The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1865-11-03
The Convention at Kirkland.

The Convention at Kirkland.
meeting of the Union Musical Associa.
ton was hold at tho Congregational Church
in Kirkland, Oct 10Th and Goth. This Con.
ventiop, in all its essential features, was the
counterpart of other meetings of the Asso.
citation. As usual, tho utmost harmony
and good feeling prevailed during the ses.
sion. Those from abroad wero entertained
in tho best possible mannor by the people
of tho place, and tho writor of this consid-
erod it very unfortunate that ho was unable
to be in moro than one place at tho same
time, being thereby obliged to decline sev.
eral invitations to partako of the hospital.
tiles of Kirkland friends.
part of the choruses sung on this oc.
casion were from tho cantata of "The Pill.
grim Fathers" tho remainder. together with
the glees, were from tho "Coronct," new
work by Geo. F. Root, lately purchased for
the use of tho Association. .
The Concert passed off apparently to tho
satisfaction of all concerned. A song, "Un.
dor the Rock" by Mr.. lowell Little, and
another, by Miss Bette Gilmore, were sung
with fine effect. A goodly uumbor OF
quartotts were presented and admirably ex.
ccuted. Receipts of the Concert, $45.
The exercises were led by Prof. Webster
who remarked that this was tho seventh
time no had met the Association in tho ca
pacity of Conductor. He certainly pears
well. The object of the Association is tho
cultivation of vocal music" 1t is therefore
desirable that conductor be not only able
TO lead tho singing, but also to givo the
necessary explanations and Instructions ia
regard to tho elementary principles o
music. Webster is great on making shorI
speeches, when before class during thoin.
tervas of singing Whenever mistake is
made in enupciation or expression, il is sure
to be noticed, and, if it bo the result oI
carelessness, tho singers sometimes catch il
rather severely. Ho has made music the
study of his life, and his remarks are al.
very lucid and instructive. l cannot repea,
his language, but will endeavor to give the
substance of tho remarks he has, from time
to time, made before tho members of the
Association.
The cultivation o: music is duty for the
purpose of qualifying US to sustain the
music of the church. Music is ono of the
essential exercises of the sanctuary. There
are in our places of worship, every Sabbath
multtudes who o6ght to be engaged ir
raising tho songs of joy and praise towards
the Throne of Heaven. 1t is the duty o.
all to "unbury their talents" cultivate
them, consecrate them, and use them ir
praise of their Giver. .....
1t is the duty of the minister to ipteres
himself in the music and urge upon BIZ
church and congregation their duty to cul
tivate and sustain the same. He should re
gard good music as an Invaluable means fol
the edifcaton of his own soul, and also tha
of his hearers. He should be soicitous tha
his people shall offer an acceptable sacrifice
of praise,shall sing well the "Songs of Zion.
In order to sing we'll, great care is requis
lie. Singers insensibIy fall into bad habits
We should endeavor to articuate each wore
distinctly. 1t is not uncommon to hear con
sonants, such as m, nd, I. &C., at the close
of the word, reserved and applied to the
word tina: follows, which perverts or de-
stroys the sense. The great secret of dis
tinct, correct enunciation is, to sing the VOW
els and speak the consoDants.
Expression is allowed by all to be the
chief excellence of singing. The singer mus
breathe into his performance the brea th o
life. This may be done by being imbued
with the true sentiment of what is sung
Do you sing of war? Tho heart must be
filled with the spirit that anmatos the sold
er in the hour of battle. We should hea,
the booming cannon, the clash of arms, and
the shouts of victory. Do we sing of the
praise of God' We must feel his goodness
his infinite purity and holiness, and the heart
must be touched with q love of that purity
aud holiness. Then might we expect the
music of the sanctuary to be what it should
be, the legitimate language of devotion.