USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1947-1951 > Part 53
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Respectfully submitted, EDWARD J. DESROCHES, Director, Audio-Visual Instruction.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
To the Superintendent of Schools:
In response to your request, I submit the following report for music in the Southbridge Public Schools.
The music at the Mary E. Wells High School, with its glee clubs, its music appreciation, and occasional music assemblies, is all a part of a widely comprehensive music program. Music in the high school is an elective, although it reaches the whole student body through its assemblies. In the grades, there is music for all the children, the integrated parts of the program covering wide areas of experience. These experiences might be grouped under such headings as rhythmic expression, melodic ear-training, harmony, creative self-expression, de- velopment of motor coordination through rhythmic play, provi-
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sion for the acquisition of basic skills and knowledges, intro- duction to modern band and orchestral instruments, and an emphasis on desirable character growth. Music, with its limit- less opportunities for social relationships, usually fosters demo- cratic living in community and school, and builds the physical and mental health of each child.
Each year, the rote-song repertory is extended and a note- song repertory built by sight-reading of unison and part songs. The child's rhythmic understanding is increased by bodily responses, dramatizations, pantomime, singing-games, folk dancing. He is encouraged very early in creative song inter- pretation, original songs, dances, free rhythmic expression, creative instrumental experiences. From the third grade on, he is led to interpret the relatively complex symbols of nota- tion into musical experiences. The joy a child shows when he discovers, in a series of quarter-notes and halves, a song he has known from the cradle, is one of the music teacher's re- wards. But the child should at first be led, not from the par- ticular to the whole, but from the whole to the particular. Just as any language is spoken and sung long before it is read or written, so this universal language, music, which brings all tongues together in worship and in play, must first be felt, not studied. It must be felt as a response to beauty, the beauty of the silently falling snow, the song of a simple bird, the gran- deur of a symphonic poem.
It is no longer discouraging to the music teacher to find a child who cannot carry a tune. That same child may have a wealth in his musical equipment that the golden voiced young- ster next to him will never enjoy. Usually the child who deeply desires to sing, will sing, but if "That one talent seems lodged in him useless," there are many other musical ways in which he may express himself. Tonettes provide an introduction to one way. These little wind instruments are gradually being introduced in the fourth grades in Southbridge. Generally speaking, such instruments as these give a great impetus to children's desire to read music. They should also lead more children into the bands and orchestras. It is to be hoped that eventually the music education program in Southbridge will become "a sequence of aesthetic experiences, which may pro- vide enjoyment, relaxation, recreation, and personality de- velopment."
The musical calendar for 1951 started with the presentation January 13th and 16th of the Gilbert and Sullivan favorite, "The Mikado," a project which proved to be far more than a glee club activity. It was a community project uniting the generosity, the talents, the particular skills of business people as well as teachers, of housewives as well as students in all the
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public schools. All these and others joined forces with the high school Choristers to raise funds for band uniforms, the material for which had been most generously contributed by the Ames Worsted Company. They must feel a particular pride in the smart appearance and consequent new spirit of their band.
Through the year, in all the schools, music programs and pageants have been presented where facilities permit. De- cember 21st marked the first time a high school and a grade . school gave a joint program. This was a presentation of "An Old English Christmas," a pageant by Elizabeth and Eleanor Van Etten. I trust it was only the beginning, and that there may be many occasions when the older young people and the very young may join their voices in song.
Special attention has been given this year to the improve- ment of motor coordination through rhythmic response to music. So called "activity songs" and dramatizations are very popular but difficult to perform in crowded classrooms. The expression of musical motion should at first be bodily,-in hands, in feet,-running when the notes run, walking when they walk, skipping when they skip. Musical notation is mean- ingless until children gain concepts of distances. We might say of an octave, "A dove dives." Abstractions must become social if they are to activate children. "Our minds grow through physical activity." Just so, a child's memory grows with the movements associated with the words of a song.
"Music is a social and democratic art," and while it may mean much more to a talented child, it records the joys, the sorrows, and the ideals of all mankind. Therefore, its place in education is gaining more and more prominence, and should be the rightful heritage of every boy and girl. I am sure you and I hold the same ideals of music education, for you have al- ways a ready willingness to cooperate in projects, which bring music in its many phases to more and more young people. Thank you again for your kindnesses to me. May I ask you please to express my appreciation, also, to the individual mem- bers of the School Board. Their encouragement has meant much to me.
Respectfully submitted, ELEANOR S. VAN ETTEN, Director of Music.
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REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
To the Superintendent of Schools:
In accordance with your request, I am herewith submitting my annual report for the period January 1, 1951 to Decem- ber 31, 1951.
The past year has shown a marked increase in instrumental music participation, especially in the grammar grades.
Each grammar school is now included in my schedule and a whole day is devoted to each school for the purpose of giving specialized attention to the instrumental students.
During the month of May, the junior band put on a one- hour concert at each of the grammar schools and a special as- sembly for the student body of the high school.
The Mary E. Wells High School band was very active dur- ing the year. It participated in a total of twenty-five public appearances, which included local and out-of-town engage- ments such as parades, basketball tournament at Amherst, school music festival at Leominster, Wells football games. It put on its own "Spring Music Frolic."
Perhaps the high-light of the year was the complete uni- forming of the band which added greatly to its appearance and prestige. Much of the credit for this must go to the superinten- dent who was general chairman of the Ways and Means Com- mittee and gave much of his time and experience to the success- ful conclusion of this project.
The National colors were presented to the band in special ceremonies November 3rd by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mrs. Rose Shepard made the presentation. The state flag was given by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post with Commander Roland Hetu making the presentation.
Pointing towards a well rounded instrumental music pro- gram is the formation of a high school dance orchestra and the institution of stringed instrument classes in the grammar grades leading to a grammar school orchestra with its subse- quent carry-over to high school.
In conclusion, may I extend my heartiest thanks to all school personnel for their kind co-operation and especially to the principals for their help in scheduling the instrumental music program.
Respectfully submitted, PAUL J. SWEET, Director, Instrumental Music.
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REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF ADULT EDUCATION
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The Massachusetts Department of Education wishes the Adult Civic Education Division to continue the work started last year with the newcomers to our shores. This means that we are to integrate socially these people as well as to teach them our language.
There are some who have come to this country through the interest and sponsorship of a relative. These are taken care of to a certain extent and made to feel they are welcome.
Others have come through the sponsorship of a church or national organization. Among these we find former soldiers who, after the war, found their homeland taken over by the Soviet Union. These, not wishing to return to their native country as they knew full well their homes and possessions had been confiscated, were allowed to live in Displaced Per- sons Camp under the protection of the French, English, and American Governments. Many refugees from Soviet Dom- inated Countries also found a haven in these camps. Some of the soldiers, who had been leaders, were taken into the Occu- pation Army by the above countries.
Later, through the United Nations Relief Association (U. N. R. A.) these faithful soldiers were given the opportunity to go to anyone of the sponsoring countries. Many chose to come to the United States. Nationals of Poland and the Baltic Coun- tries were most affected in this way.
Then we have the hunted people who go from country to country in Europe and sometimes cross to Africa and then re- turn to a free country of Europe before being able to contact a Relief Agency. People from Albania, Hungary, and Czecho- slovakia are among them.
After their arrival in New York City by means of United Nations Assistance, these people arrive in Southbridge because of church sponsorship.
After learning enough English to be understood, the Adult Education Division of the Southbridge School Department en- deavors to make them self-supporting and an asset to the com- munity. It is truly gratifying to report that, through the co- operation and munificence of local industry, we have been able to do so.
Many of the students, ranging from sixteen to forty-five years of age, have an excellent educational background in their native tongue, so that their learning of the language and as- similation of our customs is very rapid.
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The Course in U. S. History and Government is provided for those who are anxious to become citizens and must have an understanding of these subjects before being admitted as voters.
All during the year, the work of filing Citizenship Papers and checking the knowledge of our government goes on. This often entails much research and correspondence on the part of the department. Whatever the need of a non-citizen, we try our utmost to meet it and pledge ourselves to continue doing this to the best of our ability.
Respectfully submitted, CONSTANCE M. L'ECUYER, Director, Adult Education.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF SUMMER PLAYGROUNDS
To the Superintendent of Schools:
In accordance with your request, I herewith submit my report covering the activities of the playgrounds for the year 1951.
The season ran from July 9 through August 17, a period of six weeks. The activities were conducted at the following areas: Charlton Street, Eastford Road, West Street, and Pleas- ant Street. Special events were held at the Town Swimming Pool and at Dresser Street Recreational Field.
PERSONNEL
General
Director: Lewis A. Kyrios
Supervisor of Arts and Crafts: Mrs. Kathryn Beauregard
Charlton Street Playground
Supervisor: Mr. Charles Venie Assistant Supervisor: Miss Carolyn Allard
Junior Assistants: Miss Elizabeth Duhamel Miss Evelyn Cabana Mr. Joseph Marino
Eastford Road Playground
Supervisor: Mr. Daniel Hobart Junior Assistants: Miss Eva Salviuolo Miss Charlotte Beck
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West Street Playground
Supervisor: Miss Liberty Themistocles
Junior Assistants: Miss Pauline LeClair Miss Joyce Bachand Mr. Thomas Michael
Pleasant Street Playground
Supervisor: Miss Elizabeth Curtis
Junior Assistants: Miss Genevieve Hetu Mr. Dimitri Sotir
.
ENROLLMENT AND ATTENDANCE
Total Enrollment 1,165
Average Daily Attendance 485
Average Percentage of Attendance 36.90
Largest Daily Attendance 675
MEETINGS
There were six meetings of the Supervisors held during the summer, the purpose of which was to plan the activities of the week and to consider any difficulties that may have arisen during the previous week. The Supervisors, in turn, conducted staff meetings each Friday within their playgrounds to organize and expand their individual programs. Their meetings were a source of help to all.
ACTIVITIES
The Playground program was divided in the following manner:
First Week
Organizational Week
Second Week Sports Program
Third Week
Swimming Meet
Fourth Week Track Meet
Fifth Week
Amateur Shows
Sixth Week
Arts and Crafts Exhibit
NEW ACTIVITIES
Under the supervision of the Director, Lewis Kyrios, and in conjunction with Mr. Jacob Edwards, the President of the Little League, and the Southbridge Recreation Committee, a six-team "Minor League" baseball league was conducted. The results are as follows:
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Won
Lost
Minneapolis
10
4
Rochester
8
6
Toledo
7
7
Milwaukee
6
8
Louisville
5
9
Kansas City
5
9
In the play-off series, Toledo defeated Minneapolis and Milwaukee to win the championship.
At the end of the season, Mr. Jacob Edwards presented "Little League" T shirts to 60 players. Mr. Frank Skinyon, Director of the Dresser Street Athletic Field, served refresh- ments.
ARTS AND CRAFTS
As in former years, the exhibit of the Arts and Crafts Pro- gram was held at the Boston Store. Mrs. Kathryn Beauregard was the Supervisor of the Arts and Crafts Program and did an excellent job. Over 1600 items were displayed. Pleasant Street Playground completed 470 pieces of craftwork; West Street, 451; Charlton Street, 376; and Eastford Road, 318.
SAFETY PROGRAM
The Safety Program was very successful, for the results were excellent. No major accidents resulted.
I wish to extend my appreciation to all those who worked so enthusiastically and loyally to make the Playground a success.
Respectfully submitted, LEWIS A. KYRIOS, Director,
Summer Playground.
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INDEX
Accountant's Report 79
Balance Sheet 119
Expenditures 85
Receipts
79
Schedule of Appropriations 126
Ambulance Department Report 29
Assessors' Report 20
Board of Health Report 30
Board of Public Welfare Report 64
Board of Road Commissioners' Report 47
Civilian Defense Department
51
Fire Department Report 25
Forest Fire Department Report 28
Gypsy Moth Report 24
Inspector of Animals Report 53
Inspector of Wires Report 42
List of Jurors 8
Planning Board Report 48
Police Department Report
43
Recreation Committee Report 53
School Committee Report
141
Sealer of Weights and Measures
50
Selectmen's Report
12
Tax Collector's Report
61
Town Clerk's Report
15
Town Engineer's Report
45
Town Officers for 1951
3
Treasurer's Report 17
Tree Warden's Report 23
Trustees of the Jacob Edwards Memorial Library 67
Veterans' Service Center Report 52
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