The Baton: Vol. 4, No. 4 - January, 1925 - The Juilliard School

20 THE BATONtory in Galesburg, Illinois, where I graduated asa-bachelor of music in 1915. So my organ courseand post-graduate work in composition at theInstitute were completed in two years. In 1919I was appointed a member of the faculty as aninstructor in theory and composition. At presentI am also instructor in theory at the NeighborhoodMusic School and the Home Study Departmentof Columbia University. I've writtena song, 'The Heron/ which G. Schirmer haspublished. That's about all up to now. Isn'tthat enough scandal? Surely you don't want allthe details. Too much is sufficient!"Two ladies who appeared at that moment weregreeted enthusiastically. Molly inferred theymust be greatly liked. One proved to be MissAugustin and the other Miss Whiley."Still not safe from holdups?" asked MissAugustin. "Don't miss 'the Institute's bestgirl,' " she added, as Helen Whiley, covered withembarrassment, tried to change the subject. ButMME-.One of the "queer people" in Miss Whiley's life!Molly was quite fascinated by the slender, youthfulMiss Whiley, whose trim tailored suit anddark bobbed hair gave a boyish attractivenessto her appearance."Wouldn't you know to look at her that sheis adored by all her pupils," persisted MissAugustin. Molly nodded emphatically and.pleaded for Miss Whiley's story."I was born in Ohio—a state renowned as thebirthplace of presidents and Miss Americas. Butwhen my career was planned, women were notrunning for office or for beauty contests, so musicgot me. After serving four years at Vassar,I came to New York to study violin and chosethe Institute because the Civil War hero, WilliamTecumseh Sherman, was a native of my. townin Ohio, and I felt I would be most at homein the vicinity of Grant. In the Institute Ifound some of Our Best Minds concentrating onears—so I did. Anyhow, it soon appeared thatwhat I could hear was more important than whatI played—at any rate, it disturbed fewer people—and when the authorities found I had a prettygood set I started in broadcasting for others, and,incidentally, searching for an honest ear. I stillam."In the course of a long and unvaried careerI have certainly met a lot of queer people! Thearticles I might have published are as follows:'That Earstraining Look,' 'Adventures of a V7Chord Among the Onebees,' 'Solfeggioing onMount Parnassus' and 'Queer 'Earings,' " finishedMiss Whiley with the droll humor which makesher classes exceed the cleverest comedies mtown!"Why not tell about yourself? Yours is apast that bears recounting," said Miss Whileyin retaliation."My past has been a dark secret up to the presenttime, but perhaps it should now be revealed,"and Helena Augustin tipped her head sidewaysin a mischievous manner. "I was found in analligator's nest on the banks of the Mississippi.Dr. Damrosch, hearing of the event, knew I wasdestined to be the greatest piano teacher theworld has ever known, so he sent a cable requestingme to teach at the Institute when Igrew up. You see, I was still in the cradle atthe time."I received my early training at Karnak,among the andent Egyptians, and before acceptingthe invitation to teach at the Institute I wasDirectress of the Conservatory of Music in Bagdadand toured Mesopotamia in a series of concerts.Upon arrival in New York, Dr. Damroschgave a ball to celebrate my joining the Faculty."I have played before all the crowned headsof Europe, Asia and Africa, and know all thegreat artists, who are insanely jealous of me. Allthe crowned heads, by the way, were at my feet,of course."I am writing a book—'The Memoirs of MyDead Life,' in collaboration with George Moore—and I have one composition to my credit. It isthe result of early influence and is called 'CrocodileTears,' " asserted the incorrigible Miss Augustin."In fact, the tears overflowed into theInstitute Annex!""Don't believe a word of it, little girl," an-