London Central Secondary School - Golden Glimpses Yearbook (London, Ontario Canada)

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18 Tl-IE The orchestra's repertoire was increasedwith such numbers as Wagon Wheels, Marche M1l1ta1re and selections from H.M.S. Pinafore. Besides playing at the annual school operetta, the orchestra assisted in providing entertainment for the Second Year Party. Each Friday they contributed to the musical programmes and accompanied the singing. The orchestra each year strives to improve on the preceding year. May 1934-35 bring success worthy of the endeavours of the leader and his assistants. -Mary Whale lil? Open Sesame Open Sesame was the phrase which gave access not only to a secret cave but to an evening of splendid entertainment as well. For those two magic words were the title of the comic opera presented last year at the Collegiate. Needless to say, it was directed by our own musical conductor, Mr. Carr, and was under the auspices of the Literary Society. The tale, as one might guess, dealt with prob- ably the most famous of all Scheherazade's fanciful stories, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. The operetta was an English adaptation of this story. It told of the beggarly Ali Baba and his finding of the cave wherein the thieves had hidden their treasure of fabulous wealth. The secret of the cave was guarded well, however, by a door which opened only when addressed with the formula Open Sesame. Ali Baba came, saw and departed and with him departed much of the treasure. How much, his long suffering donkey might testify. At this point a new element was introduced by the appearance of the young ladies of Cassim College, accompanied by Mrs. Cassim, the head- mistress. Their desire to study the mysteries of underground caverns led them to the spot and the desire was satisfied far beyond their expectations, for they found a band of dashing young robbers. It goes without saying that the girls' departure left in its wake forty love-lorn lads. A quarrel arose between the band and the captain's lieutenant, Hassarac. The last named gentleman, learning in the course of the conversation that his company was quite unnecessary, withdrew rather precip- itously to the accompaniment of much brandishing of murderous-looking weapons. The love interest was provided chiefly by Morgiana, Ali Baba's slave, who wound her master around the proverbial little linger. The outcast Hassarac became enam- oured of the beautiful slave but she heartlessly said him nay. Abdallah, the captain of the forty, seeking vengeance on the one who had taken his treasure, stationed his men most uniquely in oil barrels. Howsomever, the resourceful Morgiana discovi-ri-cl the ruse and settled matters quite neatly by sending them all to Bye-Bye Land. Again the girls entered, finding their dear, delightful REVIEW thieves in a most awkward situation. But they being girls and in love, freed the poor dears and then came the crowning surprise of the perform- ance. Mrs. Cassim entered with the startling revelation that Hassarac was a professor by rights and no wicked thief at all. Hence, in a true pro- fessor-like manner, he delivered sound advice to the girls on the art of being good wives and accompan- ied the said advice with printed pamphlets. The Forty, in a fit of remorse and repentance, renounced all roguery and bid fair to be upright, honest citizens thenceforth. And thus the curtain fell with the entire company joined in singing Wed- ding Bells. I do not pretend to be a music critic, but in my humble opinion this operetta was by far the best yet attempted by the school. The cast was splen- didly chosen and seemed to be absolutely at ease behind the footlights. Flora Martin made a most vivacious and entirely unaffected Morgiana and her clear soprano voice was very pleasing. Betty Wolff as Mrs. Cassim was a pleasant surprise, with a fine mezzo-soprano voice. Hope Zurbrigg and Margaret Milroy as Fatima and Zuleika, were equally charming. Clyde Macdonald gave a humorous interpretation of the character Ali Baba. The combination of a fine voice and a knack for comedy rendered his numbers interesting, The German Sausage, particularly so. Leonard Lums- den, as Abdallah, Dick Guthrie as Hassarac, Arthur Cooke and Nelson Foster as Ibrahim and Mustapha turned out excellent performances. The boys' chorus, far surpassing those of previous years, was unusually strong and robust for amateurs. Cliff Sharpe, costumed in true oriental splendour, gave a masterly reading of the prologue which was written by Miss Wyatt and was a splendid intro- duction to the opera. Dances, typical of the far east, were executed by Metta Morrison, Betty Anderson, June Vogan, Shirley Shoebottom and Ann Little. The costumes, designed by and executed under the direction of Miss Edge and Miss Wiancko, were as usual, praiseworthy. The girls of the chorus were dressed in dainty frocks of pink and green print with huge organdy sleeves and soft black silk bows at the neck-line. These charming cos- OPEN SESAME

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THEREVIEW 'I7 Editor - - - Evelyn Coughlin 44 44 P7 77 Music so softens and disarms the mind, That not an arrow doth resistance jimi , HWaller. NE of the most important as well as enjoyable phases of our curriculum is auditorium sing- ing, and it is interesting for the seniors to look back over their school career and note the distinct changes and improvements that it has undergone. The amount of singing has increased -con- siderably, from the time when Mr. Lethbridge conducted singing in the school each Friday, until now we enjoy it three days a week. Also, the spirit and enthusiasm of auditorium songs have been enlivened by the accompaniment of the school orchestra. Under the able leadership of Mr. Carr, many new songs, at once popular with the student body, have been introduced. Particularly are we proud of our rousing new school song, of which not only the words but also the music, were composed by Mr. Carr. An extra section, inserted in the song books three years ago, made possible greater variety in the programme. Another thing, of which we had very little in former years, was tried, the presenta- tion of more musical talent in the auditorium exercises. This plan proved a great success, and we hope to have even more of it in the future. Community singing is generally considered to be at its best at the time of our Remembrance Day programme, when the entire school, as a unit, joins in song. This year, community singing in the individual years has been encouraged more than before, by means of the organization of the year meetings, held in the gymnasium once a week. Many changes and improvements for the better in auditorium singing have been carried out during the past, and we hope that the future holds even bigger and better musical years. - Editor. UU El The Orchestra Once more the third period found the orchestra members tuning up for practice. With Mr. Carr conducting, Miss Gilles at the piano and Mr. Maddeford playing the trombone, the orchestra of 1933-34 started out on what was to prove a very successful year. Welcome additions were several trombone and trumpet players, besides a 'cellist and violist. Two new trumpets, six new stands, and a number of lights were purchased. This additional member- ship andlequipment meant a great deal to the organization. THE ORCHESTRA Front row-left to right-Orion Hall, John Husher, Jean Porter, Kay Probyn. Mary Melnick, Mary WVhale, Don Urquhart, David Lumb. Second row-Walter Smith, Ted Ruse, Jim Leighton, Ed Wilson, Don Miller, Bill O'Brien, Jack Winterbottom, Doris Kingsmill. Third row-Don McLennan, Dudley Thompson, Geof. Miller, Miss A. Gilles, Mr. D. H. Carr, Mr. C. WV. Maddeford, Harold Scott, Eugene Aristotie, Ed. Crowe, Rus Maguire, Jack Peters, Garth Cambridge. Fourth row-King Vogan, Jack Morgan. Absent-Wilson Wright, Lew Falconer.

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THE tumes were completed by the addition of parasols in matching colours. The members of the Forty were garbed in Turkish costume with colourful turbans, scarves and sashes. Each carried a dirk at his waist which showed most convincingly the murderous intentions of the band. The other members of the cast were likewise dressed in Turk- ish raiment with the exception of Mrs. Cassim, who appeared in a university cap and gown. The scenery, designed by Mr. Buck, was most realistic. The magic cave, displaying an abun- dance of stalacites and stalagmites which might have been placed there by nature, was everything an underground cavern should be. The barrels in which the hapless robbers were confined were a fine piece of work. The rendition of several musical selections by the orchestra was included in the programme. Orchids to all those who assisted with the costumes, scenery and stage management. In conclusion, may we quote the words of the Caliph of Bagdad: The story of this night shall be told in all ages. -Audrey Brown is MUSIC IN THE AUDIT ORIUM During the school year 1933-34 it was our privilege to enjoy many good programmes, both musical and dramatic, at our daily auditorium exercises. Here you may read a brief resume of the year's events. Fall Term Brings New Idea Our musical director, Mr. Carr, introduced for the first time last fall, short musical entertain- ments given by the students. During November we had two programmes of this kind. The first brought us a charming solo by Jean Brown, violin solo by Eileen George, and selections on the accordion by Bill Watters. At the second we heard another group, including a delightful solo by Arthur Cooke and a saxophone solo by Reg. Saville, accompanied by Jim Grant. On this occasion the orchestra made its bow to the school, playing for the first time the School March. Dur- ing December, owing to the visits of several speakers and because of other necessary transac- tions, we heard only an occasional selection by the orchestra. In March, during the visit of the inspector, we were favored with another musical programme, the artists being Eileen George, Bill Watters and the Orchestra. An enjoyable fifteen minutes was spent in listening to solos by Isobel May and Margaret Milroy, of the Fourth Year. I believe that the student body was quite ready in June to admit that they had witnessed some very worthwhile entertainment. Mrs. Durst Delights Pupils On one occasion we were honoured by the presence of Mrs. Robert Durst, contralto soloist of St. Andrew's Church. Mrs. Durst sang for us three delightful songs and the memory of them REV IEW '19 lingers with us still. W'e would like to have her with us again. An Appreciation of Our Pianists We take this opportunity to pay tribute to Hope Zurbrigg, whose piano accompaniment added considerably to our enthusiasm for community singing. We would also like to thank Audrey Braden, Jack Laughton and Clyde McDonald for their presence at the piano this year. Our New Metlzod of Singing This year, in place of using song books, the words of the songs are thrown on a screen. The idea is a good one, for not only are certain student ushers given the full benefit of their third and fourth periods, but also the members of the staff need no longer fear their singing capacity is being scrutinized. New songs are being introduced and as variety is the spice of life, I must say the change seasons our musical menu delightfully. -Pauline Crouch Us A The Glee Club A new feature of the musical life of the school this year has been the formation of the Glee Club, held in the third period each Tuesday. It is composed of boys and girls mainly of the third, fourth and fifth years, although some of its mem- bers belong to the Lower School. The chief aim of the Glee Club is to establish a permanent vocal group in the institution. Also, one of its purposes is to prepare for the Operetta, which is one of the most important events of the school year. The Glee Club was formed also to help introduce new songs in the auditorium, and this has already been tried out with success. The Glee Club has started out with a good chance for a year of success. Its members are enthusiastic and willing, and are looking forward to accomplishing great things this year. We are eagerly looking for their first appearance on the school platform and are sure of the success of any- thing they may decide to put on. THE GLEE CLUB Front Row-Arras Allison, Isabel May, Mary Armour,' Audrey Furse, Pauline Crouch, Eleda Parsons, Alice Der Stepanlan, Jean Brad- ford. Second Row-Margaret Milroy, Geraldine Hughes, Evelyn Coughlin, Frances lvison, Dorothy Maher, Marion Murray, Marion Shuttle- worth, Isabel Taylor, Ellen Kilbourne. Back Row-Ken Gowie, Paul Smith, Art Cooke. Alec. Smith, Stuart Spofford, Russel Weir, Jack Morgan.