Mont Pleasant High School - Montaneer Yearbook (Schenectady, NY)

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Cultural Achi Mont Pleasant High School has always encouraged the advancement of Music and Art. Both the Music and Art Departments are staffed by a highly competent faculty whose efforts are dedicated to enhancing the culture of school life. Mr. Lozere Thompson 111, the chairman of the music department, is both a well qualified teacher and conductor, whose exjteriences have taken him over much of the nation. This department offers classes in many different areas of music. Several organizations are also o|)en to all students who are interested in music and have time to participate in them. These organizations give students practical experience and teach them the fundamentals of music. Two of these are the choir and the band. The choir, consisting of about two-hundred voices, is divided into three daily classes: periods two, four, and six. One of the main functions of the choir is to entertain the student body at different times of the year. The choir also presents two annual concerts, one in winter and the other in spring. The band, conducted by Mr. Albert Hallenbeck, is a credit to our cultural background. As does the choir, the band meets in daily sessions. This organization can be heard at football games, and pep rallies as well as most other major social functions of Pleasant. The paintings that surround the halls of Mont Pleasant are the proof of excellent work performed by the art depart- ment. Mr. William O’Connor, its chairman, and Mrs. Flor- ence Gronvall supervise courses in oil painting, basic art, ceramics, drawing, and painting. By virtue of these courses, many talented young artists progress in skill daily. The art club, sponsored by Mr. O’Connor, also gives aid to the school by rendering artistic services at different times of the year. The Dramatics Class, conducted by Mr. Theodore Beards- ley, studies various aspects of drama that include acting, producing and directing plays, stage, costume, and make-up design. They read and study representative plays from the Greek, I,atin. Modern, and Contemporary periods. They use their knowledge to put on several Studio 113 presentations tfiat have been enj oyed by the whole school. Conference All-State participants Roberta Lasak, Bob Siaskiewicz, and Pete Angelone harmonize during a rehearsal with Mr. Thompson. Mr. O’Connor is seen lecturing to one of his art classes. 20

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Jh Miriam It was with profound shock that we learned in the summer of 1066 that our esteemed band director, Mr. John Adams, had died after a brief illness. Prior to his death. Mr. Adams had been a member of the music department at Mont Pleasant High School for thirteen years, one segment of his career devoted to bringing enjoyment into the lives of others through music. In the years that we were privileged to know Mr. Adams, he taught percussion and brass in the sum- mer instrumental program, participated in the Sche- nectady Symphony Orchestra, and worked to develop the musical ability of his students at Mont Pleasant. Always on the alert to detect musical talent. Mr. Adams influenced many to become music majors and developed many excellent instrumentalists dur- ing his years in teaching. This requiem is but a small token of appreciation for his work. His memory will be treasured by all who knew him. Mr. John Adams Mr. Adams displays his devotion by bringing enjoyment into the lives of others.

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Students listen attentively during Mr. Beardsley’s speech class. Frank Fox concentrates during art class. John Stenard is playing the----now what is that anyway? Body by Kcszey 21