The .Xavier Herald "ALL-CATHOLIC"-THIRTEEN YEARS-1932-1945

VOL. XXI XAVIER UNIVERSITY, NEW ORLEANS, LA., JANUARY, 1946 No.4 Music Department to Present Opera ---~~ . Eminent Harvard Scholar Ca~1 Maria Von Weber's Romantic Visits Xavier; Students '' Features Talented Voices Hear lUustrated Lecture

One of America's outstanding au­ 's romantic and fairy opera in three thorities in the field of architecture, acts, "Oberon", has been selected as the twelfth annual student Professor Kenneth J. Conant, A.B., grand opera production at Xavier. The scar-studded cast, headed M. Arch., PhD., LinD" of the Harvard University School of De­ by Helen Ward, Ciemma McDaniels, Earnestine Calhoun and sign, delivered a very interesting ad· Joseph Theard, is working hard to keep high the standards set in dress to the students and faculty of past productions when the current~ Xavier in the University auditorium pwduorion i, "'g,d on F,b,"~,y 17, Clemma McDaniel In Title early this month. 19, 20, and 21 III the University au- An illustrated lecture on the his­ diwium. Role Of Forthcoming Opera torically and artistically famous mon­ "Oberon," or "The Elf King's astery and church group at Cluny, Oath," was first produced at Covent France, Professor Conant's address Garden, London, April 12, 1826, in From "Deep in the Heart of revealed many Iitcle known facts English. It was first sung in Amer· Texas" comes vivacious Clemma about this historic site. As research ica at Philadelphia, March 12, 1827. Gwendolyn McDaniel, Dallas' gift to associate of the Medieval Academy Xavier's Music Department. of America, he has, since 1928, made The story of the opera is very in· important contributions toward the teresting. "Oberon (Clemma Mc­ This year, Miss McDaniel plays restoration of the early grandeur of Daniels)", the fairy king, having an important role in music circles. these monuments. His findings have quarreled with his fairy partner, She wi!! sillg the tide role in the been published in numerous Ameri­ "Queen Titania", and vows never to music department's twelfth annual can and European publications, and be reconciled to her until he shall presentation of grand opera, Carl are kept to date in "Speculum", the find two lovers constant through Maria Von Weber's delightful official organ of the academy. peril and temptation. To seek such "Oberon." Being the possessor of a Dr. Conant has been a member of a pair, "Puck (Estello Costello)­ lovely voice, Miss McDaniel the staff of Harvard University since his tricky spirit" discovers a likely has often lifcd her audience in mo· 1920, and has also been an exchange mortal in the person of "Sir Huon mentary ecstasy. (Joseph Theard and Anthony professor at the Sorbonne in Paris Being adept in the terpsichorean Green), a knight of Charlemagne's and at the National University of art, Miss McDaniel is an apt pupil Sir Huon of Bordeaux (Joseph Mexico. He came to New Orleans to the new dancing steps, however COurL" The knight is in disgrace on a return lap of an extensive trip intricate they are. Clemma. Gwendolyn McDaniel covering South and Central America. (Continued on Page 6) Miss McDaniel is a sophomore in ------the College of Liberal Arts with a major in music. She is a member Former Star of Xavier Grand Opera of the Sodality, Pyramid dub, Music University Wins Top Honors In Bond League, and one of the fifty voices Achives Fame on New York Stage comprising the Xavier chorus. Sales Contest; Celebrities Coming

According to a dispatch, recendy disclosed by the Associated Xavier University was informed that the students were first Negro Press, it was learned that Elwood Smith, a graduate of Sociology Department To III the bond selling contest sponsored by the National Association Xavier University, has a major pare in one of the new plays that Participate In City-Wide of Collegiate Deans and Registrars in Negro Schools. The contest opened in New York during the holiday season. was staged during the Eighth Victory Loan Drive. The play, "Home is the Hunter.. ,,~----'------­ Home Planning Institute ----______0 Prior to the Christmas holidays, is staged at the American Negro Campus Veterans Organize s" Macy F"nm, d"n of th, Uni- sity, announced to the student body Theatre in Harlem. Alpha Phi Alpha's Beta The acute need of better housing Mr. Smith plays the villain in the 'GI' Fraternity Chapter th" D"n G,o,g, C. G"",, pee,i­ Tau Increases Scholarship in New Orleans has been the object dent of the Association, had sent a play and he does such a swell job of concern to many interested Or­ telegram of congratulations to the "that many people haven't been able Seeking ever to be a leader and a leanians and civic organizations. The The Alpha chapter of Gamma University on winning the contest. to stop themselves from hissing New Orleans Association of Com. model, Beta Tau chapter of Alpha Iota Alpha has been founded here Xavier topped Alabama State him." merce, the New Orleans Urban Phi Alpha fraternity has endorsed a at Xavier University. Hoping to Teachers College of Montgomery, The director of the play, Abram League, the Department of Sociology program for the year that will add serve as a connection between vet­ Ala., for first place honors. The Hill has this to say about Mr. Smith: at Xavier University, and louisi­ to its attributes. Among other ac­ the erans and respective administration, maturity value of the Victory bonds "Even without experience, Elwood ana Commission of Interracial Co­ tivities, the chapter, at Christmas, also to retain a fraternal atmosphere and stamps sold at Xavier amounted is what some people call a born ac­ presented a donation to rhe Christ· operation are scheduling a home among ex-servicemen, they have to .11'22,285.20. The total sum real­ tor. When he walked out on the mas fund and the University build­ planning institute for the near fu­ elected as their officers, James Rob· stage for his tryout, and read his ize..a by the entire contest was $84,- ing fund. ture. inson, president; Howard Mason, 415.75. lines, we all knew he was the one This contribution toward the build­ The necessity for better housing is vice.president; Warren Foster, secre· we had been looking for. He has the January 30th is being looked for­ ing fund is the first of an annual of vital importance to citizens of the tary; Gervase Leathers, treasurer; aggressiveness and the belief·in-him­ ward to as the tentative date of "The offering toward this cause-a prece­ community. It is a program de· Lwellyn Sonlat, chaplain, and Oliver self that make people effective on the Big Victory RaUy" at Xavier with dent inaugurated by the present Blackwell as sergeant·at·arms. stage." signed to help the nativities of this its full share of gaiety, color, prizes, members of the chapter. Further­ area. Gamma Iota Alpha, "G.I.·Associa­ and celebrities. While a student at Xavier, Mr. more, the chapter will continue the tion", was founded in 1944 at Poly­ Some of the topics to be discussed Smith could always be found around custom of presenting a scholarship to technic Institute in Brooklyn. Wal. will include: 1. Selection and pur­ anything with a musical background. a promising freshman, but will in· ter A. Kinsley, secretary of the na· chase of the home site. 2. Legal as· President Truman Honors When the university presented an crease the amount from twenty-five pects of home ownership. 3. Financ­ tional organization stated in a letter opera, Mr. Smith usually sang lead· to eighty dollars. Also, the winner's ing and insuring of the home, as to Mr. Foster, secretary of Alpha Famous Phi Beta Sigma ing roles in such operas as trophy for the Xavier relays, as in well as real estate and income tax chapter: "We heartily welcome the "Carmen", "II Trovatore", "Mig­ former years, will be donated by Beta angles of home ownership. etc. veterans of Xavier University into January 5 has been designated as non", and "Tales of Hoffman". Tau. The institute wi!! be held once a the folds of Gamma Iota Alpha. We George Washington Carver in honor of the noted scientist. The proclam­ "When that little college staged a Another project was begun this month for six months in a conven· know that your group will be a tre­ ation which was signed by President dassic, it was done right," says Mr. year. The chapter has started a fund iently located public auditorium. mendous asset to the association as Students of the sociology department Truman calls for the displayal of Smith. to ••• the instructors never which, in future years, wi!! finance well as the guiding light at Xavier." at Xavier will call to register inter­ the flag on all government build­ felt obliged to give the operas and the erection of a frat house in the mgs. ested persons for the institute. Ad­ Gamma Iota Alpha has very cap· plays the so-called 'Negro twist'. You city-the first in rhe city. mission cards will be sent through able leaders in Messrs. Robinson, Dr. Carver, a member of Phi Beta got it straight and true. The whole At a recent meeting, new officers the mat( to all who have registered. Mason and Foster. Robinson was a Sigma fraternity, is noted for his con­ tribution to the development of agri­ town, including the Archbishop of were elected. They are: Hargroove former member of the 365th Infan- . Handsome attendance prizes will cultural products and dyes. His reo New Orleans and the foreign con- Wooten, president; Lester Relf, vice b ff d h . f h -I.e ~ ere at eae meetmg 0 t e try regiment and 92nd "Buffalo" cli· search brought forth new scientific (Continued on Page 8) I (Continued on Page 2) mstltute. (Continued on Page 6) developments and discoveries.