THE HARVARD SCUTTLEBUTT

"Music hath charms," but the "Charms" at the Navy Communications School have music now. The record hop for student officers which has been held at Phillips Brooks House for some time has blossomed into a full-fledged matinee dance with an orchestra--and charming hostesses.

At a suggestion from Welfare and Recreation Officer Lieutenant (jg) C.J. O'Neill, two men from the class of 4-43, Communications School, started the nucleus of a good band. The band, organized by Messrs. Oliver and Lysing, consists of eight men with previous experience in some field of music, and now furnishes the rhythm for the dances Monday and Wednesday evenings. They are: James W. Oliver, 4-43, Bates College '35 and Lewiston, Maine. Jim plays the trumpet and has taught it to private students as a sideline. He had his own 15-piece orchestra in Lewiston, and once was heard over a national hookup with the Fenton Brothers Orchestra on the Fitch Bandwagon.

Merving N. "Mery" Lysing, 4-43, Morehead State Teachers College '37 and Mineapolis. He plays the sax and clarinet, writes music, and has a secret ambition to play the accordion.

Everette "Buzz" Buskirk, 4-43, Indiana University and Remington of that state. He played with a Chicago orchestra, and joined the Navy in November, 1941, serving a year at the Naval Air Station in Alaska before receiving his commission. He claims music as his business, and can teach any instrument; although playing the trombone for the band. He also played for a USO troupe show before joining up.

"Gill" Geinett, 3-43, Susquehanna University '37 and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He plays the sax, his specialty arranging he likes the classics, especially Wagner, and has been in music either full time or part time since he can remember.

Melvin A. "Mel" Otterson, 4-43, Florida Southern College '41, and Miami. He plays the bass viol, and got his training at New Hampshire State Teachers College, where he was assistant band and orchestra conductor. He specializes in arranging and plays the electric guitar and the trumpet--this versatile gent also composes on the side.

Paul N. Lideen, 6-43, Northwestern '36 and Larchmont, New York. He plays trumpet for NTS and got most of his experience touring the Orient with a dance band.

Phillip M. "Phil" Sirrine, 7-43, Albion '40, and Grand Rapids Michigan. He majored in music, plays the sax and clarinet, and used to supplement his income by teaching music.

Every one of these men has played some sort of musical instrument since junior high school days. All of them were considered good enough to be featured over local radio stations, some of them regularly.

Although a versatile group of varied interests and backgrounds, they get together very well as a jive band to throw the cadence for the jam sessions at Phillips Brooks House, third deck, once a week. Attendance has increased 100 per cent since their start