--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 26 number: 12 published: 1923-10 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations, "Editors’ Table", *Improvement Era* 26, no. 12 (October 1923): 1151–1156.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera26012unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera26012unse start_page: 1151 end_page: 1156 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1923-10) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera26012unse publication_year: 1923 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1923, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Editors’ Table EDITORS' TABLE 1151 predated help in making volume 27 as useful, interesting, attractive, and valuable as the past volume has been. We invite the continued support of our readers and promise our best efforts in supplying them with attractive reading matter and illustrations that will give them full value received for their time and money. We invite you to renew your subscriptions for Volume 27, and also to increase our circle of leaders by aiding in its circulation among your friends. Use the blanks found just inside the front cover page. Index for Volume XXVI A complete index to Volume 26, Improvement Era, will be mailed free to any subscriber making application to the business office, 67 East So. Temle Street. Books Gun-Grabbing Johnny, by Dr. Charles Griffin Plummer, M. D., with a brief introduction by George Wharton James, a book of forty-five chapters, with twelve two-page inserts containing thirty-four beautiful iliustrations. It has 327 pages of matter, large, clear, type, dealing with the great out-of-doors and on the conservation of common birds and wild animals about the home. The illustrations of bird life are taken from actual photographs by Dr. Plummer himself. The story centers about two families, the one a lover and conserver of bird life, the other directly the opposite. Gun-Grabbing Johnny is the leading character who knows nothing of the value of bird and animal life and ruthlessly kills all that he meets. His conversion with that of the whole family, to the love of wild life is the theme of the book. Dr. Plummer in the course of the conversation is given an opportunity to teach wonderful lessons in the conservation of bird life and its value to the farmer, and to direct the people in the care and companionship of birds. The dialect in the conversations be- tween the two families is a little difficult, at first reading, but as one be- comes accustomed to the style, it grows as attractive as the study of the subject becomes fascinating to people of all ages. In the development of the story Dr. Plummer introduces his lessons and ideals with telling effect and with alluring interest to the reader. Dr. Plummer is a recog- nized authority on bird and animal life throughout the nation; and in Utah, is beloved and well known for his work in nature study, and for his fellow- ship with the boy scouts. Throughout the book we find characteristic de- scriptions of his accustomed tramps into the native wilds, and the use he makes of them. There is a rich example in the beginning of chapter 17. The book is charming, new in style, and keeps one informed and guessing throughout. Dr. George Wharton James, the western historian and well known Indian scout, says in the introduction to the book: "I regard these chapters as one of the most valuable contributions of the century to the literature of pedagogy, and I earnestly commend them to teachers and students everywhere." 1152 IMPROVEMENT ERA Messages from the Missions Ten Baptisms in Leeds Elder G. Poulsen, conference president, Bradford, England, writing June 15, reports that so far this year there have been ten baptisms in the Leeds conference, and that during the week they had three more applica- tions. "We look forward with great anticipation for the date the Eras arrive, because of the splendid articles and instructions they contain. It is the one Church periodical that links us with the other missions of the world, and we highly appreciate it." Elders laboring there: W. McCracken Smith, Smithfield, Idaho; Rudger C. Atkin, St. George; Wallace P. Galbraith, Blanding; W. Scott Day, Parowan, Utah. Joel A. Smith, Holbrook; Grant Y. Anderson, Malad City, Idaho; Clifford Cook Provo; Lester W. Fry, Morgan; Aaron P. Lieshman, Wellsville, Utah. Elizabeth K. Poulsen, Guy A. Poulsen president of Leeds con- ference, Twin Falls, Idaho; Ralph S. Gray, Salt Lake City; visitors: David 0. McKay, president of the British Mission; Emma Ray McKay, Ogden, Utah; Russel H. Blood, of the Liverpool office, Kaysville, Utah. Missionaries in Japan striving to Live and Teach the Gospel From the Japan mission under date of May 8: "We feel that you are doing much good in the publication of the Era, for it has many inspira- tional writings, talks and instructions. It is one of the greatest helps in mis- sionary service we have. We all wish its valuable instructions and great helps in missionary service, its moral, up-lifting influence could be success- fully carried over to the Japanese without going through the hands of the translator. We have a great number of students who can read and speak the English language, and to these its great message 'carries over;' but they are only few and we feel certain that if thousands of others could get in touch with it, the message of truth would prosper in this nation. As missionaries we are striving to live the gospel, teach it by example as well as by precept. May the blessings of the Lord come in contact with the message the Latter-day Saints have to give. — Ernest B. W oodward, Mission Secretary. Conference in Nevada Elder H. R. Winterton of the Nevada conference, California mission, reports a conference held at Sparks, Nevada, May 26-28, with six meetings, including a special priesthood meeting, a Relief Society session, an illustrated lecture on Ancient Civilization, and three general sessions. President Joseph W. McMurrin was present and gave valuable and timely counsel to the assembled Saints. Other officers present were Gustive O. Larsen, superin- tendent of mission Sunday schools; Sharp W. Daynes, editor of the mission paper, The Calimis; Margaret K. Miller, president of mission Relief Socie- ties; Ruth Tanner, president of the mission Primary and Y. L. M. I. A.; and conference president, Harry Hanson. All the meetings were very well attended, there being a total attendance of 703, and great hospitality was extended to all visitors by the Sparks and Reno Saints. One of the interesting features was the lecture by Elder Larsen on "Ancient American Civilization," showing actual photographs of ruins found in Central America and near Los Angeles. On the 28th, the missionaries and Saints enjoyed a trip to Bowers Mansion and visited the state prison at Carson City. In the evening a social was held, including a program, games and refreshments. ^^M 1 1 III 1 1 III C 3 1 1 1 1 III 1 1 Mi C 3 1 1 1 1 III 1 1 III C 3 1 1 1 1 Ml I Mil F 3 1 1 1 1 III 1 1 II I C 3 1 J ! I H 1 1 1 II I C 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 j I H J C 3 II 1 1 IJ1 1 1 1 lj^ ^IIIIIIIIIII[]|||IIIIIIIIIC3IIIIIIIIIIIIC]|||||||||||IC]IIIIIIIIIIIIC3IIIIIIIIIIIIE]IIIIIIIIIIII[3IIIIIIIIIIII^ Note to all Organists The manual for organists, prepared by the General Music Committee, is now ready and may be obtained at the Deseret Book Company, Salt Lake City for 25c. a copy. It is urged that all organists obtain a copy immediately and join the stake monthly class which should be held at the same time the choristers hold theirs. The two choruses will then parallel each other. It is very important that stake organists take up their class work without delay according to the instructions contained in the manual. — Melvin J. Ballard, Chairman Church Music Committee. Choristers' Manual Lesson II — The Choir (Organization) By Edward P. Kimball Organization and system are necessary to success, and the choirs of the Church can receive help by considering aids to organization. The form of organization which the choir will take is two-fold — that of itse'f as a singing body; and the executive form, either within or outside it, such as may be called into service in the conduct of its affairs, aside from its sing- ing. The chorister is called to the work by the proper authority, and upon him is placed the authority and responsibility of leadership. Under the di- rection of, and in closest consultation with, the bishops, he should be given full charge of the choir. This does not preclude the operation of any assisting agencies, within or without the organization, but simply holds up the motto: "No responsibility without corresponding authority." The existence in the ward of a regularly appointed music committee need and should not change this charge. As chorister of the choir he is but a member of the committee and is held responsible for the organization he represents just as each of the others is. In his own field of activity, the choir, the chorister has specific privi- leges and responsibilities, the consummation of which are vital to the life and efficiency of his organization. Among these are the selection and placing of singers; selection of music for all occasions; and the conduct of rehearsals. In these matters the chorister must have a well-defined policy, but should not rule with absolutism. All the qualifications enumerated in Lesson I will here find operation if the labor is to be done without friction. In the selection of singers, the Chorister should make a survey of the available talent in the ward, not forgetting the young folks who may at present seem somewhat immature, but who may be of service in the future. There are many ways in which this may be done, but none better than to make visits to the sessions of the auxiliary organizations, especially to those who give special time and attention to singing. At present the Sunday schools are devoting themselves to the introduction and developing of part singing. At these sessions many voices are being discovered, and the chorister will do well to make use of such opportunities to become ac- quainted with growing material; for, no matter how excellent the older voices may be, young voices should be added from time to time, both to give the quality of their voices to the choir, and to guarantee trained singers for the future. r MESSAGES FROM THE MUSIC COMMITTEE 1155 Successful choristers agree that, when once the singers have been selected by the chorister, they should be called to the choir work by proper authority, namely, the bishop, just as others are called to various positions in the ward. This adds dignity to the position of choir-member, and lessens the danger of a duplication of offices. Singers so called by the bishop should be re- leased from such other positions as might interfere with the free and pleasant fulfilment of responsibilities as choir-members. In the choice of singers the chorister will find many desirable voices whose possessors are unable to read music. He will do well to establish classes in sight-reading where these may be taught how to read. This is greatly to be desired in a choir with experienced and trained singers, who might lose interest and enthusiasm from the constant repetition of passages, and the consequent slow progress of inexperienced singers who must be taught by ear. This condition exists frequently in localities where, owing to lack of music-supervision in the schools, boys and girls are not taught to read music. If prospective members could be made to see that service in the choir would really benefit them by offering them an avenue to service in the Church, the choir would feel a new stimulus in their desire to join. It is not enough to impose upon them a duty of membership; this service can and ought to be made pleasurable and profitable. As to what tests should be submitted to new members depends largely upon local conditions and persons. A musical community, and a trained and ex- perienced chorister, will justify more exacting requirements than a com- munity where opportunity for musical training has been meager, and where only poorly equipped talent is obtainable for chorister. One hope of the Music Committee, in projecting these lessons, is that the study of them will result in higher standards in all these matters. Any good voice, backed by an owner who is willing to give his best to choir work, should be taken in, and when once a member, he should recognize the leadership of the chorister. Assisting agencies will depend on local conditions. It is desirable to keep a record of choir activity, such as attendance at rehearsals and services, a list of selections, as sung, so as to avoid repetition and monotony, business transacted at choir meetings, etc. For this work a secretary ought to be chosen, who may be of valuable service to a director, if he is tactful, wise, and sympathetic. A librarian may be a help, if taught to function properly. He should keep the music in good order, distribute it and col- lect it, as determined upon before the rehearsal or service, so that harmony may be maintained at all times. Cooperation and agreement between the chorister and the organist is one of the greatest helps in maintaining an efficient choir. This subject will be treated later. If a choir committee is chosen, it should be with the complete sanction of the chorister, and its members should be persons with whom he can work agreeably. A committee chosen in any other way becomes "a society for the prevention of the peace and efficiency of choir directors." There can be no objection to such a committee handling social affairs and concerts of the choir, but they should not attempt to be other than assistants to the chorister in carrying out his plans. In the choir's work, after the vocal material is in, the great need to insure musical results, is the balance and arrangement of parts. This will be treated in a later lesson, but it should be mentioned here under organi- zation, so we quote from Evan Stephens, the veteran conductor, as follows: jij r "I should aim to have my choir made up of a well-balanced body of singers, representing a male choir and a female choir, each of four parts — first and seconds of each of the soprano, alto, tenor and bass. When I say well balanced, I do not mean it in the numerical sense, but in the general 1156 IMPROVEMENT ERA harmonious balance of all. Often six good altos, three first and three second, or lower, will fairly balance double the number of light sopranos, sufficiently at least to chord well. Also three first tenors and a similar number of seconds will serve for a choir of twice the number of bassos, although a nearer number in each part is advisable and should be aimed at." The business of the choir is to sing, and any organization must look to the realizaton of this mission — only such will be efficient. Upper: The Arizona Temple, Mesa, September 5, Looking Northeast Lower: The Temple at Mesa, September 5, East and North Sides