I had the good fortune to go to a fairly large high school in Seattle ([Teddy] Roosevelt High School) in the late 1940s—prehistoric times) that had exemplary music, art, and drama departments. Every year, they put on a full-blown musical, such as Show Boat or The Fortune Teller, and a Senior Play, a full-length drama such as You Can't Take It with You or Our Town. Advised by faculty, but all of the acting and singing was done by students.

And the school had a full symphony orchestra, which provided music for these events, along with a couple of concerts a year. Although it was conducted by one of the music teachers, all of the musicians were students. They also gave a couple of full concerts each year.

Roosevelt was also fortunate in that it had a full concert hall (capacity, 1,500), frequently rented by musicians and drama groups not connected with the school.

Two of my personal friends at Roosevelt High School were Barbara Johanson (later, Coffin), a big voiced soprano, who went on to sing with Seattle Opera and several other opera companies, and Frank Bouley, who sang a bit part with Bing Crosby in "Mr. Music," then went to Broadway, where he performed in a number of musicals, including "DamnYankees."   He also had bit parts in around fifty movies. A substantial number of other Roosevelt grads went on to careers in music and acting, aided by the excellent training and experience they got in high school.

I am all for music, art, and drama in the schools, not just for the training and experience the participating students get, but the opportunity for the other students, along with their family and friends, to experience these surprisingly profession quality events.

Some students who just watched and listened at the time, might just be inspired to become actors, singers, or musicians later on....

Don Firth