The talking machine world (Jan-June 1925)

152 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD April 15, 1925 IN THE MUSICAL MERCHANDISE FIELD — (Continued from page 151) National Interest in the Harmonica Continues Concert by Junior Orchestra in Philadelphia Shows What Can Be Done With This Instrument— Other Activities of Importance Harmonica interest continues to sweep the country by storm. This interest is not restricted to any one locality, but is found everywhere. Philadelphia was the recent scene of a big event held in the Metropolitan Opera House of that city. It was in the form of a concert given by the Civic Junior Symphony Orchestra, Civic Junior Band and Boys' Council Harmonica Band. Al. N. Hoxie, Jr., musical director of the Boys' Council, before an audience of about forty-three hundred persons, directed the band of one hundred players. William J. Haussler, vice-president and general manager of M. Hohner, Inc., New York, harmonica manufacturer, attended the event. Mr. Haussler, who is responsible for this tremendous interest in the harmonica, was well pleased with the renditions of the various numbers. In commenting upon this affair he stated. "To hear them play the old folk songs in an exceedingly pleasing and skillful manner was heartening enough, but to hear them give such a serious piece of musical composition as Dvorak's New World Symphony in a four-part arrangement was nothing short of amazing. The sight of one hundred boys playing this large movement seriously and beautifully justifies our faith in the harmonica." Johnstown, Pa., now has a harmonica orchestra of its own, directed by Leo J. Buettner. This boys' band played its initial concert on Washington's Birthday and as a result of its playing has received many subsequent engagements. In Altoona, Pa., a recent innovation was held in the form of a harmonica concert which was open to all the students in the Roosevelt, Jr., High School. F. A. Winter & Son, local music dealers, presented the first prize. The contest called for the playing of old familiar tunes as well as some of the tunes of the present day. The prize winners were each presented with a Hohner harmonica. In Washington, D. C, the Hohner harmonica was heard from radio broadcasting station WRC, where H. "S. Reiss, popular headliner, rendered a number of harmonica selections. Another method by which the Hohner .harmonica is being effectively presented is through the syndication by M. Hohner, Inc., of an interesting article on the Rights of Boyhood. This article appeared in forty of the newspapers in leading cities throughout the country. Accordingly, musical dealers in these forty cities benefited through increased harmonica sales as a result of this effort on the part of M. Hohner, Inc. This editorial was written as an utterance of the editor of the local paper and as a consequence had considerable value. The import of the editorial was the growing importance of the harmonica in the development of youth and to urge the fathers and mothers of the community to interest boys and girls in the harmonica. What is described as the first organized boys' harmonica band west of the Rockies has recently been formed in Portland, Ore. This organization, known as Bushman's School Boys' Harmonica Band, has been rehearsing since last November and consists of twenty-two boys. The band has the cordial support of T. J. Gary, principal of the Bushman School, and has sprung into instantaneous popularity. From present indications it would seem that the slogan "Make 1925 a Hohner Year" will be plentifully realized by Hohner dealers. Saxophone Shop Takes Omaha Buescher Agency Well-known Band Instrument Line to Be Handled by That Firm — Already Reports Good Sales — E. L. Brown, Manager Omaha, Neb., April 6. — Arrangements have been completed between the Buescher Band Instrument Co., band instrument manufacturer, Elkhart, Ind., whereby the Saxophone Shop, of this city, will have the local agency for Buescher saxophones and band instruments. The local store will soon have a complete display of Buescher instruments and is already selling Bueschers even before the instruments have arrived, so well is the line known to local musicians. The small goods department of the Saxophone Shop is in the hands of E. L. Brown, who is an ardent Buescher fan. Organizes Music Section in Milwaukee Boys' Club Kesselman-O'Driscoll Co. Interests Itself in Developing Musical Talent of Boys in City Milwaukee, Wis., April 6.— L. M. Kesselman, of the Kesselman-O'Driscoll Co., talking machine and musical instrument dealer, is sponsoring the organization of a music section for the Milwaukee Boys' Club, to provide instruction and recreation for those boys of the city whose financial condition does not enable them to find similar interests elsewhere. Plans have been developed for giving lessons in playing the violin, piano, drums and wind instruments and the club will furnish an instrument to those boys who cannot afford the purchase price. Oliver S. Wallace, of the Kesselman-O'Driscoll Co., has been placed in charge of organizing the classes and securing the co-operation of local teachers. It is planned to organize an orchestra when the talent becomes evident withproper training. A Banjo for Every Customer \ /EGA Banjos are made in many styles and with a * wide price range. Accordingly the Vega dealer is in a position to sell to the amateur teacher or professional a guaranteed quality instrument. There is always one of the many styles to suit the prospective customer in taste and purse. Vega Banjos are sold direct to the dealer. They have an unrivalled reputation for quality, tone and appearance, as such they attain the greatest volume of sales. Established Retail Prices The VEGA Co. 155 W Columbus Ave. Boston, Mass.