ability so that further develop- ment of natural talent might be encouraged. Immediately, our high school orchestra and band were organized, and since then both clubs have succeeded in living up to the highest standards of performance and general musicianship. Annually, both organizations combine to present a spring concert. Members of the orchestra provide music for the Spring Play, the annual Cantata, the assemblies, and also take part in the Christmas Recital. The band attends and plays at football games and pep rallies, in addition to which it may give special outdoor concerts. Selected musicians from both groups participate in an All-State Band and Orchestra. In past years we have been very fortunate, as we are now, in having competent, well-trained music teachers. This year more than 350 of our fellow classmates enjoyed the benefits of a music education in school. Under the expert guidance of Miss Bryant, Miss Finch, Miss Marsh, and Mr. Racina, the music department is forging ahead and becoming more and more important and materially helpful to the school as a whole. This is shown by the many students who have gone into music as a life work-who are now teaching, studying, and performing in schools, conserva- tories, and concert halls all over the country. It is with deepest gratitude that we dedicate this Annual to the Ithaca High School Music Department. We thank you for your patience and understanding in teaching us to, Say it with music.

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