Two New Units to Work Closely With Schools; Diocesan Students Scheduled to Participate
A clearly-defined opportunity for public and parochial school representatives to participate in policy formation for youth concerts was assured today by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Society Board of Directors.
The board established a formal committee structure to administer the yearly series of concerts for school children.
It is designed to provide a “close and continuing relationship” with the schools, according to the unanimously-approved motion.
As a result, the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Sylvester J. Holbel, diocesan superintendent of schools, announced that “arrangements are being made for parochial school children to attend the concerts to be given in the coming year.”
Two New Units Voted
To strengthen the “very informal basis” for planning the youth concerts, the Philharmonic Society board voted these two new units, announced by President Franz Stone:
A Youth Concert Committee within the board, to include the Buffalo school superintendent, the parochial superintendent, the chairman of the Women’s Committee, the chairman of the Music Advisory Committee, two members to be appointed by the president, and the president. This group will shape policies.
A subcommittee, to include two representatives from Buffalo public schools, two from parochial schools, two from suburban schools, one from the Women’s Committee, the associate conductor of the orchestra and the assistant manager of the society. This group will plan details of the youth concert season within established policies.
A Major Responsibility
Mr. Stone said subcommittee members will include music teachers and school administrative personnel.
He noted that problems of the concerts have centered in “kinds of music and the matter of when a school system finds it convenient to get children to a concert.”
Parochial school children have not been participating in the concerts for the past year because of a disagreement in these areas.
Besides creating the new committees, which will be activated next week, the orchestra board assigned administration of the youth concerts to the assistant manager as “one of his major responsibilities.”
Msgr. Holbel Approves
Mr. Stone termed the action “a further constructive step in the society’s ever-widening service to the community.”
He commented: “The society has always felt a responsibility to serve the musical needs of all ages. This is not simply a duty. It is of vital importance to the continued growth of the orchestra.”
Msgr. Holbel, expressing his willingness to serve on the new committee and announcing that the parochial schools will participate, said:
“I heartily approve the action of the society… The importance of music to the youth of the community is such that the decision… will insure a continuance of the dynamic growth of this phase of the orchestra’s activity.”
Women to Go on Serving
Dr. Joseph Manch, Buffalo school superintendent, said he will be glad to serve. He observed:
“Music is much more meaningful to those who have had the unusual opportunity of attending concerts to see and hear a great symphonic orchestra as it recreates musical masterpieces.”
Mrs. Robert I. Millonzi, chairman of the Women’s Committee, said: “The Women’s Committee will continue to serve in whatever capacity it can be most helpful to make the youth concerts a happy and purposeful experience for children of Buffalo and the Niagara Frontier.”
