Quincy High School - Goldenrod Yearbook (Quincy, MA)

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Mr. Frost said that he had received many letters from people, asking him involved questions alxnit his poems, which he did not go to great lengths to answer, for he never likes to “give a satisfactory answer to any question. After his discussion on poetry in general Mr. Frost read and com- mented on several of his most famous poems, such as “The Runaway, “Birches,” and “The Road Not Taken.” Interspersed with these well-known selections, he read many other less familiar poems, some of which he read twice in order that the audience might remember them better. He said of the latter, with a little chuckle, “I’m trying to promote them.” Mr. Frost enchanted his audience by his simple geniality, and his ready flashes of humor and wit. all of which aided in making his visit one which will long he remembered by poetry lovers. CLARENCE “Oh, damn it! Leave me alone!” shouted Fred Kittrcdgc in clam- orous tones. Unfortunately, the windows were oj)en on the third floor and certain indignant teachers rushed in to see who was uttering such profanities in the sacred halls of Q. H. S. Evidently the explanation that followed was satisfactory for they went oft with smiles on their faces. Jean Pinel and Betty Wylie trying so hard to cry, burst out laughing (Do try peeling onions next time). All present marvelled at John Mac Lean’s facial expressions, his twitching of muscles and puzzled looks being nothing short of masterpieces. Leo Dempsey's broad Cockney accent made even Mr. Mitchell laugh. Whenever there was a chance, Rosemary Logan chatted with Evelyn Gal- lagher, Fred Dahl wrote articles for the “Q-Hi News”, and Dick Quinn did his French. Where and when was all this happening? The place, Room 302, the time, 3 :oo o’clock, the characters none other than the illustrious cast of that fine comedy “Clarence rehearsing for the grand performance on April fourteenth. We congratulate the members of the senior dramatics and Mr. Mit- chell, director, for giving us such a fine presentation. It couldn’t have been better. That you may not forget the fine cast, which worked so hard to make “Clarence” the marked success it was. we list the names of the players: Miss Finney, Rosemary Ix gan; Clarence, John MacLean; Mr. Wheeler, Fred Kittredge; Mrs. Wheeler, Betty Wylie; Dinwiddie. Leo Dempsey; Mrs. Martin. Priscilla Kay; Cora Wheeler, Jean Pinel; Bobby Wheeler, Richard Quinn; Della, Evelyn Gallagher; Mr. Hubert Stem, Fred Dahl. No less credit is due to those who so ably took care of the technical part of the presentation. We refer, of course, to Mary Curry and Arthur Bogan, properties; Howard League, stage manager; and Donald Harrington, assistant stage manager. jtage Twenty-Six

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SYMPHONY CONCERTS We are indebted to the State Symphony Orchestra this year for a series of three concerts, conducted by Alexander Thiede. On each occasion Mr. Thiede started the programs by discussing a different class of instru- ments : first, the stringed; second, the reed; and last, the percussion and brass. Also, he gave a brief resume of the story told through the medium of the music, having the different members of the orchestra demonstrate certain phases of the selection that pertained to their instruments. Thus we were able to use these demonstrative bits as guide posts to the trend of the story told in music. Mr. Thiede also spoke briefly on the lives and music of the various composers. After this preliminary review the concerts were made fascinating even to those who knew very little about the field of music. At the last concert Mr. Thiede promised to return with the orchestra next year and conduct a series of new programs in which the pupils them- selves could participate. With this added attraction in view we look forward to another successful symphony season. MR. THIEDE ADVISES After the last concert, Mr. Thiede was asked, “How does one become a conductor of music V “Well,” answered Mr. Thiede, “that question requires a great deal of time and thought, but I'll give you a few suggestions.” He said that one must first become proficient at some instrument and then make every effort to get into a group of musicians to learn the importance of cooperation. Not only must one play music but listen to it and become familiar with the various intruments. Then comes the study of composition and orches- tration. These, however, are only a few of the essential things that a con- ductor must do in the way of preparation. Now no one will ever be able to tell me that a conductor’s job means just “waving a stick around.” PRESENTING ROBERT FROST Tuesday evening, April 3, Mr. Muir introduced to a large audience a distinguished guest, Robert Frost, America's greatest living poet. Mr. Frost acknowledged his introduction very modestly, saying that his poetry had reached farther than he had imagined it would. Mr. Frost then discussed the reading and teaching of poetry in the schools. He stressed the fact that “the reading of poetry must be the height of pleasure. I11 school it is often taught too dingily and dismally. Poetry is slight, delicate—butterfly-like, and a heavy hand will crush it. A poem is a sacred thing; in attempting to make its meaning clear to others one should not outrage his finer feelings for the |x em or violate it in any way with heavy, searching explanation.” Mr. Frost believes that a j ocm is understood only in the light of another ix em, and that the keenest enjoyment is obtained by those who have an instinct for it. : page Twenty-Five

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Miss Coulman Knows The Answers 1. What originated the book review programs? The feeling on the part of Miss Coulman that the students would appreciate the opportunity of reading new l ooks and reviewing them for their classmates. 2. What was the purpose of the project? To stimulate an interest in current literature and awaken in the students a desire to read good books. 3. How many students went to the Boston Book Shop to select ! ooks to review ? Fifty students went with their teachers to the Book Shop, where they were kindly assisted in making their choices by Miss Lilley of the Book Shop Staflf and her helpers. 4. Who were the pupils chosen for the final reviews and what were their choices of books? Evelyn Gallagher . . “Listen! The Wind” by Anne Lindbergh Roy Hutchins .... “Doomsday Men” by J. B. Priestley John McLean . . “Growth of a Man” by Mazo de La Roche Richard Seymour . . “The Rolling World by Richard Hallett Betty Wylie “Horse and Buggy Doctor” by Arthur Hertzler 5. Where did they present their reviews? The reviews were presented in Quincy High School, North Quincy High School, Brockton High School, Quincy Women’s Club, Catholic Wom- en’s Club, and a club group of Eastern Star. 6. Why did Miss Coulman continue the project ? It was felt that such excellent judgment was shown by all students in the project that they were surely capable of choosing ljooks for their own library. 7. How many new books were purchased? 186 books were purchased. 8. How has interest in these books been stimulated? A Book Fair was held April 12, 13, and 14 in the library, at which time all the new books were put on exhibit, posters were displayed, panel discussions held, and the book reviews presented. 9. All of which proves what? All of which proves that Quincy High School is very fortunate in having such a fine library, the best in the state, and in having, among its students, pupils who are capable of participating in the purchase of good books. Hats off to Quincy High's Librarian, Miss Edith K. Coulman! --- - ■= page Twenty-Seven — - ■ -