Table Number Two gives better data on the supervisorial and teaching staff of special subjects. This table gives the number of teachers and supervisors of either sex and their yearly salary, engaged in this special work. Manual Arts Supervisor. . . . . . . . $2,400.00 1,320.00 It should be explained that this table includes the full teaching cost of the kindergarten, while teaching in the other departments is largely done by regular teachers. Two years ago we inaugurated the plan of supplying our largest schools with a special drawing and a special music teacher. Last year the plan was extended to many of the smaller schools and groups of smaller schools. Teaching cost is increased by this plan, but increased efficiency is proportionately much higher. In these as in other subjects cost alone means but little. It is relative returns for expenditures that is important. Believing that the supervisors can add to the clearness of a comprehensive view of what we are attempting in these subjects, I have asked them to submit a brief report of their work and am submitting these reports in part or in full REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR To make music fulfill its highest mission, to exert a broad, humanizing influence in the lives of the boys and girls, has been the dominant thought of the Supervisors. The allotted time, seventy-five minutes weekly, has been devoted to song-singing, ear-training, sight-singing and lessons in appreciation. Song-singing has received special attention. Choice, beautiful songs have been selected with great care. Untiring effort has been given to interpretation and voice quality. Classes have been brought together in the school halls and auditoriums for chorus inging. These occasions appeal to the child's social instinct, and have done much to encourage unity, co-operation and a feeling of fellowship. In the spring of 1914 the "A" sixth grade pupils of the city had a song-fest. Owing to the large number of schools, we were obliged to give two afternoon concerts. Various grade classes sang part-songs. Glee Clubs were brought forward and the programs reached a climax when the audiences each consisting of twelve hundred children, sang groups of stirring unison songs. This winter twenty eighth grades united in a three-voice song contest, when voice, attack and interpretation were carefully considered by three competent judges that had been chosen for the occasion. The reward of merit for the four best classes was the honor of a place on the eighth grade commencement program in February. So creditably was the work of each class that the judges had difficulty in making the decisions. The general plan in the intellectual development of the subject has been to lead from song to notation, then from notation to song, constantly broadening the musical experience. The presentation has been made through a direct musical appeal to the child. He has been led to observe, to discover and to apply the various problems in melody and rhythm. The work for each grade has been carefully and systematically outlined each month and has been efficiently supervised. Four teachers' meeting have been held annually. Regular office hours, four days each week, have been kept, when teachers have been given needed assistance. In February, 1914, the Board of Education made it possible for the Music Department to publish a new manual, which has proven very helpful to the teachers. It is to be regretted that the schools have been hampered these last two years by a lack of music material, there being no free textbook to place in the hands of the pupils. Under these circumstances it has been impossible to supply the needed books in the various grades. We hope before next year the situation will be relieved. A few specially prepared teachers were appointed in the spring of 1912 to teach music in two or three buildings. This brought about a marked improvement and has resulted in the appointment of over thirty teachers who now devote their entire time and effort to the subject. A great many Victors and Victrolas and standard records have been bought by the various schools. Money for this purpose has been made by giving school entertainments. The school library has purchased a large number of beautiful records, which are loaned to the schools. This circulating library is very popular. Through the recommendation of the Music Department the list of reference books on musical subjects has been increased. The librarian reports that these are in constant demand. All this is very encouraging and indicates a growing interest in music. The school concerts given by outside talent have been a notable feature of the work. Several local artists each year have volunteered their services and have given short musical programs in many of the schools. The United States Marine Band gave a special program at Shrine Auditorium a few years ago, when six thousand boys and girls in attendance showed much enthusiasm. In the spring of 1912 Anne Shaw Faulkner, at Temple Auditorium, gave two illustrated lectures on "The Ring." The views of the opera, the incidental music behind the scenes, with the stories of the legend, held the interested attention of perhaps eight hundred children. One specially arranged concert was given by the People's Orchestra, when the instruments were discussed and the various tone-qualities illustrated. The request program contained numbers that had been studied, in a small way, in the school room. On these last three occasions the pupils cheerfully paid the small admission fee, thus showing their appreciation. For two years the management of the People's Orchestra gave the elementary schools one hundred and fifty free admissions for each Sunday concert. These tickets were distributed to the best advantage. In December, 1913, Ernest Douglas arranged a fine organ recital for the elementary schools in Pro-Cathedral. He was assisted by a boy soprano, whose high, beautiful and mystical tones made a lasting impression. The entire program, given in such elevating atmosphere, was very delightful. This winter, through the courtesy of the National Grand |