Music Minstrels THEME for JANUARY Pack 370, Portage, Wisconsin and Pack 7, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

◆ This month there will be musical games, new Cub Scout songs to sing, and a minstrel show planned and put on. It’s going to be a big month, and the following ideas will help make it so.

Naturally, we can’t tell you which type of music is most typical in your section. That is something Pack and Den leaders will discover during December in preparation for the January theme. School music teachers can help, as well as most libraries. Each Den can choose a song and do it in costume for the minstrel show.

Of course, the boys of the Southwest will be singing cowboy songs such as “Home On the Range,” “Headin’ For the Last Round-Up,” “Cowboy’s Lament,” The boys of New England may choose to sing sea-farin’ chanteys, such as “Blow the Man Down,” or “Reuben Ranzo.” (A laughable stunt would be to have a Cub Scout on stage going through singing motions while a hidden “basso profundo” sings “Rocked In the Cradle of the Deep.”) Boys of the South will probably sing southern ballads and spirituals.

HOMEMADE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

You will find this a most popular field with Cub Scouts. They can actually make instruments that will have musical tones as well as being comedy take-offs of actual instruments. You will find a page of ideas for homemade musical instruments on page 17 of this issue of Scouting.

Naturally, it’s a lot more fun to make these instruments if the boys know they are going to use them in your Pack meeting or minstrel show.

Perhaps each Den will have its own “kitchen cabinet” type of band. All Dens can practice the same songs, then come together at the Pack meeting in one big band and play them together.

Another interesting field is to make rhythm instruments which boys play to the tune of a phonograph record. Rhythm instruments include pot cover cymbals, rattles, blocks of wood, and tin cans.

CUB SCOUT MUSICIANS

Perhaps there is a boy in your Den who does most things poorly but plays or sings well. This is the month he can shine. Encourage boys with musical instruments to practice their best numbers and play or sing solos for the minstrel.

You will probably find several boys in your Den, and surely a number in your Pack, who will be interested in writing Den or Pack words to old time songs. Occasionally we even find a boy or two who can compose simple music and words so that a Den can have an entirely original song.

GROUP AND FAMILY SINGS

Why not suggest that each Den Mother invite boys and parents of her Den into her home on a Sunday afternoon. They could sing old time songs together, and boys who play instruments can put on an informal recital for parents. Perhaps there will be a dad or mother who can sing a solo.

In addition to Den sings, families will enjoy singing together occasionally. None of these things will happen—Den Mothers won’t think to ask the parents over, and boys won’t be asked to play their instruments—unless you push the idea.

JANUARY PACK MEETING TIPS

The Cubmaster or member of the Pack Committee can give a short talk on the importance of parents looking for opportunities to recognize their sons for having done projects found in the Achievement Program. Many times boys will complete projects without realizing they are meeting a requirement for an Achievement. For example, a boy may make a boat just because he is going to a lake and would like to have one to sail. Unless his parents point out that he has met the requirements for the Model Boats Elective, he may never receive credit for it.

Opportunity should be given for parents to ask questions on the Achievement Program. The Cubmaster 15should also cover current items, such as condition of the Pack Thrift Plan, attendance, etc.

JOINT MEETING.

You will find minstrel show tips on page 16, but here are a few suggestions on how your meeting may be adapted to the minstrel show idea:

If there are badges to award, award them immediately after the separate meeting, so you will not cut into minstrel show time. Before the show explain to the boys the program for the month ahead, and interest them in the Blue and Gold party.

Skip a formal closing this month. Close your Pack meeting with the grand finale of the minstrels. Make all announcements before the show begins. On page 16 you will find some ideas on preparing and staging your minstrel show. Here we are concerned mostly with the regular Pack meeting outline.

Pre-Opening.

During the pre-opening, boys remain in uniforms rather than wear minstrel costumes. Save the costumes as a surprise. Each Den should have a table available for exhibits developed during the month, especially homemade instruments, music scrapbooks, Cub Scout-composed music, etc.

Separate Meetings.

During this period Den leaders, with the help of others if necessary, should help the boys get ready for the minstrel show. It will not be difficult in the time allowed, because in most minstrels only end men wear blackface. Leaders should also make sure the boys know their songs, jokes, and stories. Just before opening the joint meeting, the boys should be lined up ready to begin the minstrel.

While the boys are busy reading for the minstrel, the Cubmaster meets with all parents. Since the January Pack Leaders’ meeting will probably take place before the January Pack meeting, plans will probably be well established for the Blue and Gold party in February.

The Cubmaster should explain Blue and Gold plans to parents, doing his best to build their enthusiasm for making it the high spot of the entire year. He should explain the way in which food will be handled, announce the names of those who will serve on committees, etc.

You’ll find specific helps for planning and producing your minstrel show, as follows: PROGRAMS (“Gentlemen, Be Seated”) page 16; Homemade MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS page 17, and DEN REHEARSALS (“Den Doings”) page 19.

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