1926 Cedrus Yearbook

f;CEDRUS -1926 Department of Music "Which of the powers may lift man to the highest plane, love or music? That is a problem. But it seems one might say, love cannot give us an idea of music, while music expresses love. But why separate the one from the other? Are they not the two wings of the soul?"—Berlioz. The status of music in education has changed radically in the past few dec- ades. Until quite recently it was looked upon as a pleasant accomplishment, with little practical value. But now music is coming into its own. Educators every- where are realizing its splendid disciplinary value as well as its practical and aesthetic worth. At the present time a college without a course in music is greatly handicapped. Although Cedarville is small, it is making a splendid attempt to give music its rightful place. The Department of Music has been growing steadily and has a present enrollment of forty-nine. The efficient professor of this department is J. A. Talcott, Mus. Doc. Dr. Talcott is a graduate of the Cleveland Piano School, the Georgia School of Technology, and the Royal College of Organists, of London, England. He has also studied voice under Charles S. Burnham, and choir direc- tion under J. Powell Jones, of Wales. Dr. Talcott offers courses in Piano, Organ, Voice, Harmony, and History of Music. During the past year special instruction has also been given on the Saxophone, and Clarinet. A course in Violin is offered by Marion Frock, of Springfield. In order that Dr. Talcott may be able to give more time to his advanced students, and to other work in Cedarville. and the neighboring communities, he is assisted in the primary teaching by Miss Mae McKay,a student in the College. The studio is located in the rear of the College Library Building. Here the instructibn in music is given privately in thirty- or forty-minute periods. All students are expected to appear in a public recital, usually given during Com- mencement Week. In addition, concerts are often given by the advanced students at the close of the Fall Term. When the required work has been completed, the pupil receives a diploma of graduation from the department. The College encour- ages work in music by allowing eight hours as electives for the A.B. degree. Most of the pupils are studying music merely for their own enjoyment. Keeping this in mind, the department endeavors to ground all students in the technique of music, and to instil real musical interpretation; it endeavors to train students to receive the inspiration that comes from music, and the kindred arts, and to be able to appreciate the classical gems, and the masters in music. —M.D. Page Fifty-six