Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1876-04-29
Vocal Music i'm Public
schools.
the Editors efthe Independent /:

To the Editors efthe Independent
am clearly of the opinion that
vocal music ought TO have place
in the course of studies prescribed
for public schools. A true system
of education aims at the full and
harmonious development of all
the faculties. No extent of purely
intellectual training can compen-
safe for neglect of cultivating the
sensibilities and moral nature.
1t viii! be admitted that those
means which are best adapted to
cultivate and develop the finer
feelings and tenderest sympathies
of the heart, are also best ealculat-
ed to subdue the turbulent and
wild passions Of youth, and bring
them under obedience TO the rules
of government without the SEEM
ing enforcement of any laws Of re-
straint. The magic power Of mu-
sic acts like spell upon the sus-
ceptible hearts of children, and
prepares the mind for the reception
of pure and lofty sentiments, cal
culated to counterfeit the influence
of low and vicio is example.
Singing is the music of nature !;
its soothing notes are heard i'm the
strife of the elements; it is heard
in the storm-in the thunaer of the
cataract-in the Eolian sounds
among the forest trees, and in the
falling drops of the gentle shower,
The air with its melodious combi-
nation of sounds is the birds mu-
sic room, whence they chant their
musical notes and often do their
sweet melodies fall upon the ear of
man with an irresistible power
and fill the mind with the best and
kindliest feelings of mans nature.
Truly all nature sings, and the
dying night breeze as it 60 IS harp
ing DER hill and dale, touching the
sweet sounding strings of nature
tells Of the earliest and best Tyres
of harmony, whose choruses are
heard in the soft, sweet notes of
echo sent hack !; and man, if prop
erly educated, stands enraptured
with the attractive and pleasing
performance.
Now if music has such charms;
if it has such power over the pas
sions and feelings of man, why
may not its introduction into our
schools not only aid much in dis
covering the true secret of educa-
ton, but also serve to make the
school room pleasant. and a place
of rich enjoyment to the pupils, by
engaging them in the delightful
exercise of singing? 1t does all
this and more; it is not only a re-
creation thrown in to make things
pleasant, but it is also an excellent
disposer of the mind for the regu-
lur lesson.
Such an exercise would have
potent influence in dispelling the
.sourness and gloom, the sulks and
the fidgets which frequently arise
from disputes, from mortified van
ity, and from discomfort and envy.
There is benefit derived from
this exercise in another direction,
arising from its relation to Read
ing. 1t does not require argument
to show that the pupil whose voice
has been cultivated in this partic-
ular, and has also learned to ap-
preciate time end harmony of
sound, will have a better idea of
the pauses in punctuation, and the
infection and meditation of the
voice in reading, than one who
has not had this advantage.
If music has such an effect and
influence upon the minds of pupils,
land who will doubt it p then will
not its introduction into our
schools, to be studied as a science,
and the exercise of singing in the
school room, have a most salutary
effect in promoting good order,
proper restraint and kind feelings
among the pupils.
GAMMA.