MUSICAL OPPORTUNITIES

During his four years, the average undergraduate manages to cover a good deal of ground in the pursuit of that elusive thing known as "culture." He takes courses in languages, science, philosophy and the like, with perhaps a dash of-fine arts on the side. There is one department, however, that one, curiously enough, whose aesthetic value is perhaps the greatest of all, to which the undergraduate is too frequently a complete stranger. This is the Department of Music, without doubt one of the finest in any university in the country.

Though almost unknown to the rest of the college, it can scarcely be said, however, to shun its part in the life of the university. On the contrary, it furnishes throughout the year a rare profusion of opportunities for becoming acquainted with the best in music, both vocal and instrumental. There are the Whiting concerts, where the layman may pick up a working knowledge of the various schools of composition and at the same time enjoy first rate performances of illustrative pieces. There are Dr. Davison's monthly organ recitals. There are also two series of endowed concerts which are held during each year under the direction of the department, and the first of which is given tonight. Then we have the Glee Club, now rapidly gaining a national reputation, as well as the series of concerts given each year by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Sanders Theatre.

With such a stock to draw on, the music lover may enjoy a wealth of delight at small or no expenditure, and the novice may soon acquire a real insight into classical and modern music. That we are coming to recognize the value of the work the department is doing is evidenced by the increased interest taken in it from year to year. But things can scarcely be said to be in a satisfactory state until in a center of learning like Harvard every one of these concerts is crowded with eager and appreciative audiences. A thorough knowledge of good music must form a part in the education of every cultivated man. Nowhere can the foundations of musical knowledge be laid more pleasantly and easily than here in Cambridge.