North High School - Polaris Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

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BAND HALF the Spirit at a football game is aroused by the band. The inspiring sight of a company of young men becomingly attired in the gala array of blue and white uniforms, producing stirring martial music, provokes much of the keen spirit of loyalty and breathless eagerness which we associate with football at North. It must be confessed the grandstands have had to use their imaginations to supply the blue and white uniforms, for the only holiday regalia in evidence were caps and belts. This year, however, the band is raising funds in the hopes of purchasing uniforms by the beginning of next term. Among the past year’s accomplishments the band numbers two concerts, and performances at all “pep ’ meetings. This term the band augmented its supply of instruments with a sousa-phone and a snare drum. 1 he band has also played for numerous outside functions, and in the district band contest. An innovation has been instituted in the form of an instrument class to aid beginners. At present the class consists of twenty-five musical aspirants. When a member manifests adequate knowledge of his chosen instrument, lie is promoted to the orchestra or band. A saxophone quartet which plays for many social occasions has been organized by the following band members: Curtis Bennyhoff, David Frank. Douglas Carlson, and Alex Kaplan. The latest musical ensemble to be formed is known as the North High Syncopators. The members include Isabel Shapiro, Arthur Pearson, I aVeme Boland, David Rosein, Curtis BennyhofT. David Frank, Jacob Kass, Leslie Anshus, Russell Ferguson, and H. W. Arentson, director. Each is especially capable on his instrument, and the orchestra as a whole has made a very creditable showing wherever it has played. I’aye Twentv

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FIRST ORCHESTRA U TILIZING the abundant musical genius of North High, the first orchestra, composed of about forty-five instruments, furnishes symphonic contributions to every important school function. During the past year the orchestra played at botli class plays and commencements, and at the Dramatic Club plays. In November it presented a classical program during an auditorium period which engendered the enthusiastic praise of both students and teachers. The instruments are so balanced that real symphonic results are obtained. Of the eighteen violinists, one half play second violin. There are four violas, three cellos, two clarinets, three cornets, a flute, two trombones, two French horns, a bassoon, drums and tvmpan, piano, and three bass viols. 'The possession of three viols is unprecedented in the schools of the city, for which the orchestra is duly proud. The piano is played by Isabelle Shapiro. In the annual State High School Music Contest, the North High Orchestra made a very favorable showing. All orchestral laurels rest on the brow of Mr. Roy T. Tenney, director. An unusual honor was bestowed on the North High Orchestra when Ralph Lane and Arthur Pearson were chosen as delegates to the First National High School Orchestra in Detroit. A String Quartette, composed of Arthur Pearson and George Zornig. violins, Zola Dockman, viola, and H. W. Arentson, cello, plays a regular part in the musical life of the school. It is not possible for everyone who plays an instrument to be in the first orchestra, because a balance must be maintained in order to interpret the music properly. Therefore a second orchestra of forty members, under the direction of Mr. Harold . Arentsen, trains younger players for a future place in the first orchestra. Page yineteen

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