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

Page 30 text:

.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

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Student Association Dances The strenuous art of terpsichore has always enjoyed great popularity among Tech students, so it was hardly a surprise when it was seen that the school dances occurred nearly every two weeks. From the moment the Alumni Association started the Tech social season on its yearly whirl with its election dance, the socials have been the most largely patronized events sponsored by the Students’ Association, and, contrary to the experience of the previous year, they have been financial successes. If for no other reason, the social committees deserve to be complimented on the efficient way in which they have handled business matters pertaining to dances. Not only have they succeeded in reducing the prices of tickets, but they have been able to show a sub¬ stantial profit on nearly every social. The fact that charges could be adjusted to suit the present economic situation, and a profit shown at the same time, speaks well for the efficiency of Tom Lees, Bob Rae and their henchmen. From the social angle, Tech dances are in a class by themselves. Almost every girl attending Normal will vouch for that statement. They have been thoroughly enjoyable from the start, and the free-and-easy atmosphere that permeates the Assembly Hall when dances are in progress has made them ideal ice-breakers, so far as student friendships are concerned. As colorful events they have had no equal. Besides seeing novel decorations festooned around the hall from time to time, the dancers have had the latest creations of the D. D. D.’s flashed before their eyes, as changing seasons demanded changing wardrobes. Stampede Exhibit At the Calgary Stampede last year the Institute arranged an exhibit that turned out to be the centre of attraction in the Exhibits Building. Teachers and ex-students co-operated to make the display a fitting representation of the work done at the school, and how well they succeeded may be realized from the fact that this year the school intends to exhibit on a much larger scale. The booth was arranged in the form of a room, draped with crepe paper in the school colors, in which were pieces of appara¬ tus from every department in the Institute. I hree Crookes tubes connected to a big spark coil served to attract attention and dis¬ organize the short-wave radio station next door, and sectionalized tractors and engines assisted in the work. Easy chairs were provided for tired and weary students and ex-students who wandered in, and the record kept by the Alumni Association showed that large numbers of former students renewed old acquaintances at the booth. Both teachers and ex¬ students attended the exhibit during the entire week. Folders advertising the school were written by an ex-student and printed by courtesy of the Turner Valley Observer. School calendars were also provided to satisfy the public craving for “something for nothing.” T. A. Hedley was in charge and this year he is planning another exhibit that will place the school before the public eye. Watch for it in the grandstand building. Page Thirty-two