To the editor:

I save my copies of the Clarion because I dream of some day writing a history of what I hope will be four decades at Bethel.  Historical perspective is a great antidote to polarization based on emotional reaction to singular experiences.

Having read the last three issues of the Clarion, I decided to explore last year's issues in the light of the charge that the Clarion is one-sided in its coverage of the music groups and musical performances.  It is--but decidedly in favor of the department.  Here are my findings based on hurried but comprehensive scanning of all but the last two issues, which undoubtedly gave coverage to the music department's contributions to commencement activities and did include a feature article on Mr. Thomas' leave of absence this year.

During the period from September, 1968, to May, 1969, there was no editorial comment regarding the music department, performing groups, or taste in music.  The College Choir was featured in six news stories, including a full-page spread on its European concert tour.  Most of the stories were written by members of the choir; none were unfavorable.  The Women's Choir received coverage in two news stories; the College Band's performances were also featured twice.  In my haste I may have overlooked any mention of the Male Chorus with which I have toured as a faculty representative nine years.

The senior recitals of music majors were announced in four substantial items.  A story on the career plans of one of the graduating seniors was also featured in one of the issues.  A new sacred recording by one of the seniors received favorable notice in the Clarion.  Forthcoming recitals by members of the music faculty were publicized in two issues, and an interesting feature article was that on the Paul Christian's musical instrument collection.  A workshop featuring Calvin Marsh and a front-page article on the Suzanne Bloch (lutenist) convocation were a part of Clarion coverage.

Only two news articles featured what I shall call recent vintage music--one on the Avant Garde duo and another on the Ylvisakers--both playing "religious" music set to contemporary idiom in on-campus, all-school performances.  There were subsequent reviews on both that included critical comment.  One other review, generally positive, gave attention to the New Folk, who had appeared in chapel.  Among the numerous contributions of Chuck Myrbo were only four separate columns dealing with his appreciation for the Beatles and some rock music.

Four letters to the Clarion balanced each other in twosomes.  Dr. Berglund, in a lengthy letter, cogently stated his reaction to certain Clarion reviews and some of his own philosophy of what constitutes worthy music.  A freshman (not Myrbo), in a well-stated letter of the same length, developed a not-altogether contrary point of view, rising to the defense of groups like the New Folk.  The other twosome consisted of a letter blasting the faculty for not attending the Ylvisaker concert, and another that defended their right not to come and hear the Ylvisakers.

The only notice that the Department of History and Political Science received was obliquely through a letter to the editor and a Myrbo column that gave generally favorable notice to the senior recital of one of its double majors.

Recent letters to the editor imply a Clarion crusade to undermine the music faculty and their performing groups.  In the October 24 editorial (that could stand some professional editing, to be sure), the editor raised two questions only:  (1) are the musical tastes of the department and its performing groups representative of those of the average Bethel student; and (2) does the young person who hears and observes the choirs on tour get a fulsome picture of the varied student culture he may encounter at Bethel?  For the answers to these two questions, look and listen about campus.  The editorial did not call into question the professional competence nor the tremendous contributions of the Department of Music to the campus.

Unbalanced treatment?  Nay!

Roy C. Dalton
Chairman of Department of
History and Political Science