Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1869-06-22
For the Spectator.
Vallev Music.

1t is, probably, needless to dwell upon the
utility Of high school of Music, in this re-
nowned Valley, before your intelligent readers.
They already know, that this Valley is one OF
the very finest portions Of the globe, and that
it should possess every advantage which science
Or art can afford to improve her people. Al
ready, we have schools and colleges which will
compare with the most favored lands except
for music which has been overlooked, but must
not be in the future.
To establish school, We must have students,
professors and suitable accommodations. Can
these be had. is the first inquiry?
AS to the students; who can doubt but that,
SO soon as it is once determined that school
will be opened with competent professors. a
| large number OF young people from this pOpu-
:, lous Valley, Eastern Virginia and from the
South, will quickly avail themselves of this
long desired facility for improvement, in this
| branch of education. There are many young
people who have not had the advantages of
collegiate literary training, who would seize up
on this excellent advantage for cultivation. 1t
is perfectly obvious to all, that one we'll skilled
in music is always a leader in society. Def
ference to this grand accomplishment is always
shown, and will be increased, as society lm-
proves Every one wishes to be considered
Somebody. and here is the forum in which
many bright genius may be developed.
Our people will feel something of local. If
not sectional pride In fostering such an institu-
ton. Some of our best colleges have had their
origin in hourishing private schools. Every in
stitution of this kind must have a beginning
and it will be found in this, as in every other
laudable enterprise, the people will respond to
it with alacrlty. Remember large ''oaks from
little acorns grow, &c.
Every friend OF music, and especially every
member Of the music association should cast
around and ascertain who, in their respective
communities would likely desire to become stu
dents at the first session, and report, without
delay, the names OF such persons to the chair
man OF the committee appointed to report on
this subject, MIR. Aldine S Keeffer Singers
Glen, Rockingham county, Va. Being assured
OF a sufficient number OF students to commence
with let the association, at its November meet
ing appoint trustees OF the school; who, avail
ing themselves of all the information collected
by the committee, could proceed to appoint an
able faculty OF professors to commence the
school early next winter.
The professors should be men of high attain
ments, every way; whose position in society
would give tone and character to the institu-
ton. They besides, should be energetic work
ing men, who would labor to build up and es-
tablish the enterprise on permanent basis
instrumental as we'll as vocal music should be
taught.
AS TO the location OF the School, time and
circumstances will best determine
Accommodation for the students, lecture and
practice rooms can be had in our fourishing
towns, at a reasonable price, until permanent
provision can be made.
All that Is wanting Is q firm purpose, coop
Grafton and energy, to insure success.
These are some Of the thoughts which pre- |
sent themselves on the subject. Let those bet
ter acquainted with the subject, give it thor
ough ventilation, keeping it prominently be-
fore the public until the school is established
Oh, for bard like Virgil to portray the love-
illness and beauty of our classic Valley her
picturesque scenery, the gallant deeds of her
heroic dead, who sleep upon her bosom, and
arouse her people to a proper appreciation of
poetry and of song K.