1 • \ A Cv ' ^ ADDITION' AT, COPIF-S ^ OF Tllt'^ rU»UrATRlN' MAV Iti: rRtK l'IU'.i* FROM TUE SUPEUINTF.NUFNT OF Ihk I MENTS government PRINDNG OFFICE WA.SIUNGTON, U. ( . AT , • - 5 CF.NTJi PKU ( ol*Y V . 1 . r CONTENTS. ‘ Page. Tottpr of trnnsmtttftl - 5 rrofiH*** 7 ^[cmiiIkm's <»f the coitimiuce on imisic ! - 8 Koviowlin; ooniniittoe of tlie coinmlssloii 8 Horxn t of tlio ooiinnitiee on music ! 11 I. Tlie vnliio of music ns a lfi;;h-schwl subject 11 II. Three types of pupiis 14 III. Music <»p|)ort unities reconiinemletl for em'li type of pupils ir> IV, Hey the roimnittee* The first was to preparo»a platform siiffi- elently broad for all proper phases of musical activity, ho\wer ili- found in the hi^h schools o£ the Unit^.i>lat^ The second aim wiu to provide practical help for administrative problems, by presentin«r. in some detail, plans that in nature and nnnjber are suffi- cient to tit a grea^ variety o? conditions.* Failure to provide such spe^Hic reconimendations might ifiiake' the report barren of results. (Vn the other hand, failure to declare a basis of educational belie) might tend (p encoura^ jlractides that would grow in precision ratlioi^ than in breadth^ . * ’ In fornnibiling the report the first step was, theVefdbe, lo*cou^ j-tmet *ii ])lnt.forni of educational l>elief with regard to music. This ^ was prepared in 1913, was submitted to ouch member of the com- mittee, was approved by the committee, ami was published by .the Tnitetl States Bureau of Education,* ' In 10! !, the chairman of the committee appointed a subcommittee consi>f ing of Osbourne McConathy, chairman, Edward B, Birge, and Karl W, (udirkens. to construct detailed plans for the study and mlmbiistration of courses iii Ingh-stdiool music. The findings /Of Mr. McConathy 's sul>comiuittee are embodied in this report. I'iio specific suggestions given should not blind the teacher to the fart, often repeated or implied, that appreciation, not proficiency in irclmical accomplishment of any. kind, Is the large aim of instruc-. tion in music in liigh schck)ls. Whatever the knowledge or abilities to be gaine<], the spirit of music should unfailingly l)e present, to liber- ate the mind,' broaden the horizon, quicken the mental grasp, and give to the facts the musical application and significance that al6ne confer upon them any claim to value. Sensitiveness Jto Aesthetic ^4llm's for the sake fflf the enrichment and elevation of the quality of human life whidi siich response brings is the large result to lie attained, * , This i*eport ha& been approved by the (K^nmittee oh music and the ^ reviewing committ^.of the Commission on the Reorganization of Secondary Education. This apprpyal does not cohimit every member iBuOetjQ 41 for 19ia of the UnUrd Staton Riir^u of RducatloD,, entitlod **The Uaor* ganlzatlon of Secondary Education," pp. 60-7J5.. i 8 MUSIC IN SECONPABY SCHOOLS. of these committees 'individually to every statement and every im- plied educational doctrine. It does, however,* me^n essential agree- ment with the general recommendations. Will Earh ART,’ Chairman^ comtnitfee on music, Clarence D. Kinoslet,' Chairmmmmion. 4 THE COMMITTEE ON MUSIC. will Earhart, director of music, public schools, Pittsburgh, Pa., chairman. Ralph L. Baldwin, supervisor of musics Hartford, Conn. B. B. Blrge,^siit)er visor of music, liiUiauaiwlis, lud. "'Hollis E. Daun, Odciiell University, Ithaca, N. Y. Charles H. Farnsworth, Columbia University, New York, N. C. A, Fullerton, State Normal School, Cedar Falls, Iowa. Karl W. Oehrkenb, Oberlin College, Oherlin, Ohio. * Henrietta Baker' Low, Peabody Conservatory, Baltimore, Md. Osbourne McConathy, school of uiuslc, Northwestern iTulverslty, Evanston, 111. W. Otto Mlessner, State Normal School, Milwaukee, Wis. Mrs. Gertrude B. Parsons, director of music, Ix)s Angeles, Cal. Charles I. Rice, supervisor of music, Worcester, Mass. Elsie M. Shaw, supervisor of music, St. Paul, Minn. THE REVIEWING COMMITTEE OF THE COMMISSION ON THE REORGANIZATION OF SECONDARY EDUCATION. Chairmen of the Commission and vf the ^Rcviciting Committee: r Clarence D. Kingsley, State high-school inspc^ctor, Boston, Mass. ^Metnbers at large: Hon. P. P. Clajfton, UnUetl States Commissioner of Education, Washing- ton, D. C. Thomas H. Briggs, associate professor of education, Teachers College, , Columbia University, New York City. Alexander Inglis, assistant profe.ssor of education, in charge of secondary education, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. Henry Nepmanh, Ethical Culture School, New York City, WilUniD Orr, senior educational secretary» International Y. M. C. A. Oom- mittee« 104 Bast Twenty-eighth Street, New York City. William B. Owen, principal, Chicago Normal College, Chicago. 111. Edward O. Sisson, president, University of Montana, Missoula, Mont. . Joseph S. Stewart, professor of secondary education. University of Georgia, Atheias, Gt. Milo H. Stnart, principal, Technical High Sehc»pl, Indianapolis, In^ StEt0 hl^ofdbodll insjp0ctQir» lladisaoi' WIs. . . * MUSIC IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS. ^ Chainnen of Committees: Organization and Administration of Secondary Edncatlon— Charles Hughat . Johnston.* Agrlculture~A. V. Storm, professor of agricultural etUicatlon^ University of "■ Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn. Apclent Languages— Walter Eugene Foster, Stuyvesant High Schodl New* ^ York City. ’ ) Art Ediicntlon— Henry Turner Bnlley, dean, CTeveland School of Art, Cleve- i land, Ohio. ' ^ , Articulation of High School and College — Clarence t>. Kingsley, State higli- ^ school inspector, Bo.ston, Mass. M Business IMucatloii — Cheesman A. Herrick, president, Olrard College, Phlla- ^ dolphin, Pn. Engli.sh— Janies Fleming IIoslc, Chicago Normal College, Chicago, III. Household Arts— Amy Louise Daniels, University of Wisconsin, Madison. . WlS. , Indastrlal Arts— AVilson H. Henderson, exteaslon division, University of ,■ - Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wis. ’ v Mathematlc‘s— William Heard Kilpatrick, associate professor of edueatfbii;^ ’ ' Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City. ‘ MorU‘rn Languages — Edward Manley, Enklewooil High SchooL Chicago, HL l^Iu.sh Will Earhart, dlre<‘tor of music, Pittsburgh, Pn. " ‘ ' Physical E« mention— James H. AIcCurdy, director of normal courses of ' pliyslcal education, International Y. M. C. A. College, Sprlngfiel m ^ra, and in, cer- '"^^:inci4tot- f • 7777^ ■ j V .l ' { * MiTBIO m BBOOKDABir BOHOOLa cumstance, and intensify the emotional aspects of human life, it- ^ inevitably transcends incident and circumstance in that its tone and the progress of the tonal design add idealistic beauty to what other* wise would be realistic description. ' * • (d) In music, then, the depths of man^s emotional nature are rcachec^ are quickened, and are made articulate. The committee . believes that such intensification of feeling tends to energize the individual toward action, and that aesthetic elevation of .feeling ten^ to lift the plane of apy resultant action. . (c) l^e effect of* music is realized in a peculiarly vital way when the individual himself takes part in the performance. Ensemble , music, both vocal and instrumental, hence has very great value in the high school. 2. Its vedne aa a socialising force.— {a) Music has been called ‘‘ the most social of all the arts.” . Few other experiences so quicldy ; bring about “group feeling” as ensemble singing or playing. ()ne; = cnrolc^ or indifferent performer may_affect the beauty of an entire rendition. The individuars speedy appreciation of this fact should ^ at least help in teaching him the lesson of the interdependence of social relationships. ^ (&) Music is one of the joys of social intercourse. To take part in the choral society of one’s city, to play in the orchestra, to be one of the audience at concerts or other musical affairs, to contribute to the music of one’s church, and last, t>ut by no means least, to ^ cultivate music in the family circle — all of these things mean hap* r pine^ and enrichment'of life. (c) Study of the ixiusic of other times and other peoples, involving as it docs a study of the related political and social development of > the peoples of many- lands; the study of the many influences which have affected the development of music, and the many ways in which music itself has affected world development; the study of the livoi and works of the great composers as men of high ideals and achievement — all of this should result in a wider appreciation the worth of artistic achievements and of thd peoples who have midi these achievements, and a broadening of the student’s interests and sympathies to include forms of talent and kinds’ pf endeavor which | he might otherwise hold in small regard. (d) Musical performances undoubtedly bring as many people td^ V- gether as any single a^gen^, and music in thjs way also may b0 valuable, asset in the dvic^life of tlie commuhify. There are individualilrte^fih commtinify, aiid if music bias the imwer toS imbue there social consciousness and thus malm over into a mc^^oreful type of citizen, thbn surely have here i % social. .force ‘ \ 'iti: f#- Music ix secondary schools. S, Its value in the worthy use of leisure. — (a) Our discussion of the value of music as a subject has implied that music was significant in its recreational aspects. More ^cific attention should perhaps be directed to the fact that, as modern industrial conditions seem to be demanding shorter and sliorter days of labor, the exceedingly com- plex sociological m*oblem looms up as to the disposal to be made jf the increasingly ionger peripc^ of leisure. These longer periods of leisure should be so utilizedAs to uplift and not degrade the in- dividual. Music is one of the mo^t potent and one of the most avail- able agencies for bringing about such an end. The power of music? in this respect is greatly increased when the individual himself takes paiJUin a, musical perfonnance, even if only oii^a plane of amateur proficiency. 4. Its value as a voadionul subject. — Music has great value as a. high-school subject from a vocational standpoint. An army of per- sons are engaged in the musical profession in this country, and ap- proximately six hundred million dollars are ‘spent annually for musical performances and in musical education. This money is going more and more to native-born teachers and perfonnei;s>. The number of high-school graduates who do more or less of vocational work in music is quite (k>mparable to the nimiber engaged in many other occu- pations. Yet, ample and relatively lavish provision is often made by the school authorities for forms of vocational iiistructiou and only meager provision, if any, is made for instruction in music, even instruction that might be considered pre vocational. Music should be recognized as an important vocational subject, and reasonable pro- vision for vocational training in it should be made by high schools. II. THREE types' OF PUPILS. In relation to their attitude toward music, high-school pupils may be classified under three general headings : I, The little interested and the noumusicai pupils. — Probably the largest number, e.specially under present conditions, consist of pupils are little interested in muaif. Under this group might be in- cluded also those pupils who take, no interest 'in music, in -wliose lamilies music lias had no^ part, who Cimsider themselves as lacking both in musical talent and in ability to enjoy music;. The relative number of such pupils depends on many iniluences. In some com- punities almost all the high-schooI pupils illlerested in music and. enjoy taking part in it In other commtpiiies only a few show imy desire to participate. Th^ sOhpoJl altogether offset the othef .influences of the ean take ito >share- in ..improtk^ conditions, que^ioh as to whether cboruis singing should be required of all pupils or should be dectixn will be treated subseq en Vsee^ *0 inrsio 19 sioONDABT SCHOOIA ' rii^ 2 . The interested IxU not particularly talented pu; 9 tZ «.— 14 «very. sdiool there are many pupils who, aIthou|^ not possessed- oi much i musical talent and without a de^re to perfect themselres as per- formers either for their own pleasure or as a vocation, nevertheless take an interest in this subject and wish to know much about it in m somewhat particular way. Such students like to listen to music and wish to heighten their powers of enjoyment through the study of it. 3. T/ie talented The group of pupils to whom music is an important part of life includes those who are preparyig' to f«>llow music ns a vocation and those who intend to become skilled kmateurs. Those wlio are prepacing for vocational work have ns much rigid to consideration as the students who are preparing Jor other lines of work. But there will always be pupils who arc interested in develop- ing their musical talents to tire highest possibilities as a matter of ^ culture, and these also deserve consideration. III. MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES RECOMMENDED FOR EACH TYPE OF PUPILS. 1, For the first type of p«p/7».— For the pupils who have only -slight interest in the subject, the high school should offer courses in chorus singing. Although called chorus singing, its real purpose slxjuld h(- to awaken a keener interest in music and a truer appreeJa^ tion of It. This should be effected not only through participatio.n'in singingl b«t also by presenting as much music as practicable for the pupils to hear. This would inclmle performances by the talented pii])ils of the school before the as^inbly, performances hy outside musicians, and selections upon mechanical musical instruments (talk- ing machines, player pianos, etc.). The degree of choral excellenca to be expected from the 'class will depend upon previous training, ''' the time given to the assembly, and the proportionate number of pupils interested in the subject;. In some schools, for example, it would be. wise to hold assemblies for- the. contemplation of musio.- not oftener than once a week,etter be giving his time to some other^ subject which is of more immediate interest and importance to him. ( J) The pupil who has no musical ability can contribute little br nothing to the value of the chorus cUss. Indeed, even if he does his ■ be^he may injure rather than hd^^^general effect. ‘ ' |c) The presence in the choitiMM pupils who are not in- ^^terested m the subject adds the difficulties, in dis !^,£Cip}ine, thus net oinfly Jpsliing for 'the iEstruct3or,^but ’ "affecting tinltvonibly the enjoymeni^inM ^profit derived by the other k% OoMide¥atiom Unghig at* a feqtdrement,—{.a) gXp.WhUtf go tkrongLHI» wi|hoy® a tasto^ for music or any ^ to re&l.ize . MUSIC IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS. ^ that with ft little more opportunity for musical culture, in their ^ yoare, or a little more attention to the subject on their own part, theyi^ % would be capable of a finer enjoyment and pleasure in music. Thia ■ country is full of adults who express regret at lack of opportunity ' for music study or attention to music when they were young. ' The fact that a young boy states that he does not care fdr inusic does not mean that he will never care for’ it. At the iiiue of adolescence the youth is very likely to disclaim an interest in anything savoring of the real emotional spirit of that period of his life.* In 'some com- munities tire tradition prevails that music is not a manly subject, and many a boy who may at heart be sincerely fond of it dops not ^ admit this fondness. The fact that a pupil comes from an unmusical family does not prove that he can not learn to enjoy music, for in- stances are daily met of music-loving people who sprang fi*om fumi- ; lies where music was not cultivated. ’ It is indeed a bold person who would predict that any individual will never respond to the appeal of music. ,'The time 'devoted to chorus singing is very slight, and i the contemplation of beautiful music for the few minutes a' week for which the subject is assigned could not seriously affect the student’s* ^ standing in his other subjects. Even for those who may not ulti- t luntbly become musical fhc lime involved is veiy slight. We do not deny the sight of the masterpieces of art to pupils who sliow no apti- tude for drawing; wc should not deny beautiful music to those who show no aptitude for singing. (b) The fact that a pupil can contribute little to the artistic effect of the chorus is not a matter pf primary importance, because the object of public-school music is not .the development of the chorus so much as the development of the individuals who form the chorus.f\ Although, of course, it is desired that the chorus singing shall be of . as great excellence as it is possible to make it, even the finest high- school ohoruses, when compared wdth the great choral bodies of the. : world, are necessarily of inferior artistic merit. The pupil may cottr -il tribute little to it. Indeed/ he may even affect the performance un- ^ •favorably, but, on the, other hand, the chorus ihRy contribute much to him. S It hardly seems right that a pupil should be denied the | advantages of attendance at the chorus period because his contribu- tion is slight. Is not the object of school life to learn and to develop, and would not the exclusion of those who are not prepared to con- tribute to the school work, carried logically into all the classes^ A exclude the very people for whom the school life is most valuable ^ and necessary I , . . ® ■I and necessaryl (c) The objection to -required attendance from the standpoint of discipline is, in many respects, of real importance. High schools . - which are weak in musical development or in administratiye c9ntroi^:«.^y 2 ? 840 ®-^ 18 -^ IS MUSIC IN SECOKDAAi ^HOOLS, oftto fail in^their music because tlio attitude of one group of pupils prevents successful effort by the others The inattention of these pupils often drives the instructor to methods which prevent the chorus practice from becoming really educational to those whq are naturally interested in it Making a compronnse is often the only recourse of the instructor, for until his work is supported by the enlightened interest of the school and community^ lack of discipline may be a matter not only beyond lus own control, but in many in- stances beyond that of even the principal of the school. To meet the problem of discipline four suggestions are offered: J^irst, The plan of student government may offer a solution of the present pi*oblem. At any rate, the need for better divscipline in the chorus class in some schools may seem an added reason for the wider adoption of the plan, ' Second. \Mien there is much diflSculty in discipline the chorus might be divided into smaller classes so as to conform more nearly to class concii|j|piis.in other subjects, in which case the instructor might be expected to handle his class as other teachers ch>. * Third. Schools which have not developed the traditi 9 n that music . is a desirable featui*e for all may find a teinjxjrary j^eriod of en- couraged election to chorus practice a helpful measure before insti- tuting required attendance. Pourth. Probably the most natund remedy that suggests itself ~ for unsatisfactory conditions is that in a school where such conditions exist, the burden of the chorus-class discipline should not be placed entirely upon the shoulders of the instructor, but that he should have the assistance of other teachers in that work. U- 3. CoTidmiotis . — Where the music interest is great, the committee recommends required chorus attendance. TVhero the music interest is slight it may be wiser to have elective chorus, but to require at- tendance upon a weekly musical assembly.. Furthermore, where the interest is sligh% and the singing ability weak, greater proportionate time should be spent upon the development of musical appreciation and less? upon an' effort at securing excellence in, choral performance. Finally, it is recorpmended that where the chorus singing is weak jthe glee club membership should be targe, and where the chorus singing is good, membership in the glee club should be restricted and a superior type of performance required. . - • V. MUSIC COilRSE^ReCOMME^^ ‘•"Not itll high schools will find It practiicahle to offer aSl the follow- ing cgnrsBS. To do so inrolves an elaborate organfeatlon and equip- ment/' Whfsre ^schoice must he made, local eoigHtidns mmt largely the setectiom;^niie commitlee recommends thkt in no MVaiO IK (4 cOKUABT eOHOOLS. case should chorus singing be omitlod and also urges the importance of the orchestra. The practicability of introducing the elective Studies depends largely upon the availability of a competent in- structor and the possibility of scheduling clussea . ' Tliis course should be offered^ to pupils of all years. Although in the smaller high schools it is not practicable to divide the chorus liccoi'ding tojrears in the school, in tlic larger schools such division is preferable. In interest and articulation with the^oarlier e.\pericnce of the • i pupils, chorus practice appeals especially to students in the earlier years of high-school life; mit in respect to voices, these yeai-s are un- . forttniHte for many pupils, and a wise selection of miisic material , within a limited range is therefore necesmry. A. careful and ft«-. (pienily repeated examination should made of each individual voice and each pupil shouhl be jndicioiislj- assignwl to the appropriate v(Mid part. In the upper classes, the voices being more mature, the pupils are able to undertake a higher ty'|>e of music, 'involving, not only a greater degree of ex]>erietice in chorus singing but also iieavier re- •rnirenients for the voices. By separating the chorns rhisses, as sug**^ gestwl. if is possible to develop chorus practice fi-otn a type of music ' easily iindersfootic niii.-ic requiring a considerable grasp of structure, thematic development, and musical content. ' ® In the largest fottr-year scliool.s it is desirable to plan at least four choruses. In the metlium-sized four-year high school a good plaa- would be to have one chorns of students in the junior and .senior yojVi <. a second chorus cdnjposed of sophomores, and a third chorus of freshmen. In the junior high school the division of the chorus will 1)0 affected by the yocal conditions in the school. In some com- innnilies the eh i Id ren’^ voices change earlier than in other oommimi- lie.s. IVhere the voices change early it might ber chorus. The senior higli school, in the six-year .plan, might have one chorus of the entire school, or a ’ *chorus consisting of tenth-year students and another of eleventh and twelfth year students, or. three choruses of pupils, one for each year. in the four-year high school the work of the dilTeront choruses, as previously suggested, should l>e sliarply defincil. In (he lower years stress should be laid on tl^ two points; first,, (ho use of music as a mean$ for emotional expression, and second, (he devoiopment of a more intelligent understanding of the way mtisie is constructed, , More clBcien’t conquering of one song after another, with no thentght for comparative musical merit, sliould not constitute the pmctice. .Correct use of the voice and intelligent phrasing and interpretation of music should be the rule. Further, if the pupils are not yet proficient in sight singing and tliorouglily well informed in elementary theory, these should be taught in connection with chorus work. If, however, high-school standards which imply such abilities have been roached, the inciue«ital study should consist of .music appreciation. Structural features of the songs should bo pointed out and some knowietige of musical form should Ih' gained. Motivation, the phrase, scciuenoes should be studied. ‘ Some knowl- edge of the coinposi'rs shoiild he acquired, and the use of stdectioiis from operas, oratorios, or cantatas sliould bo made the occasion for study of ^hose forms. | Every effort should be made to broaden the musical horizon of the slndeht through the Jueecially wlierc many of the voices arc unchanged,.* should l>o devoted pri- marily to a rounding up” of the technical work of sight reading. This does not mean that the technical wm'k sliould lie taken to the exclusion, or even to the detriment, of the emphasis that should be placecl upon the ajsthetic elements of music. On the contrary, .. through every exercise and song the students, should be led to .. ;^mlize the joy of singing. But U means;:that the music material bd selected to round out a complete' knowledge of the tech- nical problems involved in si^^t, reading/ ^J'be advan^ chorus in MUSIC SECOKDABY SCHOOLS. fll junior higk schook, that is, the chorus in which changed voices appear should emphasisce the points already mentioned in the fonr- year plan ; namely, the study of music as an expression of emotional qualities, and the development of part-singing. In the senior high Kchool of the snx-year plan, where chorus singing is divided into two choruses, tlie younger choruses should emphasize the topics nh'eady mentioned for the younger choruses in the four-year plan, and tlie older chorus tlie topics mentioned for tlie third and fou|ih years of the four-wir plan. In choosing material for chorus aingingdt should not be for- gotten that, although music may ally itself with sentiments of re- ligion, patriotism, love of home, aij^ so forth, and although it should never ally itself with less worthy tissociutions, it is not to valued hecause of such alliance. Music is essentially tone and tonal dis- <‘durw and- is beautiful as music in proportion to the beauty of tone, ihe beauty oi^the tonal procedure, and the beauty* and nobility of ^ mood out of whicii it spnuig. Music, in shoil;, need express musical ihoughl only. Until this is admitted, undcrst-fiUding of. musical Ivauty as a thing in itself can not be undertaken, Oirtain old melo- dies. savM fnnn extinction in the first instance by nUianbe with a text of yaluc, and at present by tradition and many hallowed associations, should be pre.served so long as their appeal remains and while their use i.s not wdiolly perfunctory. While chorus singing naturally must be the most general and the basic music activity in a public school sj^stem,, wise administration in^ this work is more necessary than in any other branch of music study in order to obtain breadth of musical interest and understanding oh the part of the student>s. It is possible for a pupil to sing during bis entire high-school term the sort of songs that are sometimes sung, study them in the manner in winch they are sometimes studied, and coiue forth at the end of the courses as remote from undei'standing and enjoyment of a Beethoven symphony or sonata as if he had no such practice. Not only dot's the comparative emphasis usually* given the subject and text of songs divert attention from purely musical values, but the physical exhilaration of singing may readily be mistaken for enjoyment of music. Further, the songs may be selected because of their appropriateness to certain occasions, such as class days, field days, arbor days, patriotic festivnla, etc., and in sucli case musical merit usually has to be sacrificed or subordinated,^ Finally, the committee would again emphasize its belief that the chonfs class is primarily fpr the devdopment of a higher nndef^^^j standing and appreciation of music, and that tlie chorus music shotjdd d be the chief material for the development of this appreciation. The ^ chorus class is the occasion for bringing the large student body info *^l5«ttct with musicd in his desire for $|^lleno6 ^ipvjms^ s||tgidd ae^er Jlaee sight of the Bo^in object ol the ooone. :^| ■' , 2. ORCHCSTRA. f This study should be offeied in all the jmm of the high school, bblh in the four-year plan and in the six-year plan. In the latter chse it would be wise to plan two orchestras, a junior and a senior Orchestra, the one serving as a feeder tf the other. When the high- sefaool course is four years in length, a grammar-school orchestra is ■ desirable for the purpose of developing the younger material for the advanced orchestra of the high school. - tThe musicianship that results naturally from ensemble playing is more advajaced than that which arises naturally from ensemble ' More hhurs of practice and preparation are necessary be- ^ participation is possible; tiie expression of the musi- . bought or impulse is less direct than in singing and becomes a ^j^liiatter, therefore, of greater reflection ; the mechanical nature of the ^- jBWdium of expression makes sight reading and a knowledge of staff ^fation more exact;' the number and diversity of the drchcstral pitch, tonal quality, and rhythmic procedure— t rllalb'flie whole a rielier complex than chorus work presents; and ' ci^mplexity and variety have attracted composers to orch^tral for their greatest works. Nevertheless, the course in must be thorough n.nd well orgaiiiiSed to attain its best f(pillowing recotlfunendatk>ns%re therefore urged : V The 1i)stru^ should be ^^layed in the manner of their 1^6 0aj>adties/the ideals of chamber music, and the reined treiitment -iawElii f art in a ^mphony orchestra being ever kept im mind. Second. 'Music should be S^lect^ that, however easy, still recog- l|azes these particular values for each end every ind:rumcnt. i Third. The Orchestra should be considered an orchestral class or stiidy club prisiarily, and * fimt^ior ihe diversion of the Jncidefitslly. ^ ‘ourth. Each »l*'dei)t should be provided with an orchestra part * hfme ^dy, and should be expected to prepare his music between ihttesof the oi^esl^ Thm requirement is especially whetp school ractice, such as was outlined, or two years of liarmony or of orfhes- V, Ipf4 are therefore recommendfed prior to undertaking a thorough . Course such as is here implied. ) * ' - - 'jNinth- and tenth year pupils, and more infrequently seventh and ^g^th year pupils,, have nevertheless 'made excellent progress in musSc appredetioQ. 1 The coutent of such courses, however, should ;“iS*Vbe’ different from tire content of courses for older pupils. In ex- r . ...piwation of the difference, it may Ije helpful to distinguish between ^jy lippaical experience for the pupil and analysis of that experience ihc paakiug ©f generalizations from it. /ib» course for eleventh " twelfth ye?uF pupils shouid bfe id ianrical experience. These shoild 1^^ a hmojmt of da^ical mWfiiH and a broad- and varioiifs ^'ffliiunihating view- ■ jsJhbolJd be,l»sCd npoD'-tltjit eaqwiOncA’/xoww paplls should. & siMsf rich nrusM and this be adipted feeir ychcb,.lh piart.l^ |he potions of music, nature of the HtXSIO IK 8EC0in>ABY SCHOOtCk *f ^ analysis Md ^contributory study conducted upon the basis ot % musical experience gained. ) ^ Ther^ is, therefore, need for different 'grades of work deaigiiat^ as music appreciation. These grades may extend from the mere hear-^| ing of music, with little or no comment or study, to a form of lessM S in which the discu^ion and study range over the further fields of musical knowledge and criticism. A lesson would be pointless, however, if it developed ho comment or stimulation to at least some study. On the other hand, it woidd be inimical to the value of the course in early years to require ail J amount of study that would be equivalent to the preparation of ^ lesson. In the tables at the end of this report the subject of murftf ;|i appreciation is, therefore, listed for earlier high-school years as well; f; as later years. But the amount of credit recommended in the earlieirl’;| years is only half that recommended in the later years, the redtim tionS in the early years being cla^fied as unprepared. The com-/ "! mittee wishes to emphasize, however, that no such lesson should\be totally lacking in intellectual address. The mind of the student will * weary of a formal series of recitation^ that hold no intellectual con- ^ tent, and continue to address only his imagination and emotional,^ rece)>tiveness, * The courses of any grade in music appreciation are essentiallyi^;^ courses in intelligent listening to music. While they are valuabWir to those who are looking forward to a deeper study of music, they should be, as far^as possible, of a nontechnical nature,, so that pupUs who are not planning technical music study may have the oppe^!!^ tunity to cultivate discriminating powera of musical eujoyaiehLjJ , Ihe cwurse is best planned, therefore, through the selection of a. larged' number of compositions as subject matter. Tliese • compositions^ should be chosen primarily because of their intrinsic musicaf wort^/' and secondarily because they illustrate the several ^viewpoints alppgj which the pupils^ attention is to be directed during the listening son. These viewpoints may ^dassified as follows: Musical foi^' history, biography of mu4cians,'and m^etica ') \ Tf ^ ^ Other considerations, in the selection of music compositions^ eepe** "'^ cially for an advanced course, are aji follows: ^ ^ . ^ (1) They should represent a large number of master composeil^ ancient and modem, in w far as the. works of these iims(ers engiqss!^ the a^ntjon pf the world they 'should represent important m^ia'p| expr^^ orchestra; chortis, sc^o^qI^ solo instrum^^ (3>theysJi^^ resent all .varieties of foxp^ as song forms, sona^ form^ rpn^r ^ ete., and the ppexi^ ori^ eantiitm mass, ete;; (4) aa se MUSIC IN 6EC0XDAB4' SCHOOLS. tliat composer or that form or style at his or its best and most indi< = vidiial moments. While all the important elements in a musical composition should, in advanced study, be briefly noticed as the work is iierforined for the students, the coursfe should be planned so that certain sjiecial con- fflderations^are uppermost in the students^ minds. To this end it is suggested that in the eleventh year the students’ attention be called particularly to the structural elements of a composition, and that in tim twelfth year the historical and biographical viewpoints should be tophasized. At all times the aesthetic qualities of the composition diould^be brought to the students’ attention and should be einplia- dzed in the lesson. The lecture method with library reference is recommended, as text- books of the exact kind needed are hardly to be found. Where pos- sible, reports of concerts attended sliould be a feature of the work. ^ «. THEORY OP MUSIC. Under this heading is included not only elementary theory, but harmony, and it may be, couiiterpoint The subject of elementary theaiy : that i% the tonal and rhythmic elements of music and their representation, may well be stressed in the seventh, eighth, and pos- sibly the ninth year. {a) Elementary theory , — Classes In elementary theory are particu- larly appropriate for the eighth year in junior high schools, and occasionally for seventh year. Where the study of sight reading has not been satisfactorily mastered in the grammar schools, the study of dementary theory may well become a part of the work of the chorus classes in any of the high-school years. With adolescent pupils, however, the study of technical music is preferably conducted in smaller classes, where the feeling of individual responsibility can be developed and maintained. Under the heading, elementary theory, is included the study of the notation of the tonal and rhythmic ele- ihents of music compositions, including the details of major, minor, ahd chromatic scales, key signatures, intervals, note values, time sig- natures, measures, tempo indications, marks of expression, marks of interpretation^ etc. The committee urges that this study be conducted in connection with the consideration of actual music and not as a formal memorizing of characters, signs, and terms. j(h) J^arwmny.-^lBasirtuch as this subject demands primarily quick perception and retentive memory, it Js especially appro- mi atld teiith ttioagh it cduM wiaU the last twe yisaia. 'The requisite for its study is not so great nor so rare as commonly supposed, iftterost iB music is necessary .it should be made an .elective HUBTC IK 8ECOK0ARV BCHOOlik An academic presentation of the subject, such as that found almost all the older textbooks, is to be heartily condemned. The fol* lowing features shoidd be invariable: ; (i) Ear training, carried tliroughout and at appropriate stages in- ; volving aural recognition of any interval, any triad as major, nlinor^ diniinished or augmented, any seventh chord (as to its intervals), of any tone and of any chord as to its scale relations, of any chord pro- gression, or any modulation as to its harmonic procedure and tfee ' keys involved, of organ points, suspensions, anticipation; in short, involving aural recognition of all the harmonic material learned and used tlirough the eye and symbols of notation. (ii) instiuction in the principles of melody writing; tendencies of melodic tones, melodic contour, motivatior, the phrase, the process ^ of coherent musical thought, the period. . f (iii) Harmonization of .melodies (original or given) rather thiih rv^^? harmonization of figured, basses. (Thorough ;^bass should be taught, 7f: but should constitute only a small patt of the practice.) (iv) Harmonic analysis as revealing accepted musical usage by composers of the chord material presented. (v) Freedom and musical proficiency in the use of harmonic ma- terial. Every harmonic factor is like a new w’ord in tliC!|||Hdenrs . vocabulary and is to be used by him in constructing niimen^musi- ^ cal sentences until he is familiar w’ith all of its merits, powers, and special qualities. ' *r! (vi) Free composition for the development of srif .expression through music, the criticisms of these efforts being directed rather to f ^ their success in fulfilling the student’s intentions than to the details > of technical accuracy except in those points which have already been a studied in the class work. • > At least two periods a week for two years should be given to the subject. In the first year the pupil should review the elements of. music theory and should study the primary triads, in major and ; | minor, in the various ways suggested. In the^second year the should be carried forward to a knowledge of secondary chords of thjf seventh and general information regarding the harmonic structure a of music of the type of Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words. In large high schools, or schools in which instruction in music is ; better developed, it is quite^ possibly and advisable to. carry the study forward to the point of original work with the inharmonic elements mentioned in paragraph (a) above, and with all the ordinary mag<^”^ of cla^ical harmonists, ijbis may be done by adding a third yea^^ to the course, or by giWng it five periods per week for two years. Fbir the shorter course some schools prefer to schedule the class fcTr five | periods a week during one year. . * ^ 38 Musrc IK ‘SECOiJBAfiY* SCHOOLS. '^fA course in harmony in the high schools should havo cultural as well as vocational value. The course should aim primarily to estab- lish correct habits of musical thought. Properly conducted, the harmony course should materially shorten the pupil’s professional training after le^avin^ the high school. ^ - ic) CoMnterpolnt . — This oranch miist be considered as an e.x- wptional offering, possible only under especially favorable condi- tions, unless included under harmony. Three suggestions are offered as to its organization in a course and these' are in what is believed to be their order of merit ; ’ , First. It niay l>e included under harmony in a two years’ coiu’se, following the methods that seek to combine these two aspects of tonal organization. * . Second. It may be included in a four years’ course in contrapuntal harmony and composition, after this same method of coinl)ination. ' Third. It may follow, as a separate, two years’ course, the two years of harmony above advised. ^ 6. APPI.ICD MUSIC, OR SCHOOL CREDIT FOR OUTSIDE WORK.' Although a numlier of high schools are now olTering coMrses in applied music, that is, voice, piano, violin, and soinctiines even other instniinents, on the same basis as the other subjects, tlic general adoption of this plan can not reasonably be c.xpected for some time to come, if it ever becomes feasible. It is, therefore, reconmiended t^fat study of voic^ piano, or^an, violin, or any orchestral instrument, under special teachers oufoide ^ of school, when seriou.sly undertaken and properly examined and , Certified, shall receive regular credit toward graduation. This rec- ommendation is based upon the following considerations: (i) The proficiency gained in singing" or playing by many boys and girls during the high-school period proves to be of great value to them in later life. ' (ii) Ndtfvithstanding that most adults believe it desirable for young people to learn to sing or to play an instrument, a, severe handicap is put upon them by the neceffiity of attending, at the same time, to jthe demands of their school work; and many pupils, including even a number who expect to be musicians, abandon or neglect music dur- ilif their ^igh-school years, when the greatest progress can and should be made, rather than jeopardizi? their prospect of a diploma. I (iti) W© regard as tintenable the assiinjiption, expressed or implied, that^y individual would be dnedftcated he pursued three or four fe':;-. ‘regular „ptudies per year and added mu^a to these, dSBt would be educated if he pursued four or five Judies each year, and dropped % music. ' (iv) We believe that this iinte,niii,|3fe assumption is due not to any of tlte queeth^.as tb-the nlace od mdsic |n ah , muDitu ejauoJiDAKy BCMOOI^ cdncationni plan, but rather to a passive acceptance of traditional^ academic standards that are now outgrown and should be abandonedi’ The plans by which such credits may be offeu d must be based upvc5 or, and the nature of the material appropri- ate to chorus practit'e should necessarily be much clinnged. The liigh-schooi band (brass or military band) was mentioned on I page 23. In high adiools for boys this kind of musical orguuizatiou may meet with a degree of favor and may attain a point of develop- ment greatly surpassing anything normally probable in a coeduca- tional high school. Orchestras are not less desirable in a' boys’ high school, blit bands in such schools may be considered ns ccxirdiimto with«orch^tras. All that was said in description and in commenda- tion of orchestral ensemble is, therefore, applicable to band practice. ,On page 28, under Applied. Music,” mention was made of the fact that some high schools give* courses in the specialized study of piano, violin, voice, etc. In boys’ high schools class instruction in various band and orchestral instruments, as the violin and the strings gener- ally, the comet and the brasses generelly, and the flute, clarinet, oboe, and other wood- wind instruments will frequently meet a very active interest and call fprtli a large response. Such courses articulate naturally with the band and orehestrai ensemble advised, and satisfy the boy’s desire for more thorough study, whicli, nevertheless, he ^ ’ would riot undertake except under the group plan. ' No addirional diisciission is needed here of the theoretical courses I, Md the opum in mude appreciation. They should remain the same, all essentials, as in the coeducational high school. practice presents quite new aspects. Its distribution ut the years should be the dime as before advised, and the > vChorus f: UC8IC IN 8BC0KDASY SCHOOLS. combinations reconnuended of ohorus pnctioe with elementary the* ' orv. sijrht singing, and musical appreciation aboold stand as before, i rear for year. The selection of musical material for praclaoe, bow» ever, presente sune difficulties. Chorus groups of boys that contain many Unclkanged voices should use music written for iirat.aiid second treble parts ami bass, or luiisio nirefnlly edited with a view to adapting it to tlie capabilities of im- mature voices, and written for soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. Sucli giokips will ordinarily be-foiind in seventh and eidith years of school life and occasionally in the nmth year. It is sarfctd'say.that with conscientious and expert attention to the nature and capabilities of (he individual voices, part singing involving a part for bass voices, one or more parte for trelde voices, and perhajfw a part for the tenor or alto-tenor voice, could Iw maintained well into the ninth year. As the number of treble voices decreases with the advance in years, a number of unison son^ of limited range (c to 8, with occasional ' tones ranging above this octave) dionld be added; and in the last t"(k yenisi part songs for male voices -(changed voices) that are easy as to vocal demands can well be used. The unison songs should pref- ornbly be written on the bass clef, in recognition of the pr«i)onder- iiiK-e of buss voices, and (he smaller group of treble voices will sing (hi'in an octave higher. The individual vocal characteristics and capabilities of boys be- longing in the same year in the same high school are very diverse. • The years, too, bring constant changes; and the voices of pupils in a • certain year of one high school are often not matched by the voices of pupils of a oorreqxmding year in another hij^ school This does not mean that good singing is not possible, but it does mean tliat definile recommendations can not be made to schools in general. In- stead each instructor must study the voices of his student and adopt plans of choms grouping that recognise vocal characteristics and capabilities as far as possible. Music should be chosen, so far as it can be found, that is adapted to the various groups. The best music available at present for the diverse demands arising iu any one school is probably that couteined in books designed for seventh and eighth year music classes and for junior high schools. I f these books are designed for assembly singing, they ace likely to be still more desirable for use in a boys’ high school. Usually they present, a wide variety Of yopal arrangements, including tyro-part and j i tlu-ec.part songs for treble voices only^ song^ for one treble and one rW buss part, two treble-parts and baas,. three tr^le parte and l^, four ' ^ IMrts mixed voices, unison songs on bass clef and unison Songs on tEe - treble clef. Any of these .arrangements is likely to be needed at so^ j time for some choriw gcbup in a boys’ high school Part son^ for ;V$ft * M17SI0 m SBCOJn>AEY SCHOOLS. H^le toices^ alone are kckiEig in ihese books, or are quite insufficient in msimber. Unfortunately the right type of such songs is not avail- able elsewhere, except for an occasional isolated piece ; for part songs for male voices are almost invariably written for four parts, with the result that the first tenor is forced too high and the second bass is forced too low. Only about one out of a hundred of such feongs is suitable for use even in the upper years of a boys’ high school. . IX. MUSIC FOR QIRLS* HIGH SCHOOLS. As the boys’ high school usually proves a fertile field for the de- velopment .of instrumental ensembles, so the girls’ high school is favorable to the development of vocal ensembles: There is a perfect wealth of suitable music for the voices in all the high -school years, and chorus results of irtriking beauty may be obtained. The voices feaye still to be carefully guarded, however, and two-part and three- part music should constitute almost all the repertoire. The crediting of outside study of piano and other instruments and .of voice should be an invariable and an important feature of depart- i^iental music work in every girls’ high school. Musical appreciation ■ehould also receive especially careful attention. Orchestral playing should be encouraged heartily,* notwithstand- ing that the instrumentation is likely to he less complete in a girls’ high 'school than in other high schools. Most of the orchestral in- strum^ts are better adapted to girls’ playing, howeven, than'is gen- erally Suj^sed ; and for the sake of the numerous violin players among girls, as well as for the encouragement and instruction of the whole school in orchestral playing, the organization ^nd maintenance of an orchestra should be provided for. The distribution of courses throughout the high-sohool years should be in all essentials the same ns in the coeducational school. X THE HIGH SCHOOL AS A CENTER FOR COMMUNITY MUSIC. t/ Music in th§ high school articulates with the advance musical interests and activities in the community outside the school. But fj.j, school aysteiDj throtigh the hi^ school particularly, may Well go : "fnrthOr ;fiinid hOlp to develop music directly in the outside conMinumty. iii; ooBMijiDiinty use of any school building i^ piore appropriate, feas- jtpauctive of |o<^ r^^ldte t|ian tli^ um of thb high-school j>,^TOding ^ - a;® . are'dig^if[(^d":M4 ih e^QoM^on^ or vhic^ the peoplo bi^^ to nnder- A Il|ano igipttjiiJy M^sehool orchestra turns the thouglit of many citizens toward music, abhI- toward music in connection with the liigh. school. The high-scho^’^ chorus develops an interest in chorus singing in the community. The , .courses in harmony and musical appreciation do their full part in raising musical standards and developing musical knowledge. The high-ahool teacher of music is, by the terms of his position, a con* doctor of choruifes and orchestras; and his interests are all in the direction of the democratization of music, for always his thought and daily effort are centered on the group. The school officers should call the attention of the community to the opportunity that is at hand to use the school plant and all its facilities in the interest of the most social of the arts. The school should provide the conductor, in the person of the high-schoolteacher, for clioruses and orchestras which would joyously and earnestly set i out upon a quest for further musical riches. In doing this, and muclt more as the movement ^ins strength, the school should not regard * itself a benefactor; it will rather find itself a beneficiary. In (hgnified repute among the citizens, in respect from its students, in . power willingly accorded it by its constituency, and in breadth and clarity of its own vision, it will gain greatly by undertaking this service of fostering the timorous art ideals of its community and ’! developing community-wide musical expression. REPORTS OF THE COMMISSION ON THE REORGAN1ZATI15n OP SECONDARY EDUCATION. The following reports of the Commission on the UeorganizatlOo of Secon^h ary education have now been IssuckI as bulletins of the United States Bureau of. Education and may be secure