THE PROFESSIONAL CONDUCTOR.

The work of the Pierian Sodality during the past year has been so successful that the organization is to continue the practice of employing a professional conductor. This was tried more or less as an experiment and the Pierian unquestionably showed the benefits of experienced guidance.

The advisability of turning the University orchestra over to a professional conductor, however, is distinctly a debatable point. It is much more in keeping with the spirit of such an organization to have a member of the University at the head of it. Professional coaches, of course, are a necessity in nearly every field of amateur endeavor, and the Pierian is no exception to this. It should by all means have a professional coach, but on the concert platform it should be led by one of its own members, even at the risk of a less finished performance.

The practice of employing a professional conductor is contrary to the spirit of amateurism in all collegiate activities.