Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1868-06-30

ical instruction from Prof A. j. Turner. That
Institution is fortunate in having the valuable
services Of Prof Turner as musical Instructor of
its pupils the right man is in the right place
The musical attainments of his blind pupils are
wonderful and their skill excites the admiration
of all who attend the concerts given by them.
THE VIRGINIA FEMALE INSTITUTE.
Avery large and apprecistiYq aNaeRce assem-
bled on the 2stl iliss TO witness the closing ex
ercises of this widely known Institution, and
speak the sentiments of all present when I SAY,
CUR expectations, raised so high bF former exh-
bitiens, were more than met, Progress is cer-
tainly the moving spirit of this Institution and
the rich treat Of classic music executed by so
many young ladies on several pianos and an or
gan, accompanied by their Professor on his vio-
lin, with such precision in time and accent, and
with such skill s. taste. showed, not only thorough
instruction byteachers but remarkable diligence
sld GitLfll PRACTICE ofthe pupils, The execution
s.as wonderful and the time.perfeot. The class
seemed to abound in fine performers, as the rich
programme brought before u.s. in its progress,
new set Of players. each increasing our admra-
ton, as the evening advanced. The standard of
proficiency must be very high in this department,
as it was announced that none of this excellent
class had received the highest honor-the ''Star
Medal"-which has been conferred but three
times in twenty years.
The exercises, inlerspersed with vocal solos and
eh6riisses, were executed with great precision and
taste. We must not forg get to mention the happy
success of the pupil who rendered so beautifully
the "Scena ct Aria," from Freischutz, and we
were glad to see that she obtained the COLA medal
in the VOCAL Department Her success reflects
great credit upon her accomplished vocal instruc-
tress.
The Hall was most beautifully decorated, and
we mention, with qualification, what has always
struck rs with peculiar impressiEeness in this In
eitption, that the elegant ease grace and address
Qf the pupils could scarcely be surpassed. Their
refinement of manner was very marked, and is a
striking proof of the internal organization of this
Institution.
The Graduating Glass was addressed by the
Hon. Hugh w. Shelley, and his excellent coun-
sci and happy manner will not soon be forgotten
by the intelligent group who listened to him with
Tie closest attention. His address was decided
success He also conferred the medals and diplo-
mas, addressing to each happy recipient some
specially delicious remarks. The nature Of the
foGtest f1r these hQnors was clearly seen by the
happy surprise of each successful contestant
showing her appreciation of the skill and merits
Of her rivals, who exhibited their generosity by
cordial Fluctuations.
The following received medals for improves
Ihent in writing
FIRST GOLD MEDAL Miss Mary Huntington,
of Maryland; Second Medal to Marion Fisher
of Virginia; Third, Miss l.. NJ. Matthews, of
Staunton; 3 Fourth Prize, by Miss Mamie B.
Kirk, of Virginia.
GOLD MEDAL, FOR CoMPosITIoN Miss Re-
becca r. Benedict, of Virginia.
MEDALS FOR ItfPRotEa5tNr IL 4NsrEEMENsTA{I
- - - =. = = Music. - ; t.
First Gold Medal to Miss Ellen Harris of 4ouz
lisa county. VA Second to Miss Alice F. Saun-
ders, of Campbell county, Va; Third to Miss
Margaret P. Walker, of Huntsville, Alabama !;
Fourth to Miss Belle Kirk, Culpeper Co., Va
The Gold Medal in the Vocal Glass was award
ed to Miss R. G. Benedict, of Leesburg
Scholarship MEDALS
rlFsf Goa Medal to Miss AieeFlf. Saunders
OF Val Saoond to Miss Margaret P. Walker of
Alabama; Third to Miss Ella j. Chapman, of
Monroe county, W. Va; Fourth to Miss Sallie
P. Upshur, of Northampton county, Va.
STAR MEDALS.
Scholarship, to Miss Sal,ie 3 PeAdiatnr, OF
Gilescounty, Va For General Department, to
Miss jamie g. Preston, Montgomery county IVA
This s'Star Medal" was conferred upon the
daughter of the late disting uished and Hon VIM
ballard Preston, with some touching remarks by
Judge Shetey, abiding to the friendship thatsex-
isted between her distinguished father and him
self Well may she and her family be grati4ed
with this well-earned distinction bestowed by tho
Principal, who announced that during resi-
dence of three years in the Institution, mot a
dot Of demert of any kind'' has been incurred
by her.
For Course of English to Miss Jennie F. John
son, of Richmond and to Miss NJ. Grace Steptoe
bedford county, Va: s''5 "'
FULL DIPLOMAS,
Miss Mamie Archer King and Queen county.
Virginia, Miss jamie G. Preston Montgomery
county, Va, Miss J. Kate Phillips, irg.. = ~ e
male Institute Va, Miss Sallie B. Pendleton
stiies county, Va and aliss Emma j Hamilton
u viii not attempt description Of one of the
most touching features of theevening beau
tfnl and appropriate Valedictory by Miss Sallie
p. Fendieton, Of Giles county, Fa,-suflsce it ia
say it was a most beautiful piece of composition
written with faultless taste, and read by her with
a pathos that affected every heart. 1t was the
happiest success I ever witnessed
The response, by Miss Margaret Walker, of
klstama, though rot SO elaborate. was strk.ngly
aaautifaI an4fiapptopriate, and was'read by Nor
With charming and touching simplicity and feel
ing. We predict for Miss Walker distinguished
success.
The exercises closed with Jerusalem the Col
DEM sung by the whole school. 1t is grand
composition in the style of the 18th Century, and
contains some of the richest combinations of the
Old masters, and was beautifully rendered. The
benediction was pronounced by the Rev, J, I
Miller and thus closed o.e Of the most pleasant
and elegant entertainments We have attended fol
many years. 7.