Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1869-06-08
For the Spectator.
lyaIJEY MusTc ~


The neglect ofthe proper cultivation ofmusic,
in this section ofcountry, had been felt and deep
y deplored until the friends of this noble science
determined to associate their efforts to increase
an interest in the subject Their efforts have met
with so much success, that they feel justified in
endeavoring to place it on more solid and en-
during foundation. To that end, the Valley
Musical Association appointed committee to
report on the subject at its next meeting.
That school of music, of the highest order,
can be established and maintained, admits of but
little doubt if the friends ofthe cause will hearth
ly combine in giving it their influence and pat
ronage. The school once founded will awaken
such general interest the subject that its future
prosperity, with good man agement, need not
be doubted. With the general growth and pros
perity of our noble Valley, this divine art must
also keep pace aided by the new inventions in
in the Instruments and amore thorough develop
ment Of the subject.
1t is an enterprise in which all can concur for
the anomaly can hardly be found, who does OF
love music. The ministers of religion of every
persuasion feel deep interest in music, which
enters so largely in all their exercises; who
doubtless, will give it their potential influence
How often must they have been depressed and
discouraged by a hesitating and stammering at
tempt to sing the songs of the sanctuary by those
who should do it with zeal and delight, and have
felt that half of the interest Of the meeting had
been lost for want Of good singing?
Anoth err great power upon which we can reck-
on in this Behalf is the jealous cooperation and
influence of the ladies, who are quick to perceive
and ready to help in any thing which improves
and ennobles our race. For many years they have
devoted much attention to this subject; and now,
lady is hardly considered accomplished, who
is not singer, or performer on an lnstl u
ment. How awkwardly and unsoclably does the
young gentleman move among ladies, who can
not Join in music, which enters largely into
the entertainments and social enjoyments OF the
day? And how promptly the gentleman OF
cultivation is called on to assist in this delight
full social enjoyment. In fact some ladies say
they cannot appreciate a gentleman who has not
an ear for music. ~
There is probably no class of people who have
more real, constant enjoyment than the lovers Of
good music. To them it is acontinual feast, which
never clogs, ndimproves with the enjoyment
1t seems to have been designed, by propitious
Heaven, for the young to regale themselves with
this innocent and elevating recreation, and to the
old, as delightful oasis in the. dry and weary
journey Of life, at which they may rest for q mo-
ment and wipe their moist forehead, before re-
newing the battle of life. ~ -sssle 80
Every rejecting parent must view this move
ment with favor when he remembers with what
anxious solicitude he endeavors to find something
new to interest and make his home pleasant to
his children to keep them from the forbidden
paths of folly and of vice. What is more delight
full to the parent than to see children uniting
their sweet voices with their youthful ardOr in
inging the praises ofthier Creator, Redeemer and
and continual Preserver; ignorant of the scurvy
tricks pestilent vices and crimes which are
practiced without the sacred precincts ofhs pious
home? The young ought to, and will have, some
thing for recreation; music is the most innOce nj
and the most appropriate creating fund of
enjoyment and usefulness co-extensive with life
itself s 4 f7
To avoid being tedious, will postpone for
another number some suggestions as to plan &c.