US Naval Reserve Midshipmens School - Capstan Yearbook (Notre Dame, IN)

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mace 'gcmd A dance band sounds like something far removed from the world of a midshipman, but snatches of tunes emanating from Morrissey Chapel several days each week set all the hep-cats in that makes- you-wantai-dance mood. The band was handicapped by a late start in organization, lack of practice rooms, and con- Hicting schedules. But it coordinated very quickly and functioned like a' veteran organization. Under the direction of Lt. H. N. Duda, who also doubled on sax, the band enlivened many dull mid-week evenings for the Midshipmen on the station. Station activities also found the band on hand to keep the situation strictly on the jive side as the band was 'one of the main attractions for the 'CI-Iappy Hourfi, given just before graduation. The Midshipmen making up the band had a collection of interesting backgrounds behind their playing. Midshipman Runyon was at one time a featured trumpeter with Stan Kenton's famous band. John Welsh, also of the trumpet section, H981 was leader the of dance band at his V-12 school. Midshipmen Caskey, Gilman, Goodwin, Farwell, and Campbell had all had experience in both civilian and other Navy bands prior to coming to Notre Dame. The band was as truly cosmopolitan as it was good.

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f I, F ' Catching the lilferga boat M idslzipmen entertain H971 , Tatro displrys skill at cuff Enjoying the Studebaker 'A-Staff and Slrzlizef' broadcasl

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1 , - . Probably the most outstanding extra-curricular activity of the Class VH Midshipmen was the Midshipman Choir of approximately fifty voices. Appearing over the air on Station WHOT, at various churches in South Bend, at the Happy Hour, at all formal exercises, and every Sunday evening at the divine services held in the Drill Hall, these Midshipmen added to their own enjoy- 199 U X ment as well as to that of all who heard them sing. This Choir, for it actually was an choir in every sense of the word, was probably the best to come from the Notre Dame Midshipmen School. It rendered a variety ofimuscial numbers, ranging from the traditional Navy Hymn, to the beautiful Bortniansky's Churubim Songug with negro spirituals, sea chanties, and well-known religious anthems thrown in for good measure. 'For the full 16 weeks the Choir was under the direction of Midshipman Robert W. Leppien. Midshipman Leppien had experience at directing church choirs and his college glee club, and sang with the Bluejacket Choir from Great Lakes. Three men' were featured as soloists with the choir, Midshipman E. N. Doe, G. E. Jackson, and the director, R. W. Leppien. Midshipman N. Grabner was the pianist until Class XI-S gradu- ated, the job then fell to Ensign Donald Irving who from the beginning was the officer in charge of the choir. To Ensign Irving goes the credit for the choice of music, the spirit of the club, and the enjoyment the members had while singing with the group. Akfine job well done.