It Can Be Done!

Abstract

D URING the spring of 1950, the PTA Council of Elgin approached the music department of the schools and asked that the department present a musical program for the pupils of the elementary schools. There are fifteen of these schools in the system. After a preliminary investigation, it was decided that the boys and girls of grades four through eight should be invited to attend the performances. This meant that 2,500 students would witness the program. After much time and thought, the elementary vocal supervisor and the director of music decided to stage the version of Robin Hood as it has been written by Kate Stearns Page. This musical play was selected for two reasons: (1) It was forty minutes in length; (2) the music consists of lovely folk tunes and folk dances of old England. The presentation proved to be an adventure for all. There were several objectives in having the high school groups present the musical play through the cooperation of the PTA Council: (1). Grade school children would have an opportunity to develop an appreciation for a musical play, something many of the children had never been privileged to see before. (2). The high school mixed chorus would receive valuable experience in learning to act while singing, and they would feel that they had an important objective in helping to teach grade school children. (3). High school instrumentalists would receive valuable training in learning to accompany singers performing in a small scale operatic production. (4). The PTA Council would have somthing to offer the grade school children by way of wholesome entertainment at a nominal fee, and they, being interested in a music program, were anxious to sponsor a different type of production.