Norman High School - Trail Yearbook (Norman, OK)

Page 24 text:

 Jocu “No! No! When I do my hands this way, I mean get soft! Do I have to draw a picture for some of you? All right now, let’s try it again, and this time, watch me!” These words were familar ones to the music students this past year. It was Mrs. Emily Wyckoff, director of vocal music, taking a firm hand with her classes. Even though it was necessary to use this method on occasion, Mrs. Wyckoff remained popular with all her students. Under the direction of Mrs. Wyckoff. the vocal music de- partment reached a new peak in the appreciation of music this year. This new interest in music was shown by the enrollment. The number of students taking music doubled in a two year period. The first week of this year the mixed chorus began re- hearsals for an Armistice Day program which was given on November 11. The chorus sang the contata, “Cavalcade of America.” This was accompanied bv the high school orches- tra under the direction o f.Mr. W. C. Robinson. Also on the program were several patriotic solos and songs by the boys’ chorus and the girls’ chorus. The entire program was broadcast by KNOR, Norman's new radio station. Next came the annual Stillwater festival under the direction of Noble Cain, nationally known composer and director. The festival took place on the night of November 19, after a full day of rehearsals. The students going to the Stillwater festival reported a valuable experience. As soon as the chorus returned from Stillwater, it began rehearsals for the Chrismas program which was given on the morning of December 23. The vocal department presented a fortv-five minute program of sacred and secular music. That night the entire chorus gathered for their annual caroling party. It ended with a big chili feed at one of the student's home. The mixed chorus began the new year rehearsing for an- other festival at Oklahoma University. This festival was under the direction of Maynard Klein, well known director from Ann Arbor, Michigan. The OU festival was held on January 27-28. Students participating represented almost every section of the state. Next the department began the long and tedious job of pro- ducing the operetta which was given on March 30 and 31. The operetta was called “Rio Rico” or Rich River. Roth the Left, top to bottom: Mrs. Wyckoff plays the piano while a few second hour students sing. The four outstanding students arc Jimcll Badry, Carlos Barnett, Nancy Face, and Gordon Masters. Girls’ trio: Nita Simpson, Joyce George, and Carlenc Claxton. Boys’ quartet: Jimcll Badrv, Gordon Masters, Jamall Badry, and Charles Kennedy. Mixed quartet: Robert Martin. Dennis Leadbettcr. Nita Simpson, and Helene Harris. Below: The chorus queen, Joan Wilson, is enthroned by run- ners-up, Neva Ward and Barbara Phillcy.