Salisbury University - Evergreen Yearbook (Salisbury, MD)

Page 28 text:

e Entertain Joseph Colgain, Orland Langrall, Catherine Bloods- worth, Charles Pitts in The Valiant.” Hi “Come on, everybody! The meeting’s down in the Little Theatre. Yes, there’s going to be a play.’’ It is the third Wednesday in the month, and that call comes from a member of the Sophanes Players — said organization title having been derived from the names of the Greek dramatists, Sophocles and Aristo¬ phanes. The life of the Sophanes Players, however, calls for more than the mere enjoyment of plays. Each production requires hard work, but a student body reception such as was given The Valiant is worth all the time spent in rehearsal during the weeks preceding the performance. the Valiant was a serious play in which Orland Langrall as a murderer sentenced to the gallows bravely refused to reveal his iden¬ tity to his long-unseen sister, played by Cath¬ erine Bloodsworth. Charles Pitts, execu¬ tioner, Robert Clark as jailor, and Joseph Colgain as the priest, portrayed their parts realisticallv. Play audiences see the finished work of the cast as the drama progresses on the stage, but many times fail to realize the importance of the directors and others whose work back¬ stage makes the production possible. To Mrs. W. H. Bennett, advisor of the Sophanes Players, should go the appreciation of all who have worked in this year’s productions or enjoyed seeing them; and to Margaret Darrow, our dramatic club president, should go much credit for her able work. Lois Pitt¬ man, vice-president, and Marguerite (Dee- die) Covington, secretary, complete the list of the Sophanes officers. Highlights of the year for the Sophanes Players seem to come in the spring. In April, for High School Senior Day, they gave the big production, Tims Be It Ever , a pageant depicting the many struggles our nation has endured in an attempt to preserve the free¬ doms for which it stands. In May the club enjoyed its annual formal dance. It takes all kinds of entertainment to keep a college group happy. Sports and even holidays share a place with such serious messages as that brought by the Sophanes play, The Valiant. We also found in staging the pageant Thus Be It Ever that there is pleasure in working.

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A of Praise During the last week in November, a casual observer even in the Campus Elementary School could have told that Thanksgiving was in the air. In the primary room, the story of the first celebration of this holiday had been received so enthusiastically that a gay frieze decorated one end of the room. In the college, Thanksgiving spirit was not lacking. Miss Ruth did not forget her turkey dinner with all the fixin’s, music classes sang everything seasonal from first grade non¬ sense songs to the Pilgrim Hymn. A mis¬ chievous group of students decorated the music room blackboard so that the first grad¬ ers were not the only ones who could boast attempts at a display of holiday spirit. The Thanksgiving Assembly set the pace for more serious thinking. Students sang the hymns traditional to the occasion as well as those peculiarly appropriate to this year when reasons for thanks seem deeper and harder to find. A spirit of thankfulness for ideals and not so much for material things prevailed. Our Thanksgiving attitude was a hopeful one that we have carried throughout the year. We have been thankful that even in war time onr college can contribute to the well¬ being of mankind through its students. The mighty forces of war cannot tear down edu¬ cation and its influence. Whether they go to fight for a nation or take their places as classroom teachers, S. T. C. students have rich experiences for which to be thankful. Our college and others like it are ready to stand steadfast against the storm of a world at war. 2 3

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Jitterbug tunes are undoubtedly essential to college morale, but at times they become shal¬ low and tiresome and we feel a need for better things. The professional artists who grace our stage three times a year satisfy and at the same time increase this desire for good music. When time comes for the Salisbury Coop¬ erative Concerts, students of S. T. C. are for¬ tunate, for these foremost musical events take place in the college auditorium. In December the beautiful voices of the von Trapp family brought us near to the spirit of Christmas during the closing num¬ bers of their program when they sang the old carols just as in their native Tyrol on Christmas morning. So lovely was their performance that even the beloved “Si¬ lent Night” had a deeper meaning for the listeners. The second concert was a treat for those who love the violin. Patricia Travers, fifteen- year-old violinist, delighted those who heard her with her skill in using such difficult tech¬ niques as harmonics and with the beauty of her interpretation of more familiar numbers such as Schubert ' s “Ave Maria” or Fritz Kreisler’s “Liebesfreud.” Those who were able to see her backstage enjoved her child¬ like simplicity coupled with a mature poise. The last concert featured Maria Gambar- illi, who is premiere danseuse of the Metro¬ politan Opera Companv and originator of the famous “Roxvettes.” Such a well-chosen variety of artists is a worthwhile influence, both thrilling and educational. Patricia Travers, Violin Virtuoso afcwc f 1 1 And Are Entertained. 2 5