The Vermont transcript. [volume] (St. Albans, Vt.) 1864-1870, 1864-05-27

THE AMATEUR CONCERT AT ACADEMY
HAIL.-On Friday evening, May 10th,
n concert of vocal and instrumental
music was given at Academy Hall, St
Adams, by juvenile and adult anna
teurs, under the direction of Mr.. G.. W
Ryder teacher of vocal music, and Mr.
G. A. Ravens, pianist
The young amateurs sang six pieces
including the "anvil chorus" and the
more experienced amateurs sang six
teen pieces, including solos, duets, tri-
os, quartets and choruscs from the
best masters with a piano accomponi-
ment by Mr.. Ravens
OF this concert we would say few
words, inasmuch as it was, probably,
the best amateur concert, all things
considered, ever given in st. Adams.
1t is proper to premise that it was Civ
en- for the benefit of their teacher Mr..
Ryder, who is in indifferent health, as
slight testimonial of their gratitude
for his unremitting labor on their be
half
Where SO much challenges praise ii
would be indicate, if not inyidious,
to select particular performances for
special commentator. The young and
the more advanced singers, each and
all, performed their parts with credit
to themselves and to the Obvious de
light of the audience The improve
ment of their voices and the good
taste shown in most of the selections,
were highly creditable to the teacher,
and under the leadership of Mr.. Ry-
der, aided and governed by the skill
full piano forte accompaniment of Mr.
Ravens, the amateurs acquitted them
selves in a tasteful and highly accepta-
bic manner The solo on the piano
forte played by Mr.. Ravens was, Of
course, executed skilfully betraying
superior taste and remarkable cxecu-
| ton.
A novel and interesting feature in
this amateur concert was the thor
ough manner in which the young of
both sexes were taught by Mr.. Ryder.
BY common consent the cultivation of
the voice has become an important ell
emcnt in physical and intellectual edu-
cation Aside from its being an aid to
health, vocal music is the source ofpe-
culiar and refined qualification. A cul-
tvated voice is of great utility and
power in the social circle and in pub
lie worship.
This concert, therefore, was doubly
attractive; first for the qualification
produced by the concord of swee,
sounds and then from the fact that
renewed attention is obviously being
paid in our midst to what must be re-
garded as high form of social cul-
ture
The concert was, unfortunately, not
numerously whether aris
ing from the fact that it was not seas
onably and thoroughly advertised, We
have no means of determining. We
regret that few persons signifed by
their presence their appreciation of
and sympathy with, the labors of Mcssrs
Ryder and Ravens. If rumor be cor
| rect, crowded houses in every sort o
weather, almost invariably give profita
BILE welcome to the visits Of travelling
negro minstrels and Ethiopian dan
, GERS and banjoists. That an indiifer
, enee towards a higher style of ar
, should be shown by our villagers, anc
especially when our own neighbour
- and acquaintance are striving to ex
| eel therein, seems remarkable and NOR
tifying enough.
e These remarks are prompted by
= hope that so soon as public attention
e is drawn to this subject there will be
change of taste in this regard and
p more general and substantial encour
/ agement will be given to home talent