Music -- Physiological effect; Music, Influence of
_Instantaneous Recordings._ A few hospitals will have the good fortune
to acquire a record-cutter for hospital recording of radio music.
When this is possible, the record collection can be augmented most
satisfactorily. The music aide should study all radio programs to
determine the hours during which the best performances of desired
music are played. By listening to several carefully selected programs
each week he will soon discover which programs use music employed in a
manner most desirable for hospital reproduction. The orchestrations of
Kostelanetz and Lombardo are especially suitable for easy listening in
the field of popular music. The broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera
Association include passages not commercially recorded or at least not
recorded with the most popular singers. There are many other radio
features which are worth recording for the hospital record library.
It is relatively easy to operate a record-cutter, but there are many
minor details which must be known for maximum efficiency. An excellent
book for beginners is that published by the Audak Company of New York,
_How to Make Good Recordings_.
_Sheet Music._ A library of sheet music will once more depend upon
the local needs. It may include orchestral, instrumental, vocal, and
band music. In the hospital for the chronically ill, a large number of
varieties will be needed. Inasmuch as the simplest group performance
will be vocal, music for group singing should head the list. The music
should include old-time favorites, hymns, spirituals and any other
items which the aide can determine from the intellectual and musical
qualifications and desires of the patients. This type of music can be
purchased individually and increased according to the interest shown.
If there is a patient band, the musical scores should include a few
marches which may be used at the beginning and end of its concerts.
The perennial favorites most desirable for community singing should
constitute a major portion of the orchestral literature. The readily
available medleys of Victor Herbert melodies and similar stand-bys can
complete the initial group.
Sheet music should be catalogued and filed in cabinets. A simple system
of shelving consists of grouping music according to use: one shelf
for group playing, one for solo and beginners instrumental books, and
another for vocal selections. The numbers most commonly and currently
used by the band can be placed in folders according to the accepted
usage among bands, and if there are daily rehearsals they can remain on
the band stands at all times.
The library should also contain books, printed forms, or mimeographed
collections of songs for distribution to patients during community
singing.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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