Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1840-09-21
FOR VICE PRESIDENT,
JOHN TYLER.
OF VIRGINIA.
MUSICAL CONVENTION.

MUSICAL CONVENTION.
In compliance with the invitation from the PEG
pile Of Newbury, for a Musical Convention to be
holden at Seminary village on the 10Th and ] It'll
of June,-met at The Old Meeting house of said
village on the morning oil the 10Th lust. The
singers aud players Of music with 'the lovers oil
song of different denominations of Christians
from the adjoining towns, and from ST. Johnsbu.
ny, Peacham, Danville, Waterford, Burke, Barre
Montpelier, Chelsea, Brookfed, Rundo H. Roy
alton, Barnard, Lyme, N. II. and other places OF
both States forming an assemblage Of people,
and company OF singers when united with the
music loving inhabitants of the town and with
the three strong and well regulated choirs of the
same, of vast magnitude and great vocal power.
Convention called TO order by Joseph Berry
Esq. of Newbury
PRAYER by Rev. Mr.. Sutherland of Bath, N. II.
Voted to appoint committee Of five to noml,
nate officers for the Convention.
Onmo,ion of d.. X. Burnham, Messrs T.. X.
ProuIy, Simeon p. Cheney, Moses f.. Cheney,
Major Fenton, of St. Jolnsbury, and Rev. H.
Twitchell, of RoyaltOn, were appointed the COM
mllee to nominate oflicers--they made the follow
ing Report;
Rev. AMAsA Buck, Lyme, N. H., Pres.
lion. a. B. W. TENSrr, Newbury' Iiee
DIR. Boss, Royaon, } c..,.
l.. b. TrpnErrs Newbury, Secretaries
On motion OF Mr.. NJ. f. Cheney, Mr.. e. X.
Prouty was voted leader of the Choir during the
Convention.
On motion of $. Austin, Esq of Bradford, it
was made the duty OF the chair TO nominate a
committee Of seven TO draft resolutions expressive
of the sentiments of the Convention. The chair
nominated the following, which were elected:
Nj. T.. Cheney, Montpelier,
f.. X. Prouty, Newbury,
s. p. Cheney, Ncwbury,
s. Austin, Esq. Bradford,
Rev. Mr.. Hume, Fcachuui,
Rev. u. Twitchell, Royaion,
Joseph Berry, Esq Newbury.
Voied, on motion Of J. Berry, Esq. that this
committee report tomorrow morning, and that
their report he made the order of the day.
On molon of 5. Austin, Esq. in favor OF a
committee OH business, 10 be acted upon by the
Convention, the chair nominated Seth Austin,
Esq. Col Jacob Kent, and Joseph Berry, Esq.
who were voted the Committee. The committee
forthwith reported the business of the forenoon 30
consist of pertinent remarks from clcrgymen aud
others present. After some interesting remarks
by the President, touching the musical habits OF
the East, followed 10y S. p. Cheney, Rev. Mr.
Sutherland was called for by S. Austin, Esq. Alr.
S. responded in an address to the Convention,
expressive of his great love for music, his belief
in It's utility, and his admiration seeing many
assembled. Complncnted the singers by saying
that he never but once had been more delighted
by any musical performance, than by the present
Spoke OF The advantages of keeping up for devo
tonal Use few old tunes with which all might
lie familiar Spoke of the senstveness of sing
ers, and in his own genlemanly manner gave
few SiCeet hits upon that point. Rev. g. WCamp-
bell wished That some one or more would give the
probable proportion of those possessing singing
gifts. lie wished 10 know if all could learn to
sing. Also, why it was that singers should harbol
feelings so dscordaDt TO each other, rs they often
do, when il is maintained that music tends TO pro.
mote love and good will in sthe hearts OF those
who are under Gits influence Rev. MIR. Hume
Mr.. NJ f.. Cheney, Rev. Z. Twilchell, and Others
followed with remarks.
Mr. Cheney remarked upon Mr.. Camphels
first question respecting the universally of the
musical talent, that he mad no doubt of lis beinl
universal or nearly SO. He believed musical in
strucllon might he suited to nearly every case, Sc
as 10 he attended with successful results Tina
oil had the musical talent TO some extent planted
within them, was made certain from the fact iha
we are all capable oil using the same infections o
voice. in speech. He asserted that all difference,
between sounds were perfect musical, and who
ever is able 10 apprehend difference between
the sound Of breaking crockery aud that of The
falling of chairs, has SO lar musical discernment
and though it NIGH; be small, like grain Of mus
tard seed, he believed that every one possessel n
germ that might he tutOred inOa state Of useful.
ness, Mr.. TwtcheII remarked upon the question
OF discoIdant feelings among singers; that these
wicked feelings were independent CT any influence
that music had upon those possessing them
People oiunhappy dispositions were in all employ.
menIs inclined to make trouble, and though nu-
SIC had tendency 10 doaWay evil, it could not be
expected to work miracles.
singers requested 10y their conductor to meet al
o'clock TO rehenrse. Adjourned 10 half past 9
O'Clock, p. m the house being still, having lis
tened 10 the rehearsal Of several well pel formed
anthems, the hour was announced The choir
sang, followed by a prayer from Mr. Sutherland,
when the convention was open for business. Very
useful dissertations were made by the choir, Rev
Mr. Sutherland, Rev. Mr.. BahcOck, of 1hetiord
Rev. G. W. Campbell, Rev. Mr.. Hume Mr.. T..
X. Prouy and 5. 7. Cheney Mr.. Campbell
wished to know If it was eXpedlent to place the
best singers promiscuously among the poorer ones
TO aid them by their yOices-he had asked The
question before, aud he wished those who were
wiser upon that subject than himself would make
known the iacis. Mr.. Prouly modesly responded
that it was universally the opinion of chorlstcrs,
that The better singers should be enclusered near
each olherto form centre that should give char
acter 10 the whole. Mr.. 5. Z. Cheney suid he be-
lleved ms MIR. Z. did that il we would secure a
correct performance ii was well TO have The man
strength of the choir somewhat compact Tho
Song, Woodman spare that lroe,' was called for,
and sung by ). z. Cheney, with his usual degree
OF palhos. Singing by the Choir
Hdlonrned to meet next day at 10 o'clock,at the
same place.
THURSDAY, l0o'clock. Meeting called to order
by The chair Order of exercises of the day an
nounced by 5. Austin, Esq. from the committee