nephews who represent the younger generation are almost all students or college graduates. In my travels in the U.S.S.R. I had the opportunity to meet people of different educational levels from professors and engineers to chauffeurs and peasants. Speaking the language fluently, I had the advantage of talking with them directly. I came out with the impression that they looked with horror at the past, that they are not content with the present, and they are striving for something better in the future. He goes on and tells about his visit with his brothers and says again that he had not seen them for 47 years. He winds up: I have been very much impressed with the persistence and the accomplishments of the Russian people. He is not talking about anyone but the people that he met. Now, the things that seem to be impressive to some of us about what the Russian people are having at their disposal now at no expense, we should mention, include a rather large amateur movement which specifies that it is, as I remember, supported by what we would call the unions. These are the houses of culture for the employees. Then there are the pioneer houses or clubs for students between the age of 10 and 14 years. We have nothing like either of those in this country because what we do have that would compare in a way in handling and achievements are entirely otherwise sponsored. I thought that you folks here, any of you who are interested, would like to avoid having to listen to me any longer but would allow me to pass to you the copies of Miss Lawler's own personal report. The official report will, of course, come out later. I do not know how soon that would be but this is in a way only official because it is objective and it tells the facts. The report, of course, will be sponsored by the Department of State. It does not tell here when it will be out. I had read this report some time ago and then read it again yesterday, and I think it is good reading for us to endure and think about because in certain ways they are beating us to it. I do not mean like the sputnik thing. This is something that will not explode all of a sudden. One of the big steps toward putting ourselves in this picture where we belong for our own people regardless of any competition will be securing not only the passage of these two bills but also informing thoroughly all citizens who are interested in the arts in their communities and in their children. I include at this point the text of my prepared remarks: Chairman Thompson and members of the Select Subcommittee on Education of the Committee on Education and Labor, ladies and gentlemen, my name is Clifford V. Buttelman and I represent the Music Educators National Conference, a department of the National Education Association of the United States. Our organization is numerically the largest and probably the most highly organized of the NEA departments. The MENC has 51 organized and well developed federated music educators associations. Although our federated organization in each of the 50 States and the District of Columbia operates through its officers and board of directors as an autonomous unit in most respects, our nearly 40,000 members are united in membership and in basic common purposes stemming from the objective to advance music education through the schools and higher educational institutions of the United States as a common cause in the development of the cultural aspects of the lives of our citizens. The number of boys and girls and older people who are coming under this influence represent literally millions of families. I am here to speak for our executive secretary who could not be present because of another engagement away from Washington. As executive secretary emeritus of the organization I am authorized, and I hope qualified, to report for our organization in support of the two bills under discussion in this hearing. Indeed I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to be here in view of the fact that I had the privilege of attending a similar hearing a year or so ago. There is no question about the interest and vital concern of the people who comprise our membership. Of the several reasons why I am glad to speak in support of H.R. 4172 and H.R. 4174, I shall mention only two, largely because the time available encourages brevity and because other witnesses admirably covered what we would say in a more detailed and complete presentation. First, it is worthy of note that the organization with which I have been associated for so many years has, almost since I can remember, joined with other groups in advocating Federal recognition of and support of the arts, including music. About 1921 our organization participated in the support of a bill to establish a forerunner of the present proposed legislation, introduced by Senator Fletcher. This bill pertained to the establishment of a National Conservatory of Music and for many years, from 1919 on, the Music Educators National Conference maintained a continuing committee activity in the general area of this type of Federal recognition of the cultural arts. Joined with the MENC in these developments were several other organizations, including the National Federation of Music Clubs, the Music Teachers National Association, and others. From time to time various bills were introduced with spreading cooperation from various organizations, including the American Federation of Musicians and others. These efforts continued through succeeding years. The issues were kept alive but nothing happened that attached the word "Federal" to any kind of music and arts project until the establishment of the Works Progress Administration music and arts programs in the early 1930's. A single quotation here from Guy Maier, Assistant to the WPA Federal Music Director: "Hundreds of (its) musicians have already been reabsorbed in gainful, private employment, their skills intact, and even enhanced, through their activities on the projects. They have been engaged by major symphony orchestras and opera companies, by school districts, bands, theaters, and by recreational centers *** Extraordinary impetus has been given to the American composer through the activities of the Federal music project. Since October 1935 more than 5,000 compositions written by 1,500 American composers have had public performances, bringing to light a creative opulence undreamed of 2 years ago. No one contends that all these compositions have lasting merit; but if even one or two masterpieces are discovered, the cause of American music will have been splendidly advanced." 1 One more reference to emphasize the reasons why the Music Educators National Conference believes in, supports, and begs for favorable action on H.R. 4172 and H.R. 4174; respectively, a bill for the establishment of a Federal Advisory Council on the Arts and the National Cultural Development Act. These two bills essentially belong together. If a poll could be made it seems altogether likely that the support of our citizens would be overwhelming. Indeed, endorsement and support of the arts with such programs as provided in these bills will be a veritable "shot in the arm" to thousands of voting citizens who are in a position in their communities to help develop, among other facets of strengthening the growth of our culture, some of the "do it yourself" agencies in the various areas of the arts. The second point is stated simply-and most of us who are familiar with the international situation know it is a pertinent issue: Federal endorsement and support of the arts in the manner prescribed by these bills will do much to enhance the stature and status of the United States around the world-especially among those countries which have given recognition to the cultural aspects of the lives of their own citizens. And now I speak of Russia. It would not be necessary to hold hearings, make speeches, or argue the appropriations in connection with a similar subject in the Soviet Union. In fact what we are arguing for here is already recognized From "Federal Music Project's Contribution to American Music," an address by Guy Maier, Assistant to the Federal Music Director, at the 1938 convention of the Music Educators National Conference, St. Louis, Mo., MENC 1938 Yearbook, p. 96. in Soviet Russia. We were terribly alarmed when Russia beat us to important space developments-to the point that many of our people recommended abandoning cultural aspects of our educational program. It is time for us to take stock. We are in a prime position to be outdistanced— and soon-in the realm of the cultural development of the people of our country, which we have proudly believed to be a world leader in providing for our citizens the means for making a living and making life worth living. Now, back to the Soviet Union. Contrary to the popular impression in the United States of America, there is no evidence that there is overconcentration on science and similar areas of education at the expense of the arts and cultural development of the Russian people. In an interview with a member of the recent U.S.A. Mission on the Arts to Soviet Republics, Mrs. E. Furtseva, Minister of Culture, who is a member of the Central Committee of the Soviet Union, the question was raised as to whether, in these days of somewhat spectacular developments in the field of science, the educational authorities of the Soviet Union are deemphasizing education in the arts in order to carry on an accelerated program of science and mathematics education. Assurance was immediately forthcoming that under no circumstances is the program of education in the arts being neglected, deemphasized, or curtailed in favor of an accelerated program in any other part of the curriculum. If there is acceleration it would seem that it is in the direction of more and more time being devoted to educational pursuits in all fields. The foregoing statement is taken from a report based on the official visit to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics prepared for the Music Educators Journal, the official magazine of the Music Educators National Conference, by Miss Vanett Lawler, executive secretary of MENC, who was a member of the mission. The mission officially represented the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and went to the Soviet Union as a functioning part of the 1959 cultural agreement between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union and Department of State of the United States. The two other delegates were Mayo Bryce, specialist in fine arts, U.S. Office of Education; Ralph Beelke, executive secretary, National Art Education Association of the NEA. (The complete, official report of the mission will be published by the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. The mission visited the U.S.S.R. for slightly over 4 weeks during the latter part of September and most of October 1960.) In the light of the discussion at this time, it would seem that Miss Lawler's report is of more than passing interest. Permission is asked, therefore, to make available copies of this pamphlet in which Miss Lawler's report is reprinted in full. It merits careful reading. Although the title of Miss Lawler's report deals with "The Arts in the Educational Program in the Soviet Union," there is much more involved than pertains directly or exclusively to the Soviet schools or curriculums per se. Perusal of this lucid and objective analysis of current facts is illuminating indeed. However, our appeal for public support is not predicated on the premise of beating Russia, but rather on a basis of the genuine need for creating a proper Federal climate for one of the greatest opportunities before us, which is the cultivation of the cultural interests and life satisfactions of the citizens of the United States in a truly American way. MOBILIZING PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE ARTS An experiment worthy of reviving at this time was initiated by the Music Educators National Conference in 1932 and 1933. When the great depression was threatening all aspects of American economy, schools, and communities, entire States and regions were coping with problems which made it seem appropriate to many citizens to eliminate all expense except the needed requirements of food, clothing, and shelter. Leading organizations throughout the United States rallied to the call of a committee organized by the Music Educators National Conference. It now seems appropriate to tell something of that story here. Particular attention is directed to the statement following under the heading “A Cultural Arts Platform for the United States of America." It should be noted that 85 organizations subscribed to and supported this platform. The following report and draft of the cultural arts platform are excerpted from a report in the 1934 Yearbook of the Music Educators National Conference." "On July 4, 1933, a meeting, called by the Music Educators National Conference Committee on Contacts and Relations, was held in Chicago, in connection with the National Education Association Convention, to stimulate and foster the fine arts, including music. This campaign was made possible through a generous contribution by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. A total of approximately 500 organizations and individuals were contacted. A hearty response was received from leaders in all parts of the country. "At the July 4, 1933, meeting, official delegates from 57 national organizations were present, representing a total membership of over 5 million American citizens. At this meeting there was adopted and endorsed by these official delegates a statement in regard to the status of the fine arts, and particularly music. "Organizations represented at the July 4 meeting issued to their members copies of the platform in three ways: (a) By distributing the copies provided by the Music Educators National Conference; (b) by duplicating (mimeographed or otherwise) copies of the statement for their members; (c) by printing the platform in their official journals. While the number of copies distributed cannot be definitely stated, we have actual figures for the distribution of over 3 million and can estimate the distribution as not less than twice that number. "Individuals and organizations present at the July 4, 1933, meeting were requested to see that copies of the platform were given to their local newspapers. This was done, although no actual attempt was made to keep clippings. Three newspapers alone, the Kansas City Star, the Louisville Courier Journal, and the New York Times would account for a distribution of approximately 1 million, and many other newspapers swelled this to a very much larger total. A conservative estimate, therefore, of the distribution of this platform would amount to not less than 10 million copies. “The influence of the platform was even wider, however, in that in a great many cases extracts from the platform and reviews of it served as the basis for editorials both in magazines and in newspapers throughout the country. "The importance attached to the project can be seen by the fact that clubs of varied itnerests, races, and creeds have been anxious to consider the activity as an integral part of their own work, in addition to their willingness to promote it as a part of their cooperation with the committee. "It is not intended that work on this project shall cease. Inquiries are being received constantly for additional copies of the platform and the committee is also receiving copies of various publications in which the platform is appearing. It is urged that all members of the conference in locations where the newspapers have not already quoted the platform in whole or in part shall bring this matter to the attention of editors so that the campaign for the recognition of music shall continue."-Osbourne MCCONATHY, Chairman. A CULTURAL ARTS PLATFORM FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA * There is urgent need for a declaration of faith that the arts are not optional luxuries for the few, but are essential for the complete living of the many. "Music and the allied arts give cheer and comfort and richness to life. They bring beauty to our materialistic civilization. Beauty contributes to the morale and stability of a nation. Social unrest gains its readiest recruits among men who have not found beauty and joy in their work and in their environment. "Our fathers faced a simpler world than ours, with relatively simpler needs. Modern inventions are shortening the working week and greatly increasing the hours of leisure. But in making this advance we have also incurred some penalties. Science and the machine have added so much to living that we may have rated them above human values. Life tends to be overmechanized. Education today must concern itself with physical and mental health and with emotional, social, and spiritual responses as well as with reasoning powers. "The responsibility of the present generation for the education of those that are to follow should not be shifted to the future. Youth must be served while it is youth. If we fail in our duty to the boys and girls of today, it cannot be made up to them in after years when prosperity returns and public funds are more 2 Report of the MENC Committee on Contracts and Relations, Osbourne McConathy, chairman, 1934 Yearbook of the Music Educators National Conference, p. 309. easily available. We have no right to unload upon the youth of today the burden of our adversity. "We, therefore, declare our faith in the arts. Curtailments in educational budgets must not be permitted to affect vitally the cultural subjects, especially music. Avocations as well as vocations must be provided for the sake of the present times and for the days of larger leisure which lie ahead." PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS The following organizations expressed sympathetic interest in the formulation and dissemination of the foregoing platform by: (1) Appointing official and accredited delegates to attend the meeting; or (2) sending unofficial observers; or (3) offering cooperation in the follow-up; or (4) notifying a member to be present at the meeting. American Association of University Women. 3 American Association of University Professors. American Council on Education. American Farm Bureau Federation. American Federation of Teachers.3 American Home Economics Association. American Legion.3 American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers." American Vocational Association, Inc.3 Arizona Education Association." Association for Childhood Education.3 California-Western School Music Conference." Chicago Artists Association." Chicago Council of Teachers of Singing. Chicago High School Music Teachers Club. Colorado Education Association.3 Council of Past Presidents, MENC.3 Eastern Music Educators Conference." Girl Scouts. In-and-About Chicago Music Educators Club. In-and-About Pittsburgh Music Teachers Club. International Society for Crippled Children, Inc. Iowa State Teachers Association. Jewish Peoples Institute.❜ Jewish Welfare Board.' Joint Commission on the Emergency in Education. Lions International.3 Los Angeles, Calif., High School Teachers Association." Massachusetts Federation of Teachers. Massachusetts League of Women Voters. Michigan Education Association." Milwaukee State Teachers College. Minnesota Congress of Parents and Teachers, Inc.* Minnesota Education Association. Mississippi Congress of Parents and Teachers." Montana Education Association." Music Education Research Council, MENC. Music Education Exhibitors Association. Music Industries Chamber of Commerce. Music Publishers Association of the United States." Music Educators National Conference." Music Teachers National Association." * Organizations which appointed official and accredited delegates to attend the meeting. |