The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-06-08
Augusta Female Seminary.

REV. DIR. LEEEV REM SlCAL SOIhfif D1o-
TRIBuTIoN OF DIPLOMAS MEDALS, &c.
The session of the Augusta Female Semina-
ry, Miss Mary J. Baldwin, Principal, closed on
last Tuesday night. The commencement SER
mon was preached in the First Presbyterian
church on Sunday morning by the Rev. Dr.
Lefevre of Baltimore, from the last clause of
the 18th verse of the LIST chapter Of John, and
was appropriate to the occasion.
On Monday night the large chapel of the
Seminary, which was beautifully decorated,
was crowded with spectators to witness the
closing exercises of the session. The pupils
were tastefully and richly dressed, presenting
an array of health and beauty rarely rivalled
their bright happy faces speaking volumes
of praises to the care and kindness of those
under whose instruction the session has glded
so pleasantly and proftably away, and their
rosy cheeks presentinga better advertisement
of the Incompatible climate, and health-laden
atmosphere of the Valley of Virginia, than
could be embodied in a cente folious pamphlet
designed to attract the migrant or invalid.
The programme of Monday night was en-
tirely musical, consisting for the most part,
of the exquisite symphonies of Beethoven,
performed by an orchestra Of six pianos, two
organs and u clarionet, rs follows: ''First
Movement Of the Sd Symphony" (eroica,)
Pianos: Misses NJ. Pou, C. Kennedy, j..
Simpson, L. Mcdonald, F. Gordon, H. Red,
L. Semple, +. White, c. Simpson, NJ. Albert,
l. Dunwody, L. Allen, E. Inman, E. Ander-
son. Organs: Professors Hamer and Walter,
Clarionet: Prof. Keorber.
'Finalc from the 3D. Symptoms eroica.)
Misses NJ. Pou. c. Kennedy, j. Simpson, L..
Mcdonald, 3. Gordon, II. Ried, l.. Semple,
K. White, N. Harris, l.. Brown, r. Burdett,
S. Darlington, NJ. H4as and E. Adams. Prof's.
Hamer and Walter and Prof Koerber
'Andante from the 18th Symphony Miss
es j. Simpson, l.. Mcdonald, NJ. Pou, C. Zen
nedy, L. Semple, X. White, E. Gordon, H.
Ried, E. Wills, A. Saffold, I. Fletcher, F.
Ford, B. Davant, A. Keitt. Profs. Hamer
and Walter, and Prof. Koerber.
"Allegro Finale from 9TH Symphony
Misses J. Simpson, L. Mcdonald, NJ. Pou, C.
Kennedy, L. Semple, K. White, e. Gordon,
Ii. Red, 0. IIuck, S. Bottimore, S. Burlington,
c. White, L. Gum, F. PARROT. Prof's. Ha-
mer and Walter, and Prof. Koerber.
The skill and perfect harmony exhibited in
the rendition of those difficult symphonies could
not fail to please the eager listeners: especial
ly those whose requirements enabled them to
fully appreciate q performance demanding the
most thorough comprehension of the science
of music, to Unsuccessful presentation. Prof.
Koerber and his CO. instructors will lose moth
ing from their well-earned regulations at the
hands ct such pupils, and the young ladies
may well congratulate themselves OIL the re-
suit OF their close application during the ses-
sion just ended.
The chorus from ''Preciosa' weber, was
given with fine effect by the vocal class, as
was also the Finale from the Opera Stradel-
la," solo and chorus)- -Flotow. The solo was
by Miss Katie Kerr, a beautiful little girl
scarcely fifteen years. of age, whose voice, a
clear, sweet soprano is equaled by that of
few, even of those developed and matured by
years OF cultivation. Almost every one was
surprised at the perfect ease with which she
deed that one so young. however naturally
gifted, is able to do full justice to the music of
the celebrated composers. II err proficiency is
ascrbabe in no little degree to the skillful
training OF Mrs. Crawford and Prof. Koerber
who have rounded and given finish to the rich
bestowal of nature.
The Waltz, Soera and chorus from the
Opera Fanst-Gounod-wa regarded by many
as the finest feature OF the entertainment, and
certainly deserved the many praises accorded
it, while the Finale of Act II from the Opera
La Muette de Portici-Auber-solo and double
cliorus-which closed the exercise for the
evening, was alike the recipient of merted
COMPREHENSIVE solo by Misses A. Davant
and r. Wills being splendidly rendered. and
the double chorus exciting the enthusiasm of
all.
LAST NIGHT.
10 say the chapel was crowded on Tuesday
night would convey no idea Of its condition.
1t was packed and jammed, and the disappont-
ed ones by the score, were forced to leave with
out getting a glimpse of the stage. Even the
space above the stage, from which the specta-
tors could only get a view OF the audience, was
filled.
After prayer, solo and chorus was given,
s'Praise to Cod" The solo was by Miss A.
Qavant, and was splendidly rendered, eliciting
rounds of applause. This was followed by the
reading OF reports, and then came the Juvenile
Observation-Disclosures. 1t was an interesting
sight. The little children, some of them not
more than eight years old, went through
the difficult movements with a unity and
oneness. and grace and ease, which proved
them thoroughly accomplished in this health
giving exercise.
National airs for Harp and Piano, as per-
formed by Miss Katie Kerr and Prof. Walter,
was most enthusiastically applauded, and the
young lady was forced to respond to the en-
core. This she did in manner calculated to
increase rather than still the Juror giving with
much expression the beautiful song, '.Coming
thro' the Rye
After the exercises with Dumb Bells by the
> nvenile Calisthefic class, Il vocal trio, BE
lleve Me''-Verdl-wa excGilently sung by
Misses l.. Smith, A. Davant, E. Murchson, NJ.
Antrim, l.. Wood and NJ. Lupton.
The address of DIR. Lefevre was brief and
pointed, containing many happy hits and
Onn T 6noyk 7 l.