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The Musical Society
“The man who hath no music in himself
Is fl for treason, strategems and spoils.”
‘1JE have no hesitation in saying that 1931 has ended the most brilliant
‘7’7 and triumphal year that the Musical Society has ever experienced.
Not only has it once more supplied the musical wants of students, but
ventured into the field of Gilbert and Sullivan, and so successfully that
the ensuing years should see a different musical comedy every spring.
The Society was fortunate this year in possessing an abundance of
talent, and had it not been for this fortuitous state of affairs, productions
of “Pirates of Penzance” would never have been possible. As it was, the
opera was an overwhelming success, both financially and musically, and
is a credit to C. Hadyn Williams, the conductor, and his organization.
Principals of the cast were: Kay Reid as “Mabel;” McKay Ester as
“Frederic;” Ian Douglas as the “Pirate King;” Robert Brooks as “Major
General;” Frank Snowsell as “Sam,” the Pirate Lieutenant; Betty Smith
as “Edith;” Cathie Bridgman as “Isabel;” Alice Rowe as “Kate;” Gordon
Wilson as “Sergeant of Police.”
During the fall term all effort was put forth into learning the
choruses and no attempt was made at casting. At Christmas the try
outs were held and at the opening of the spring term work went ahead
with production, with Edgar C. Smith, of the North Shore Operative
Society, as dramatic director. A great deal of credit is due Mr. Smith
for his untiring patience with the chorus and principals, and his ready Wit
saved many a rehearsal from failure. When rehearsals are such that
members are loathe to cease, you have an ideal organization, and such
was the case.
During the year the activities of the Society were many and varied.
New members were welcomed at a reception in Killarney early in the
fall term. At Homecoming, the Musical Society responded with a
collegiate version of the “Pie-Eyed Piper” which all averred was one of
the outstanding hits of the evening. The noon-hour recitals, which have
always been the bright spots in the school year, were the best that have
ever been presented. Probably the two most entertaining were on
occasions when the Home Gas Symphony Orchestra, under the direction
of Calvin Winter, with Frank C. Anders, announcer, presented a pro
gramme of popular and semi-classical airs, and when the C.N.R.V. Salon
Orchestra gave a magnificent recital of classical music, conducted by
C. Haydn Williams, late in the spring term. Artists who appeared at
different times included Marjorie Cornell, pianiste; C. J. Cornfield,
Charles Shaw, Ira Swartz, Mrs. F. Hodgson, Louise Stirk, Gladys Letroy,
Elfie Jussa and Muriel Farrel-Donnellan. Members of the Society who
assisted on different occasions were: Harry Katznelson, promising violin
(Coii/iuued on Page One Hundred and Forty-six)
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