Film and education; a symposium on the role of the film in the field of education ([1948])

APPLICATIONS OF THE FILM IN MUSIC EDUCATION 1. Film music must be synchronized with the action. The two should blend perfectly so that seeing and hearing are actually one experience. 2. Film music uses the memory of the listener to build dramatic climaxes. Themes recur to express the recurrence of characters and situations. The "insanity" theme in the motion picture Spellbound illustrates this principle. 3. Film music must be understandable. The simple tune whistled by a barefooted boy needs no explanation, neither does a complex orchestration accompanying the burning of Atlanta in Gone with the Wind. A complex musical score can be perfectly understandable when the picture itself is being well expressed. 4. Film music must be technically perfect. Although "perfection" is not of this world, its spirit dominates the technology of the film industry. High standards are usually achieved in tonal balance, intonation, timing, coherence, and faithful recording and reproduction. Teacher Aids for Developing Appreciation of Film Music Photoplay studies — The motion picture industry is gradually supplying useful aids to teachers. A series of pamphlets entitled Photoplay Studies was published from 1935 to 1940 by Educational and Recreational Guides, Inc. Although they may be out of print, library copies might be available for use with reissues of such films as They Shall Have Music, starring Jascha Heifetz, Moonlight Sonata, starring Ignace Jan Paderewski; and The Great Victor Herbert, starring Walter Connolly. National Film Music Council — Under the direction of Grace Widney Mabee, founder-chairman, the National Film Music Council is now providing film music information to teachers. Through its Film Music Notes published bi-monthly from September through May (250 East 43rd Street, New [181]