The Orchestra Watches the Temperature

1915

Orchestra Tuning Explained.

Doubtless many theater goers have wondered why it is a practice of orchestra musicians to make their appearance so far ahead of the time of beginning the performance and sit in their seats with nothing to do. Then, at a seeming given signal, all hands begin to "tune up," torturing the ears of the early arrivals with a series of squeaks and scrapes. The mystery was explained by an orchestra leader the other day. "The instruments have to be in accord with the temperature of the house," said he. "There may be several degrees difference between the temperature of the music room below stage and the house itself. If we tuned our violins downstairs they would all be flat when we take our places in the orchestra. For that reason we come upstairs earlier and let our instruments get the house atmosphere before the actual tuning begins." — New York Press.


A Small Horror.

The weasel is one small horror. Astonishingly strong, apparently fearless and as persevering as an ant, when once he has settled to the track of a rabbit that particular bunny is indeed in grave peril. The rabbit seems to know it too, and the knowledge to half paralyze him, for he seldom attempts the one saving chance — a straightaway, long sustained run at top speed. And the end of the patient, if-we-do-but-wait-the-hour sort of pursuit! 'Tis indeed bloody murder. The fiend within angel garb finally toils within deadly distance. There is a snakelike stroke, most likely aimed at the big vein near the butt of the rabbit's ear. Once there, the brute sticks leechlike to the blood sucking, while the trembling, wailing rabbit totters aimlessly about till its drained body falls limply to pay its tax to mother earth.—Edwin Sandys in Outing Magazine.