OUR LIGHT OPERA GENIUS Victor Herbert’s _Natoma_, given by the Chicago Opera Company in 1911, is an Indian story and one of his two grand operas. Born in Dublin, Ireland (1854), Herbert was the grandson of the novelist Samuel Lover. He was educated in Germany, and was a fine ’cellist. He came to the Metropolitan Opera orchestra as first ’cellist in 1886, and since then until his death in 1924, he delighted every one with his incomparable melodies in light operas. After Patrick Gilmore’s death, Herbert in 1893, became bandmaster of the 22nd Regiment band which had become famous in 1869 and 1872 for two monster Peace Jubilees held in Boston. We think the 20th century, the age of gigantic enterprises, but——! for the first Jubilee, Gilmore had a chorus of 10,000 voices, and a band of 1,000! Not satisfied with this volume, in the second Jubilee he doubled the number! He also had cannons fired to increase the drum battery! From Gilmore’s Band, Herbert became conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony, also guest conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, but he had made such a success as composer of light operas, that he finally devoted all his time to the theater. Among Herbert’s most popular successes are: _The Serenade_, _The Idol’s Eye_, _Babes in Toyland_, _Mlle. Modiste_, _Naughty Marietta_, _The Madcap Duchess_, etc. Julian Edwards (1855–1910), like Victor Herbert was born a British subject, in Manchester, England, and was a successful composer of light opera. He also wrote many sacred cantatas. SOUSA, THE MARCH KING Our most famous bandmaster is America’s “March King,” John Philip Sousa (1856), once leader of the United States Marine Band. Who has not marched to _Stars and Stripes Forever_, _Washington Post_, or _Liberty Bell_? Who does not love them, be he “high” or “low brow”? With Sousa leading, the band has played around the world, and no American composer is better known abroad. In fact, Sousa’s music was considered as “typically American” twenty years ago as is jazz today. ANOTHER INDIAN OPERA Now for the Redskins again! Charles Wakefield Cadman’s Indian opera _Shanewis_ was given at the Metropolitan Opera House in 1918. Cadman is well known for many songs which have become popular, _At Dawning_ and _The Land of the Sky-blue Water_, a lovely Indian song. Born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania (1881), Cadman received musical training in Pittsburgh. For some years he has been living in California. Another Pennsylvanian, who spent several years among the Indians, studying their music and using genuine themes for his opera _Poia_ is Arthur Nevin (1871), younger brother of Ethelbert Nevin. For several years he was professor of music at the University of Kansas. A professor at the same college is Charles Sanford Skilton (1868), writer of many cantatas and orchestral Indian dances.