Daily Kennebec journal., 1879-01-30
From the Pennington Chronicle Of January I'D.
Graduating Exercises at the Nor
NAL School.

The semi-annual examination and gradua-
tion exercises of the Normal School took
place on Thursday and Friday Of last week.
The day Thursday and the morning Friday
were devoted to the examination Of the vari-
Gus classes in the branches pursued during
the term. Friday afternoon all the exercises
were conducted in the main hall or study
room which, as usual on these occasions,
was crowded to its utmost capacity. The
chief part Of the time was occupied in les
sons given by several Of the graduating class
to the little folks of the Model School. Miss
Hxmbly, the teacher of this department, also
gave them lesson in geography which excit-
ed much interest among the audience.
Next in order was the examination of the
senior class in didactics, after which Mr..
Rounds made some parting remarks. Mr..
Luce, the Superintendent, followed and in
turn delivered the class to Governor Garce-
Ion who spoke for few moments on their fu-
ture work and obligations, and then present
ed the diplomas. At the call of the State Su-
perintendendMr. Brown of Fairfield then came
forward and made some very appropriate re-
marks on the cause Of education and his sat
isfaction at the appearance of the school.
Councilman Fogg also spoke In an earnest
manner.
A very pleasant episode completed the day.
After the last speaker had closed Mr.. Rounds
called Mr.. Woodbury. to the front where he
presented him, in behalf of teachers and stu
dents, with handsome token of their regard
in the form of several pieces of silver cas-
tor, pickle jar, pie knife, napkin rings, soup
ladle, cake basket, pickle fork, etc. Mr..
Woodbury., though taken by surprise, was
not found wanting in words to express him
self most thankfully. The present was well
deserved As well as kindly bestowed. Mr.. w.
having been hard working. devoted teacher
since the early days of the school, much
loved and respected by teachers and pupils.
The Governor was attended by two of his
Council, Messrs. Fogg and Brown. Mr.. Pull
len and other Trustees were also present. The
graduating class consisted of three gentlemen
and sixteen ladies', of whom several were res
idents of this county.
The examinations and the general tone OF
the school did credit to the faithful labors OF
the Faculty whose reputation has long beer
enviable as teachers of teachers.
The music interspersed among the exercis.
es deserves special mention rs it was of q
character rarely to be found in similar insti
tutions. Singing has been regular exercise
three times each week under the leadership
of Mr.. c. A. Allen, in addition 20 the course
in elementary music taught by one of the Other
teachers of the school. Within compare
lively recent period the character of the mu.
sic taken up has been entirely changed. In
stead Of the ordinary glees, part songs, etc
found in music books and collections of churcl
music, matter of q much higher order ha
been nsed. Opera, oratorio, choruses an,
other selections from the masters of song
with nothing of low order, have been drille,
upon. The aim has been not only to deyelo]
taste for the best music and an ability to ex
ecute some of the few masterpieces, but +,
cultivate pure musical tone, to teach tn,
proper use of the vocsl organs, and also thu
power Of singing difficult music at sight
The result can not but be fattering to tn,
friends Of the school,
The school has been unusually prosperou,
the past term, having full numbers, no sick
ness and an undivided attention to work
The school exercises were supplemented by
. sociable At Normal Hall in the evening and
the next day found students and teacher,
scattered, the under classes with four week,
vacstion in store. 4Ek aaa a.