Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1867-01-30

The convention held last weak by the Gen.
trail Vermont Musical Association. under The
direction Of Prof L. H. Southland. Of Boston,
vas, We should judge. the moot profitable one
to those taking par I in the class that has ever
been held BY the society. We have rarely oh.
served 90 marked an improvement in execution
and taste. in % short . space of time. Prof.
Southland showed himself master of bis pro-
fsssior, and also as possessing the qualities re-
qusite to impart bis knowledge to his class
thorough and patient, ever using his utmost ex-
ertions to correct al faults, and bring out the
correct rendering Of the music with soul and
effect. 10 his undertaking in this convention
he was successful, and established himself in
the minds Of those present, as . musician of
rare ability and Accomplishment. and one o.
the most successful conductors OF large con-
vention that Boston affords.
The class numbered about one hundred not
90 large e it should have been. considering the
territory which can easily be accommodated
by q convention at this place but those who
did not attend we're the losers, for, We learn,
so far 40 the association is concerned it vas q
success. 10 another view, the whole commune
ty are losers. by their singers missing such ad-
vantages this convention affords.
These are the only means available, to the
large mass of our musical community, to get
instruction from the masters, without which
| they cannot expect to rise above q fixed and
not high level they cannot 60 beyond their
own ideas, until they are taught. Thus music,
and especially church music, has for a long time
been at a stand-stiIl 10 Vermout-far behind
our sister states.
| We hope these conventions will DO sustained,
will be made successful, and will be generally
attended The expense is trifiirg compared
with the benefits resulting from them. Let
every communicated every church and every
society-see to it that their singers avail them
selves Of these advantages.
| The books used at this convention were the
Chorus Wreath, and the Offering, collection of
church music by Prof. Southland, which contains
some Of the very best music now published
A portion of each day of the convention Was
devoted TO the proper rendering OF church
music, a portion to the more difficult choruses
in the Wreath, and portion to the cultivation
Of the voice and correcting the general faults
Of the singers and the improvement in each
branch was very marked and satisfactory.
The solo singing was q great feature in the
convention, especially in the concerts, Mise
Cushing of Boston, the soprano singer, show
rg great compass, and cultivation of voice.
Miss Parker, of Elmore, also attracted atten-
ton, and was much praised for the sweetness,
purity, clearness, and power Of her voice. With
careful cultivation she will make Of tho
very best soprano singers in the country. But
We have not time nor space to PARTICIPANTS
further, and only add that it was all excellent.
and gave US an idea Of what the human voice
can do when properly cultivated. The concerts
we're well attended, and we're OF high order !,
and better concerts than usual.
We learn that the committee have determn-
ed to hold another convention another winter,
and have engaged the services of Prof. South
ard as its conductor. We hope this is so, and
trust there will be q general attendance upon
the class.