Salinas Junior College - La Reata Yearbook (Salinas, CA)

Page 49 text:

S L i U I U B The most important piece of work under- taken by the vocal department this year was the production of the famous Gilbert and Sullivan light opera, H.M.S. Pinafore on April 7. A great deal of work was put into this not only by Miss Lowe, the general director, Miss Fraser, dramatic coach, Miss Hutchinson, dance director, and Mr. McCann, orchestral conductor, but also by the capable cast which included Joyce Wig- gins as Josephine; Richard Hambey, Ralph Rackstraw; Valance Heinsen, the Captain; Lester Gray, the Admiral : Beth Falkenberg, Little Buttercup; James Meagher, Dick Deadeye; Alva Retta Murray, Cousin Hebe ; Donald Mammen, Boatswain r John Draper, Boatswain ' s Although Pinafore took most of the time and energy of those connected with the vocal department, it was by no means the only outstanding project. During the first semester the girl ' s septette composed of Mil- dred McNeal, Virginia Sturtevant. Beth Falkenberg, Alva Retta Murray, Glendora Fenwick, Florence Hurst, and Betty Drapei ' appeared in vocal numbers before the Woman ' s Civic Club, and took part in the Christmas program. This group was also heard at the faculty reception for Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Werner and at various other school and civic functions. The a capella choir, consisting of a selected group from the mixed chorus, were special guests of the coast counties music teachers ' festival which was held this year in Santa Cruz. The organization also sang at the pro- gram given by the junior college during their showing at San Jose J. C. Music Fest- ival. Although this group was organized only a short time before summer vacation, they gave creditable performances at each public appearance. The vocal department has enjoyed a most successful year of worthwhile endeavor to bring the best in vocal ensemble to the com- munity. Mrmhc f

Page 48 text:

D xl f) ill i] 7 J r . :iL . i A ' A. « Spi-akhi Chan Although the Dramatic group was seri- ously hampered this year by lack of a stage and suitable facilities for production, it pre- sented a series of twelve one-act plays that revealed a wealth of talent and were an appreciated source of entertainment for the student body. Students who took part in their productions were as follows: Sidney Carter, Anna Veet, Jasper Foletta, Kenneth Ambrose, Everett Olson, Francis Kashner, John Silliman, Barbara Tracy, Jeanette Crook, Jay Stuart, Laurie Pilling, Mildred McNeal, Harold |ulian, Fllcn Lowell, Susan aps from llv I) „nln c,j Pmafor Palmer, Ray McGinnis, Neil Harper, Mervin Weaver, George I inteo, Ray Kirby, Joyce White, Chapin Day, Bob Coover, Lor- raine Borchers, Vivian Stephenson and Joyce Wiggins. A number of Dramatic students were prominent in the production of the junior college operetta Pinafo re. The operetta was given this year in preference to a three- act play. Another section of the class introduced a unique and interesting organization in the Verse Chorus. The community as well as the junior college, received this new type of entertainment with much enthusiasm, and the group appeared several times through- out the year at school assemblies and service club entertainments. The Verse Chorus promises to become a permanent organiza- tion in the school. Through an extensive program of debates and symposia, the debating class proved to be an integral part of junior college activi- ties. A series of inter-class noon debates upon popular subjects aroused a surprising amount of student interest, as was evidenced by the fact that the attendance was never less than 75 and reached a high of 2 H. Sym- posia and debates were conducted with Santa Maria, Coalinga, Menio, San Mateo, and San Francisco Junior Colleges.

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D i) J) I) The musical organizations of the Salinas Junior College showed more progress and activity this year than at any other time in the school ' s history. With the separation of the junior college and the high school, the Jaysee Band students had much better facil- ities, including their own rehearsal room, new school instruments, and Mr. McCann all to themselves. As a result, membership in the band was more than twice that of last year. Bruss Quartette Gordem and John The band showed fine spirit in providing pep music for rallies, parades, and football games. Then on December 14, the music department entertained the student body and faculty with a concert in the Washing- ton school auditorium. One of the most out- standing musical events of the year was the first annual Spring Concert of the instru- mental department. It was given in the high school auditorium March 17 before an ap- preciative audience, and featured the band, orchestra, ensembles, and soloists. Of unusual interest were the activities of small ensembles and soloists throughout the year. There was the popular brass quartette, composed of Bob Henderson and Gordon Bain, John Burchett and Gordon Stewart. Then at the spring concert Jim Hutton played a trombone solo, Johnnie Coustctte a bass horn solo, and John Burchett and Gor- don Stewart a trombone duet. Mr. McCann is to be commended for pro- viding a fine, active music program. With a larger rehearsal room as well as several indi- vidual practice rooms provided for in the new building plans, and with new uniforms as an added incentive, the ambitious pro- gram planned for next year ' s band should meet with great success.