Wilmington daily commercial., 1873-07-16
LErrEzs EReAa rAg PgepLE.
Musio n TIE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.


To dhs Editor Of ais Commercial;
The unusual interest manifested by our citi-
gems in the closing exercises Of our Public
schools must have been very gratifying to the
gentleman constituting our Board Of Public Edu-
cation, while at the same time IL exerted q
hsAlthful and encouraging influence upon the
scholars, as they could not help recognizing the
fact that our people are not idle spectators, but
are carefully guarding this great educational in
struction, ''the Public Schools"
The reeults reached this year were very satis-
factory and beyond doubt an advance upon
those of any former year This being admitted
our Board should feel animated to still greater
exertions in order to bring our school system to
the highest possible standard.
However the grumbling taxpayers may hnd
fault with increased taxation under ordinary cir
cumstances, where it Id applied to bring mp an
educated. virtuous and moral generation, we
will sustain the Board in all it's Efforts
There Is a proposition before the Board to in-
troduce the instruction Of Vocal Music into one
of our public schools, and il successful the pro-
bAbty is that this branch of instruction will
be impaired to ell the children. This is step
in the right direction, and Will be hailed with de-
light alike by parents and children.
1t is lot necessary t1 advocate the claims OF
music, or to prove tue ennobling Influences,
They are fully known and appreciated. Nor
need enlarge upon the great assistance few
years or tuGn INSTRUCTION would prove TO tne
Sanctuary aud the Sabbath School.
Nor will it be doubted that the home circle
would be benefited whom our boys and girls, in
stead of looking for amusements outside the
family home, seek and lind enjoyment in song,
and are thus shedding sunshine aud gladness all
a.ound
greatly desire that the Board, in making this
trial, should make it success, and II | allow
myself to make a suggestion III this connection,
it Is simply because have seen such tIials sue
coed in one place and fail in another, all under
the same auspices.
To make this trial success, it Is absolutely
necessary to dispense With the many charlatans
under the name aud title OF " Professors OF Mu-
sic" to ignore the claim Of applicants who come
recommended by people of influence, but who
have none of the necessary qualifications
ettle Board engage competent teacher, one
who will earnestly patiently and Systematically
carry on the work, leading the scholars step by
step. Theoretically and practically. until they are
enabled to read piece of music as easily as
they would your daily paper
A competent teacher will meet this happy re-
suit in public school, only, becausehe cannot
be compelled to merely crafty the senses by
the introduction OF few pleasant melodies at
the sacrifice OF proper instructions.
II the Board can obtain the services OF good
teacher, It must be made success, aud much
good will be accomplished. Should the Board
fail in this most important reelection, the subject
Of music will inevitably suffer aud again be de-
layed for wears; such at least has been my OBJ
servhtl0n in other places. IRA WARD.