The next lap of the musical trail brings us to very recent times and what is referred to as the Modern School. This Modern School includes many different kinds of music. For example, there is the Impressionist School that was developed and brought to the attention of the world by Claude Debussy. This music is just what you would expect from the name; it tries to portray the writer's impression of something. Claude Debussy was a French composer. Another composer of the Impressionist School was Cesar Franck, whose music has great spiritual qualities. Franck was a man who was very devoted to religion. Mysticism appealed to him, and you can feel it in his music.

In all countries the development of music goes apace with economic and social changes. Easier methods of transportation and communication, the perfecting of the printing of music, the better distribution of printed music, and the great amount of music which was played rapidly spread the knowledge of music.

Fred Waring and Members of His Famous Orchestra.

Music was brought to America by our forefathers, immigrants from many lands. It was developed by them and by succeeding generations until, today, our American music is from every standpoint on an equality with that of any other nation.

There is one original contribution that America has made to music. Modern swing or jazz is distinctly American. Not all musicians, even in this country, will agree as to the importance of swing in musical history, but this much is clear: swing music is the one real contribution to the music of the world that America can claim. No doubt, when musical history is finally written, it will be seen that the popular swing music of this day will find its way into other forms of music. As a matter of fact, that is exactly what is already happening. Some modern American composers have succeeded in working jazz or swing into serious forms of music.

Although jazz is the most outstanding contribution of this country, there are other forms of American folk music. The

Negro spirituals of the South, the cowboy songs of the West, and the hillbilly swings are American too. In a way, swing is a combination of all of these, with the Negro music of the South being the most important. American music is young, it is going through a period of change and development, but it is quite certain finally to produce a type of music that is distinctive and, perhaps, significant.

Of course, there have been other musical contributions from America too. For example, several American composers have become recognized in other countries. No doubt you can name some of them. Can you recall the strains of that little musical piece To a Wild Rose"? This was written by Edward MacDowell, one of the greatest American composers. True, he studied widely in Europe, learning all he could about music. Because of the knowledge he brought back with him, and his unusual talent for composition, he became one of America's best composers.

There is in the village of Peterboro, New Hampshire, a colony which is known as the Edward MacDowell Colony. Edward MacDowell has been dead for some years, but the little colony is very active. It is not only for talented musicians, but for creative artists in other fields, such as painting and writing. Here, in the quiet of the pine woods, in charming cottages, these men who express the heritage of creative America spend their time composing, painting, or writing, free from any cares or worries which would upset them. They are encouraged by the best teacher of all, Mother Nature.

No country in the history of the world has been so fortunate in facilities for the enjoyment of music as ours. Today we have the instruments and forms of music invented and passed down from our ancestors, recent and remote, as outlined in the previous pages. Behind the strains of an orchestra are the countless centuries wherein men have labored to make music what it is today. Not only do we have many forms of music, but also many mechanical devices to make the best music available to rich and poor alike. The most humble home can now enjoy better music than kings and princes had in other days.

Edward MacDowell, one of America's finest composers.

Look around in your school and see how many different forms of music are in use. America has the greatest school music program of any country in the world. Why? Probably in large part it is due to the fact that educators realize the value of music and have lent their support to the development of fine programs. Music is adaptable to many different occasions. At Christmas time we all enjoy carols, for they are an important part of the holiday spirit. And so it is with other special days in the year. All of us can take part in group singing in assembly, and for those who wish to give greater attention to their singing there are glee clubs and choruses. Those instrumentally inclined can join the band or the orchestra.

At home you can enjoy the radio or phonograph, or perhaps singing with a group of your friends around the piano. Yes, music has become truly an important part of American life. Slowly but surely the appreciation of the American people for fine music is developing.

Walter Damrosch conducting an orchestra during a broadcast.

We have some of the finest symphony orchestras in the world in this country. No doubt you have heard them, as well as some of the names associated with them, on your own radio. Most people know the name Toscanini because they have enjoyed the music Toscanini has directed. Many of the large cities of the country have their own orchestras and bands, as well as school orchestras and bands.

The history of music is a long and interesting one. We are the ones who enjoy the fruits of the many long years of labor contributed by composers, teachers, instrument makers, and directors. Before the invention of the radio, it was impossible for many people to hear good music. And yet, as you will see, it is necessary to learn how to use facilities at our command if we are to derive the greatest pleasure from them.