Long Island University at Brooklyn - Sound Yearbook (Brooklyn, NY)

Page 34 text:

Tau Bvln Si!l ' IP, as the fair Muse Euterpe fguardian angel of all neophyte musiciansl leads her charges to the threshold of as yet unborn careers and takes a glance shoulder-wise, she will look back on four happy, confused, and productive years. She would certainly chuckle as she remembered our first few years at the Con Edison building, sandwiched as we were between the Bio lecture hall and the Library. There were reports that many times Prof. Wethers' lec- tures sounded like a Becitatif backed up by a Wagnerian air. Or how often Miss Florence Weintraub the librarian was caught gliding from table to table in three-quarter time, quietly warning the kiddies to put the cards away as a member of the Mayor's Anti-Gambling Committee was seen snooping around. But for the Music department this was only a start and, as with many a toddling baby, a few of its first steps were bound to fall on the pedal extremities of some of the more established adults. Ecrase le Status Quo Under the administrative leadership of the late Prof. Baymond Shannon the department soon took on the aspect of an elbow-room demanding adoles- cent. Notice of the situation was made and before long the department had established a beachhead at the Schermerhorn street building. The awkward location of the building, and the closet-like rooms, had no untoward efforts on the student body, but the bars on the windows were somewhat sobering. The fact that the building had previously been a detention home for young kids trying to make good in the 'Backets', and the innuendos drawn there- from, were assiduously overlooked. But the presence of Mr. Puff falias Nosmo King J protector of foolish youth from that strange malady known as Nico- tinium Stainitis of the third and fourth fingers, Cand mortal enemy of Messrs. Ligget and Meyersl impressed the fact even more vividly. However, the place wouldn't have seemed the same without Mr. Puff, well-liked as he was by non-smokers. In lt was soon after we were ensconsed in the confines of The Tower of Schermerhorn street that the staff, formerly consisting of Prof. Shannon, Prof. William Eicher and Mr. Ionah Binder, was enlarged. Two people of uncom- monly fine musical endowment and background, Prof. Antonio Lora and Miss Ruth Sperling were recruited. Another later addition was Miss Madeline Cole, whose task it is to teach the students the art of La Danse. We were at the Schermerhorn building for less than a year when it be- came evident that the Music department was to need even more room. lt was then that negotiations were begun prior to acquiring space at the Brook- lyn Academy of Music. This acquisition has not lived up to expectations, but with the meagre appropriations given by the Administration for this purpose, the Music department is lucky it is not holding classes on the sidewalk. But all this to the side, for the true seat of knowledge is in the mind and not in any closet graciously dispensed by the powers that be, With Q11 the inconveniences discounted, the Music majors have much to look back upon with satisfaction. Those embryo Paderewskis who were fortunate enough to have Prof. Lora will always remember the scholarly and sympathetic manner, his wonderful grasp of the subject and his ability to impart knowledge. The end of the class hour was never the end of the discussion for Prof. Lora. l-le would dis- cuss any problem with a student until it was a problem no longer. Kappa Kappa Psi

Page 33 text:

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Page 35 text:

Miss Sperling was another who was never amiss when it came to spread- ing the efulgence of atonal education. The memory of her piano classes, consisting of three pianos and seven students, will be carried about in the mind like a half-remembered demoniacal Chas. Addams cartoon. Music recrea- tion, consisting of a group of uke-assassains at times took on some of the more harrowing aspects of a score of cacoon-stuck Les Pauls, all playing in different keys. Another member of the staff, who will be remembered fondly, is lonah Binder. His immortal words of encouragement to the chorus will undoubtedly go down with the other famous battle-cries of bygone days. For gosh sakes, girls-drop your jaws! Prof. Eicher earned a place in the hearts of all with his quiet sincerity and great interest. One of the pleasanter sides of the Music department picture was the free hand students were given in extra-curricular activities. When the students wanted a dance band, they were given the cooperation of the department and the noise and enthusiasm of the student-type journies into insanity, known to the habitues of the finer cellars as jam sessions, never Cwell, practically neverl had the damper put on them. The chorus, band and orchestra were the main musical outlets for the students, with the Madrigal group, under the direction of Miss Sperling, a late starter. However, the Music department did not escape the touch of misfortune's hand. ln February of l952 Prof. Shannon, head of the Music department since its inception and the main spring in its growth, passed away. Prof. Shannon had come to the University in l946 after serving in the Army during the second World War. He was always an inspiration and a friend to his charges and his passing was a great loss to the University, the department and the students. With all the frenzied occurences of these four years-the joys of learn- ing, of friendships made, of the observance of individual and departmental growth-it has been a time of great development for all concerned. The stu- dents have cr right to be proud of this University which has given them the impetus to advance to the top in their chosen fields. Although the future may not prove them to be Shostakovitches, Beethovens or even Irving Berlins, most certainly the school will have reason to be proud of them. -IMI- S-4 'Zag