Firms Bid to Record Band for Public Sale

Offers from two prominent record companies to transcribe the Harvard University Band for nationwide distribution left the organization's officers marking time last night as they awaited news on the legality of the unprecedented venture.

Joseph J. Borgatti, Jr. '45, the Band's new manager, declined last night to reveal the names of the firms involved until it could be determined whether federal laws prohibit non-union members from cutting discs for public sale.

Borgatti expressed the hope, however, that such an action will be rendered clearly within the law after January 1, when a decree goes into effect by James C. Potrillo, President of the American Federation of Musicians, forbidding Union members to make records. At present, the Band is permitted to record only strictly collegiate songs--and even then only for limited Harvard distribution.

One of two companies, Borgatti said, has asked the Band to do an album of marches for it, while the other hopes to close a contract with the College group for a series of such volumes.

Success of the Ivy League Album has already prompted Band members to cut two now records, although circulation of them must still remain very limited. At its Wednesday night rehearsal, the group transcribed the recent "Radcliffiana" medley, which is to be sold at the Annex with the 'Cliffe Choral Society on the illpover. Prokofiev's March from Opus 99 and Holst's "Suite for Band" will also be printed, but only for private distribution to members.