The New York Age from New York, New York • Page 10

i 1 THE NEW YORK AGE Saturday, May 10, 1941 IN TOWN HALL RECITAL N. Y. A. PHILHARMONIC CHORUS In The Realm Of By EDWARD BOATNER "TT "Nepro Capitol of the Nation" By FLOYD gNELSON B3 I THE BENNETT The Bennett College Alumnca of New York Ctijr preieoted the Ben net: College Choir on Monday, April 28, at the St. Marks Methodist Church.

The choir was directed by none other than. Dr. R. Nathaniel Dett, nationally considered our leading Negro musician. The choir tang compositions of Palestrina, Folmer, Bach.

Handel, Schubert, Cluck. Mendelssohn, Klein. Kalstalsky, Tschaikowsky. Lovovsky, tome traditional spirituals, several Interesting arrange, menu by Sett himself, and the celebrated "Hallelujah" (from Mount of Olives) by Beethoven. It has been said by most of the professional directors, particularly male, that it is not possible to get as many vocal effects with women's voices as it is with men.

It has also been said that women's voices are not as flexible as men's voices. However, the ingenious Dr. Dett ha, reolutionized this idea with The Philharmonic Glee Club of Abyssinian Baptist Church was presented in concert May 1, by the Colonial Coterie with El freda Sandifer, director; Marguerite V. Woods, guest artist, and Willet ta Houston accompanist The Glee Club sang numbers by Huhn. Beach, Sullivan, Dawson.

Handel, Hawley, Rathburn. McGimsey, Youmans, and some typical un developed, spontaneous spirituals of their own making. If there were one of two more good bases in the organization, the group would be well balanced. However, aheir singing was interesting to a certain degree, and wculd have been more so had it not been for some characteristic faults that are to be found in unprofessional groups; that is, tool mucn xorussimo and no! enough contrast ia phrasing. Once In a while in their spontaneous spirituals the tenors had a tendency to wander off key.

When we hear high pitched tenor obligatos in one epirltuat we are impressed, but when we hear the same thing several times more in other spirituals, loses its efiect which is what happened in the singing of the snir I am not so sure as to whether vt treat these old sacred Negro' unes of our forefathers with tunes of our forefathers with enough sincerity and reverence. Al the spirituals that were presented, save the one by Mr. Dawson, were not sung with deep reverence and feeling. The audienca took them ac humorous folk songs. If we do not treat with dignity the spiritual, the song of our fore fashees, tint came into being those dark days of oppression, we cannot expect the.

white man to do so. Miss Sandifer, the director, has had some training in music I am sure. Nevertheless if she does not wish to be considered amateur, she haci better find a good system of beating time. Her movements were continually up and down PHILHARMONIC GLEE CLUB it made no difference what was thi slightest conception of the in being sung. Evidently she has no terpretation of spirituals.

She is regard for time signature. I am evidently trying to "dress up" the sure she can make something dialect, for we do not say "when wonderful out of this organization the stars begum to fall," but just ir sne lakes a little time for study, with a mind open to constructive criticism. Both she and the ac companist, miss Houston, were very charming in their evening gowns. However, Miss Houston must understand that it is not ar tistically premissible in fact, it is prevalent practice among quite unthlnkable to add arpeg rived musicians of having white gist or any kind of musical embel accompanists. Generally speaking.

lisbmants to Handel cr any other good composer. Horace Johnson ha sa typical Negro tenor the type that is best suited for quartets. How ever, with thorough training from a capable teacher he can develop into a lytic tencr of tome distinc Uon. Harold Robinson, baritone of the gioup has a fine natural voice and RECITAL LILLIAN GAUNTLET! SOPRANO TOWN HALL US WEST CM STREET MTBTLt GAUNTLETT th. yltae 'feauttM rntntttoai, riw ar fcae Haatrt GmMktt, 20 Monti r.

tie An, Apt. 24. atOa. M2S. THE BOARD OF COLLEGE CHOIR his masterful training of this btoub of young women singers.

What else could one expect but fine shading and phrasing, beautiful blending, and. clean cut diction when a musician of Dr. Dett's calibre is directing? The singing of this unusual women's choir shows us that should women so wish they might well get along with us when it comes to group singing. The deep contraltos and the first altos supplied enough of the lower register to take the place of the needed male voices. It is very difficult to state Just which of the numbers were done best, for they all showed the work of a fine musician.

Thank you. Mr. for devel oping such a splendid choir. We are all hoping that you may enjoy a long life, for we need men of your type to help shape this race of ours. the possibility of becoming a very good soloist if he could overcome his habit of singing in the throat James Rankin, another tenor of the group, made an attempt to sing the famous tenor aria "La donna mobile" (from Rigoletto).

TMi song was written especially for a trained operatic tenor. It is too big for Mr. Rankin now, with his present vocal equipment His voice loses Jls resonance from one up, and takes on a very unipeasant vibrato all of which is the result of indefinite tone place ment. Fred Thomas, another baritone of the group, has a case very much like that of the others. His tone is too far back, entirely lacking in mcsked tones.

Dsvid Perry, although he cinch ed his tone occasionally, showed more promise than any of the oth er male soloists. His tone was forward and direct The friends of these soloists and the glee club will naturally, according to the general custom, say that everything was fine, but that will not help them. What they need to be told is the truth about u. a vKnuiy manner. and I hope my comments will be taken in that light The guest artist of Marffurit wh.

the evening. Marguerite V. Woods, who has a contralto voice of light quality, sang art songs by Handel Schubert, and Strauss and spirituals by Burleigh. Miss Wood shows that she has had quite a bit of training, if by nothing more than her choice of songs. I cannot say that she has an unusual voice at this stage of her development for all of her tones stop in the region of the tonsils, which means that she is using about one tenth of her vocal power.

A lovely voice, but it lacks the proper placement In order to have the necessary violations that will make the musical ear take notice. I have been wondering whether he a foreigner. perhaps a Creole, for ih has not Plwn "begin." I must say she has pleasing state deportment. Of course she would have a white accompanist which brings 'up a point I should like to dia a'too cuts: There is at present we should choose accompanists of our own race whenever possible. Tj choose a white accompanist de nies employment to a colored musician as good or better (for our pisnists are quite as talented as our singers), and probably much more capable of playing spirituals; and, more important, it contributes to our silly Illusion of inferiority.

I do not want the young Negro musician or singer to think he cannot have a successful concert without "Mane George" sitting at the piano. And I can name at least twenty professional Negro accompanists In Brooklyn and Manhattan, who only need a public hear In to become famous. Give them give ourselves a chance. IMC NOTES' On Thursday evening the April itet of. ML Calvary Methodist Church presented the Thomas Negro Composers' Study Group at the St Martin's Little Theatre, 122nd street and Lenox avenue.

The group bad been requested to repeat their recent "Town Hall Success" Concert and compiled AUXILIARIES BTOE CONTKALTO IN BECIJAL AT MOTHER A. LI. E. ZION CHURCH 14M WEST lth STREET. NEW YORK 'FRIDAY EVDEG, MY 9, 1941 San GENERAL ADMISSION ge CENTS gpenesra (Ssesrvai) ILN Spenaen.

IS Far InsnaUaaa Ceattcts Mi, Fraaua K.bw gOgtcW Mtt TV" 1 LILLIAN GAUNTLETT, soprano, who wiU appear in recital at Town Hall, 123 West 43rd street, en. today, My 11 She will be assisted by her daagh ter. Myrtle Gaantlett, at the plane. Carmen Shepperd's Pupils In Town Hall Recital Last Sunday By EDTTHE ROBERTSON Again the large ana appreciative audience which annually attends the Town Hall recital of the pupils of Carmen Shepperd thrilled to the magnificence of the Kinder symphonie on Sunday afternoon. This organization was composed this year of her sixty piano and theory students and mace an in teresting picture as the curtain tnanaj) nnAn 4Ka tvi f4lirstm la and holfuDonXTat? "'iMckyeft Roberts Town The instruments of the Kinder Symphonie are interesting in their originality and the historic sketch sppeanng at the bottom oi tne program fly leaf gave interesting explanation of such terms as "bell "quails" and "cuckoo." Fruhlingswanderung" by John Harder was the title of this de lightful orchestration and movements designated as Ausmarsch (March) Im Walde (In the Woods) Spiel und Tanz (Play and Dance and Heim Kehr (Return) immedi ately Indicated the use of such in' struments.

The expected instru ments suoh as, piano, trumpets. drums, rattle, orchestra bells, xylophone, triangles, casta nets and tambourine!) were played by Violet Drayton, Ruth James, Helen Reynolds, Constance Sam uels, Wanda Snow, Edmund Watts; Arline Alvaeranga, Alva Brcti. Arthur Lewis, Elaine Will iams, Msrjorie Dash, Eleanor Lynch, Elaine Campbell, Roy Footc. Lillian Haltaufderhyde, Silvia Walcott Barbara Mullctt, Mamie Brown, Barbara Franklin, Walerie Follins, Roger Lewis, Evelyn Rasby, Grace Sampson, Leonora Charles, Gloria Codring ton, Junaita Downes, Ann Lavernc Gaither, Juanita Adel Gundles, Jean Christiana Peters, and, Elaine Dear, Virginia Henson, Camilla Nelson, Carmen Scott Melville Williamson, Vincent Wilson Dorothy Wyche. In the higher stage elevations a group of twelve girls and one boy formed the chorus which sang the descriptive translations (made by Miss Shepperd).

Others grouped about the three Steinway Grand pianos and who filled positions in those unusual selections were: Cuckoo Mar joric Mullett; quails Earle, Cynthia Johnson, Cyril OUivierre. Milton Philips, June Springer. Franz Wallace. Rosa munde Warren Wilsoni bell trees Sybil DeWeever, Con stance Durant. Jacquelin Lockhart, with feature spotlight on the ren ditino of the famous "Hiawatha's Wedding Feast" interesting operetta from the pen of the great Negro composer, Coleridge Taylor.

The costumes and tonal t. ting were colorful to both eye and ear. This group is directed by Mrs. Blanche K. Thomas.

DEIIEF1T PERFOmiAIICE ST. MBS raATOE Street, West of Broadway fee Jay, May 22rJ for COLORED 03FHAH ASYIUTI my nil) Father of Dewey Wemghss Dies, After long Illness Moses B. Weinglass, father of Dewey well known theatrical figure, died on April 27 after a long illness. The late Mr. Weinglass was a native of Georgetown, S.

but came to New York as a young man and took up the He operated a progressive barber; shop here for many years. The deceased was also an active member of Bethel A.M.E. Church and several fraternal groups. Surviving, besides his son, Dewey, are four daughters. Bertha, Dorothy, Myrtle' and Lucille; two sisters, Mrs.

Catherine Thomas and Mrs Sara Chestnut; several nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends. Hall Recital Postponed The date of Luckeyth Roberts' Town Hall recital has been postponed to May 21, in deference to Mrs. Doris Duke one or the sponsors, it. was announced this week. Mr.

Roberts has for many years been the favorite pi anist for many of New York's wealthiest families and when he was the victim of an auto accident, the Duke heiress sent her personal physician to his bedside ai nanem Hospital His forth coming concert will be his first appearance at Town Edith James, Otelia James. Marguerite James. Jean" Wallace, Leonard E. Wallace, nightingales Clare Gollop, Alvin Jamie son, Rober Richards, Hazel Robinson and Clarice Williams. The group, directed by their teacher, Miss Carmen Velma Shepperd, who holds degrees in music from recognised music schools and the music 'dtt ient of Columbia University, is rhythm conscious.

The time, beat was most pronounced. Preceding the orchestra the eight sections of the program presented tne above named pupils in separate piano solo duets, two piano and three piano selections. One of the moet impressive wss the playing of "Police Op. 3 No. 1 from the pea of Schar wenka by twelve young students, four at each of the three pianos.

Section five of the program, presented the music school rhythm band' the first appearance of the kinder symphonic for the afternoon. Outside in the grand lobby of the Town Hall a space fully fifty feet long and three feet deep was crowded (with the most beautiful and heavenly flowers, baskets, sprays, bouquets and corsages for the girls and then the ushers again came down the aisle laden with armfuls of carefully wrapped packages for the boys and girls. Mii Shepperd was presented, a large basket of flowers from the school and the school manager, Mrs. Theresa Shepperd, mother of the directress, was also presented flowers. The studio is located at 421 West 147th street the EMMIE $1.10, $1.63, $2.20 and up SPECIAL GROUP RATES CaU The N.

Y. Agt Office at KSgeeeaiba i lHt et Dewatews) Office, 128 East Uad gareet, GEsvaacrry 1 tO 0 I IS V' NYA Negro Mixed Chorus With Jules Bledsoe To Broadcast From Hyde Park The nationwide radio broadcast' of the NYA Negro Mixed Chorus! of Philadelphia on May 11 over the Red Network of the National. Broadcasting Company catur ing the appearance of Jules Bled soe, world famous, baritone, will. highlight the activities of this mu sical group which is now enter ing its sixthyear. This broadcast will originate from the Hyde Park home of' President" Roosevelt and will be heard between the hours of 5:30 and 6 p.

Eastern Daylight Saving Time. Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt will speak during the' broadcast. i A feature of this program by the National Youth Administratis will be the performance of Jules Bledsoe's "Ode To America" for the first time on the air.

Mr. Bledsoe, world famous Negro baritone, wit sing the solo part of this composition which he has dedi ceted to the President. The Natiohal Youth Administration's Philadelphia Negro Mixed chorus Was organized on April 6, 1936, under direction of Dr. Franklin Hoxter. More than fifty Negro youth, between the ages of 18 and 25 who were eligible for NYA part time employment and who expressed an interest in mu sic, were assigned to the project Some of them had previous experience in' voice culture, however, the majority of them were untrained but wanted the opportunity to learn to express themselves in song.

As a first step, the group was encouraged to suggest to the di rector the songs they wished to sing and to make up their own' programs. From the material a' schedule of songs was made and' gun to teach the youth to recog nize tunes. Then followed vocal exercises to improve both tone and control of the voice. In ahort time the group was able to do' three or four part singng of aim pie songs. Classes in music appreciation, History of Music and English were graauaiiy added, with some I of the youth advancing to the point where they requested courses in harmony and composition and individual training for solo public performances.

The purposes for the organization of the Choral Project were as follows: 1. To give the youth an opportunity to learn something worthwhile about the kind of music By HARRY KRAMER cast These airings are the same (Copyright 1941 Harry Kramer) as Cugat's regular Thursday night Th l.rtMt nichirhih in network series, in which world, occupying the immense space suaually set aside for heavy, weight boxing bouts and political mass meetings will open in New York, May 30, at Madison Square Gasden with music by Benny Goodman and his world famous orchestra. Raymond Scott's orchestra hu been to lead the parade of name bands that will play at Luna Park's "World's Fair of 1941" this year and starts broadcasting from there on May 29th. Scott's new smash number is tagged "Huckye berry Duck" so on hia opening," 1" music sheets Extra. night the door prizes will be ducks xtra: Of the 750,000,000 phono and Scotties, alive of course needles' sold In the United' 124a.

a am ham I nay oiocx is. oumuing ine enun "Johnny Presents" in Natural camel's hair tport coats and Chocolate brown a abardine slacks for the summer. The conga, tango and samba mu cln to Bundles for Britain. sic of Xavier Cugat and his or 1 DISC DOPE chestra continue to 'delight Woody Herman announces four our neighboring republics for an sides released by Decca ths week, additional 13 weeks. Cugat's spon All are interesting additions 16 any or has just, issued a new contract dance lovers collector.

One plat to him for the short wave brosd Si. sitd Maa. MAT t. 10, 11, IJ "SO ENDS OUR NIGHT FREDERICK MARCH MARGARET SULLA VAN plas 1IA1S1E WAS A LADF turriaf ANN SOTHERN with LEW AYRES Twidty, u4 Wtdand r. Sfty 11, 14 THE BAKER'S WIFE" with RADfTJ Th Greii Flare Rclbsry with Jack Halt VkU Lester NELL HUNTER it a.

ifi ii i i JULES BLEDSOE that best meets his needs, that makes for bettfr citizenship, and better community relations. 2. To discover and encourage youth with unusual musical tal ent and help them equip them selves for employment in the en tertainment industry. This special broadcast is under the general supervision of Mrs. Nell Hunter who.

has a distin guished record, in the field of choral music and who is rhnral consultant to the NaUonal Youth Administration. Mrs. Hunter has arranged four of the numbers which are to be included on the May 11 program. In addition to Jules Bledsoe's Ode to America, the musical portion of the program will include: "Hold On." "De Ole Ark's A mov erin'," "Go Down Moses," "I'm Tramping "Somebody's Knockin' at your door," and "I'm So xveiie, non nairea singer is tea tured. except for the fact that all the talk is done in Spanish.

Here's a tp to songwriters and it is 'offered by band leader Carl Hoff. Whenever you feel discouraged and things aren't going just right don't give up. Remember that when Carrie Jacobs Bond composed 'I Love You Truly," the was so impoverished, she had to write the' words and music on wrapping paper she" got from her grocer down the block She could not afford a few pennies for year, nave Wood who recently issued a call who recentyl issued call ioT U1d needle steel to be sold national defense with proceeds1 ter contains "Intermezzo," with "My Mom" on the The other waxing is Now," from "Helix A Poppinwrth "Until Tomorrow" on reverse. Vaughn Monroe scores again in (his week's issue by Victor. Vaughn turns to Opera for Gdubba" from PagUaccL On the reverse is "Somewhere in England." Fred Lowery.

seltng a new record for. pote speed In. bis" version of "The Flight oJL th Bumble Bee." whistled on tf Gold" program, has received so many requests to repeat the. ditty tiiat Hor ace neiai nas already set it for' rwt future broadewts. In addi tion, the piece is being recorded by Fred and he 'jlieves that If! radio fan mail Is any indication i it will top hia previous best selling platter, For the latest news and guasip ehout your favorites In the rausx world, be sure to tune in NOTES i TO YOU broadcast daily.

11:00 1 11:30 a. nv, aver WINS, 1000 on ycur dial TOWN TOPICS Among ue riarlemites who en ioyeo tne Penn rielays in Philly (al week, were Dr. Subbeal An 1 derkon, popular dentst, Dorothy IConyeis, Pearl Evans, Florence Ltc', Jordan and iaa pariy was guest oi miss con ei parents, Mi. and Mrs. Albert Uundy of Morrisville, N.

J. Othsrs seen were Mr. and Mis. Bill uavis, Sergeant Brown, Dr. ana Mrs.

Craft, ddie Drake, Mr. ana Msr. Robert Dram. Dr. Marshall K.

Ross, well known physician has removed h.s offices to 1949 Seventh avenue, after more loan 15 years at 70 West 128th street; he is succeeding Dr. Ira McCowan, who was called to the U. Medical Corps, at Alexandria, Chris Perry of the Philadelphia Tribune was a visitor last week. Charles Dilworth, ace saelsman, for Distilled Liquors Import Company, Newark, is a frequent Harlem visitor Nina Mae McKin ney is planing a big surprise for theatre fans Charles Gatewood of Boston spent a few days in Harlem, stopping at tee Theresa The comely Kuth Krygar, with the pretty raven locks and lovely dim pies is back in town from the iunny South. Count Basie, christened his new epartment at the Roger Morris, the other eve win a too bad party that the talk of Sugar Hill The dapper Earl (Father) Hines is the fashion plate of the avenoo, wearing a cocoa brown top coat, a chocolate colored double brested suit with fedora to mate while hu 41 Chrysler parked in front of the Braddock.

Ethel (Dimples) Sbeppard, former dancer of Show Boat days is Just as charming to be found anywhere she's reluctant in talk. ing about her heart ease John ny (playboy) Yates, the mortician came into his own winning the Derby stakes Evelyn (ShdD) Fuller and Jack, have begun their iecond honeymoon, very lovely and ducky Jack now has more' I ln i'teki Amv cat of the Bird Cage is now at Fritz's Cafe, 125th street and Lnox venue Pcrvell. wife of Kalph Cooper is back in (town from California very streamline and looking like a pic ture. Billie Bow Anderson is as lovely ever asd her friends are hoping she and Mussey will patch up their love again. Edgar Hayes ork cPned the Broadway Roseland oniuoom Henry Armstrong bark in town.

Gladys Redman and the Dan Wahls enjoying horesback riding in Central Park Frank Jaml son well known mixologist former ly of La Mar Oheri is now at the I arrival of the stork Ruth El. is on jury duty at tea court of Domestic Relations Lucy LinUcum, the glamour gal what's your story, Freddie's heart is piling away for you. William Miiburn popular mixologist ai the Theresa bar tries to piease all the play boys and gals, and knows all their favorite con coctions The charming Harriet wife of Dr. Jose N. Cesteros, MD is spending her weekends at her summer cottage at West Brook vilie, N.

Y. recent guests were Mrs. James Watson and Gwendolyn Smito. Daniel Young, 14 year son of Gittyce Huzzard. who attends a private school in was injured being struck while playing ball the honeychile Florrie Breenihan really looked stunning in the fashion show.

Mrs. Effa Manley of the Newark Eagles is all smiles awaiting the opening of the ball season, at which time she and Abe will be hosts next Sunday to the entire 372nd Infantry from Camp Dix, N. J. she invited the boys in KhauYand Col. Gilbert will 6end them in Avmy trucks to Ruppert Staoium.

Hon. Earl Dickenson, alderman of Chicago, has returned lip Johnson, manager of Club Harlem, Atlantic City, is in the city getting his new show set for the gala season Dancing Dave, formerly of Dave and Tressie, ar r.vec1. from the West enroute to Thilly Dewey Wineglass, re caving sympathy in the death of his father. Bowman's Grill is coming on, cn Sugar HilL with ultra modern atylo and says if you cant get a chance to visit the Stork Club downtown, he has a fine sub stiiute Sipping the other evt I found Gloria (BUlie) Harding. Tynie Tynes, Leonard Steele, Crora Austin, Bob Davis am still Irvine to find out whn th.

nn. ponent in the little battle on St Nicholas place on St. Nicholas place against Mable (King Haven) Levy and wasn't Ada Waddell and" Anna Duke sisters of Jose phine Crafton. having a grand eve. Harry Sdge'l, well known Post Office Superintendent is atly imnroved al ter annenrfpptrfi nn.

eralion, reports his friend llnnie Archer Glady to see the sweet voiced Marjorie Sipp, so well and fine Minnie Jones, sister in law of the Late Florence Mills, called to Arkansas by the death of her father her Slow Kid Thompson is still in California Ormond A. Forte of Cleveland, just arrived for no good reason. Una Mae Carlisle, is mopping up with her song hit "Walkin By The mver ana Lucky mu under ia keenine th nap hnt th Annii to Join her pals Red Key and Derby Clayton The Milks Brothers are in Chicago for several weeks so long your cruising reporter. PROUDLY PRESENTS AND HIS A II TOE SENSATIONAL DANCERS SWEET SINGER WeUworth Tavern, 115th street and Jimmie Daniels' on llflth 8th avenue Aurelia Wheel street is still attracting the intel den, former female boxing champ lectuals with Ed (blind! Steele, of the team, Maitland and Wheel Garland Wilson, Mae Barnes, Chic dan is now the wife of Dr. Irwin Brooks.

Uoyd Thomas. Carrington, MD, 795 St Nicholas) Bill Osborn and his Palm Beach mnue iTroubadors Just closed a success The draft board has called forful run at the Vogue Nitery 40 Interview with O'Neil Spencer, jE. 50th street Ruth Mills ia Russell Procope. Charles Shavers planning a trip to California soon vi tfimn A.10.DJS nana ouuva oi aocieiy evidently is not interested in the Army, as he's Just ordered a new CadaUic roargie Stewart, wife of Rex Stew WEEK ONLY BEG. FRI.

MAY 9th CHARLIE DAVIS us Wi MEADE LUX LEVIS JOE TUQ11ER IN A NEW MU8ICAL COMEDY HIT SwingingSpcicly WITH THE GREATEST CASTYET EARL BOSK TP, TAP ccd DULY DAM3LS Daxty Firtettr Jiie Daskette Sfcfcfcir 8 Lelloy ihtm NEW BROWNSKIN CHORUS cuAiiiE cnAii i. tvi, I Wed. Nitc: Arrntcurtsj art oi Dukes band is awaitfli the 't. it.