Provincial Institute of Technology and Art - Record Yearbook (Calgary, Alberta Canada)

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Graduation Banquet When lech staged its Third Annual Graduation Banquet in the Elizabethan Rooms of the Hudson’s Bay Co. store, the whole of Calgary heard about it, and the whole of Calgary will probably remember it for many a long day. Not only was the the banquet the peak of a long list of dinners that started with a smoker nine years ago, but it was one of the biggest, noisiest, happiest gatherings of students that the city has ever seen. A distinguished list of prominent Albertans were present as guests of the Students’ Association, and they contributed to a pro¬ gramme of addresses that were sparkling with words of wit and serious thoughts. F. G. McNally, supervisor of schools for Alberta, was the principal speaker as sponsor of the toast to the Institute, and Dr. W. G. Carpenter ably answered with a statement that showed the guests the tremendous asset that the Institute represented to Calgary. Mayor Andy Davison brought up the rear of the procession of speakers, but, like the snake dance afterwards, he ended the proceedings with a bang. His Irish wit carried him to the hearts of those present, but it is feared that he left the impression that he shared Mr. Fowler’s nationality by emphasizing his appreciation of the fact that Tech does not cost Calgary a cent. H. P. Wright, F. G. Young and F. G. Robertson covered themselves with glory as they proposed and responded to toasts on behalf of the staff. W. J. Slinn, Bob Rae and 1 om Lees proved that students sometimes are masters of speech, and E. A. Chiswell did his stuff for the Alumni Association. Among the guests who didn’t have to work for their dinner were: Joe H. Ross, principal of the Technical High School and former vice-principal of Tech: Gordon E. Leighton, managing-director of the Calgary Albertan; A. C. Fraser, president of the Calgary Board of 1 rade; Dr. E. W. Coffin, principal of the Normal School; J. E. Worsley, president of the Trades and Labor Council, and Jack James, president of the Normal Students’ Union. Among the men who really had to work for their eats was Mr. James Fowler, whose witty remarks and canny humor almost convinced the students that it must be fun to be taostmaster. The crimes that Mr. Fowler committed in the name of authority at the Institute were forgiven when he introduced George Wallace, “Tiny” Walrod, Miss Mary Makar, Miss Molly Pierce, Norman Ken¬ nedy, Ben Platt, Laurie Soper and Clem Elliot, all of whom provided a musical programme that had no equal. After the banquet came the scenes that made nearly all Calgary get out of bed and go down town to see the fun. Skeptics didn’t believe that the students could get away with it, but after the first shock even the husky Calgary policemen started giving their protec¬ tion to the snake-dance instead of the city. The band started things moving and the Alumni dance at Hickman’s Hall finished it, and in between the two there was more fun and excitement than a stampede parade. It speaks well for the students who organized the snake-dance that during the entire evening there was not a scrap of damage done to property along the route, and the only trouble that was experienced was started by people not in the snake. The troubles were small, however, and quickly removed altogether so that the school was given an unblemished record for the night. Next year the snake will probably be organized again, and it rests with present first year men to see that it goes over with a bang, and, like this year, without damage or trouble. Page T n enly-nine

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TECH-ART RECORD Page TTventy-eight

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.TECH-ART . .anWm. . - Institute Brass Band - Music has always enjoyed an important though troublous place in student life at the Institute, but this year the trials and tribula¬ tions which, in the past, have formed the lot of student musicians, were reduced considerably by the formation of a brass band in place of the usual large orchestra. The band not only gave the large number of student players a chance to appear in public, but it gave the less experienced men opportunities to improve their playing by working in company with expert musicians. Decision to organize the band was made after it was found to be impossible to promote a symphony orchestra, due to the lack of string instrument players. Music was provided for the first few practices through the courtesy of the band of the First Battalion, Calgary Regiment, and after a few preliminary delays the group got away to a flying start. From its first rehearsal, the history of the band has been a steady march of progress. The organization secured its own music, and the enthusiasm shown by the members increased to such an extent as the weeks went by that spasmodic practices were turned into regular rehearsal meetings. Steady and rapid improvement in execution put the band in shape to make its debut at the annual banquet, and in spite of adverse conditions, the squad made a wonderful showing. On occasion, the band has filled the bill as a pep producer at basketball games, and in many other ways it has proved itself to be a real asset to the Students’ Association. Encouragement and support have been given by the students, and the band members have shown their appreciation by laying the foundation of what appears to be the most promising branch of musical endeavor that Tech students have ever attempted. Institute Dance Orchestra While not quite as successful in its work as the school band, the orchestra found a ready place in student affairs and provided on several occasions some interesting entertainment for the students. The lack of sufficient stringed instruments forbade the formation of a symphony orchestra, but a peppy dance aggregation was organized. Besides playing at Lit. programs, the musicians supplied the music at several Tech dances, and their services were also obtained by the Normal School on one occasion. Leadership of the dance orchestra was in the hands of E. G. “Shorty” Tallman, and the following members completed its per¬ sonnel: L. C. Goode, banjo; W. J. Summerby, saxophone; J. A. Gordon, trombone; W. Schultz, drums; R. Alexander, saxophone; R. Elliot, drums; F. Love, trumpet; F. Walker, trombone. Page Thirty