Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1880-10-27
Musical Convention.
WEST RANDOLPH. VI. October .!


Mr. Editor The announcement made two
weeks since, through the columns OF the WATCH
MAN g. JOURNAL and other papers, that musi-
cal convention would be held at this place this
week, was received with great pleasure by music
loving people, and has been topic Of great inter-
est in musical circles throughout the state, both
for the reason that the conventions heretofore
held here have proved very successful, and that
the managers had engaged for this convention an
array OF talent equal to that which has appeared in
any section Of the state during several years past.
The convention was opened on Tuesday after
noon, the 10Th inst, with n chorus mainly COM
posed OF local talent. The acce ssions since have
sweled the number to about two hundred mem
bers. The exercises are under the direction of
w. o. Perkins Of Boston, assisted by the following
artists: Soprano, Mrs. II. L. II. Carter of Boston,
and Mrs W. A. Briggs of Montpelier contralto,
Mrs. Clara B. Howe Of Brattleboro tenor, Mr..
W. W. Munsell Of Swanton basso, Mr.. J. X.
Kinney OF Montpelier; pianist, Professor w. A.
Briggs of Montpelier. The music used consists of
DIR. Perkins latest book, 1.-THE Temple" and
selection of classical choruses. Among the sing
ers present we notice the venerable Orson Per-
kins Of Taftsve, father of DIR. Perkins. The
sessions thus far have been devoted TO the usual
drill preparatory to the matinees and grand con-
certs. Dr. Perkins, than whom there is not
more popular nor more efficient conductor in
the country, is doing excellent work The COM
position of the chorus is fine embracing as it
does the best talent known in the state.
The first matinee was given Wednesday after
noon, and introduced the following performers:
Piano W A. BTggs
Duet Sweet Visions Of Charity Misses smith and Davis
Piano and harnonca solo ,......... Mr. +. W. Swan
Piano solo H. e. Labaree.
together with other glees, songs, duets and solos,
by various members of the convention incud-
ing song by Mrs. C. b. Howe, which was the gem
Of the programme, and was finely rendered and
received with applause. Misses Smith and Davis
sang their duet in manner that evinced superior
culture, and won an encore. Miss Labaree is,
technically speaking, spirited and talented plan
list. Mrs. Carter arrived in town Wednesday
afternoon, and participated in the further exer-
cises of the convention.
The first grand concert took place Thursday,
the 21st inst. The programme of twenty num-
bers was very entertaining, and we have rarely
ever witnessed greater enthusiasm than was ex-
pressed by the large audience present. 1t is n
JOURNAL the programme which was observed-as
1t was of more than ordinary interest in the
variety and excellence of the music, and the rem
dition of the same We have not space for
special comment on the merit of each perform.
ance, but will simply quote the programme as a
whole in the order in which it was observed;
Chorus" Sing Unto the Lord New Song,
Dr. Perkins and Professor L.. 4. shedd
pne More royal Call B
Glee" Hunters Bold and + Free re- Randolph Giee club
Chorus and solo" Come S. lie, Us Worship Solo by
'0ns-'E ncorsH Farmer and Pigeons. ''' % '' '
Plano 'OlOSFan'a'is 10 z RsI minor from MOaar
WV , ' y Mrs: briggs and Mrs Cotton. NJ. uo,,.
2 2nc ocean Bessie: Mistake "'' move
ouartee-" The serious Quarte,.,ein' Messrs Bailey
Solo from Elijah" Lord God Of Abraham" ...Mr' D.
ohorus- Praise the Lord" ::....
Sas Master aaG e: and Mr. GaTf
Chorus and solo" Mighty jehovah obgato solo b.
Mr.. Kinney
During the intermission and to conclude thu
concert the Randolph cornet band favored the au
dience with some fine selections, apropos to thu
occasion.
The second matinee held this afternoon wal
rendered especially pleasant and interesting by
the presence OF the pupils of the graded schoo |
numbering about two hundred, who came in
body TO the convention, conducted by Professor
A. L. Hardy, principal of the school, and thei
teachers. On entering the hall they were received
with cheers from the members of the convention
and they manifested an intense and fattering in
terest in the exercises. The venerable Orson Per
Illustrations n
the olden time style of singing, which please'
both old and young. Among the more attractiv
specaltes of the programme were song, IL
Thinks do not Love Him." by Mrs. Howe;
song, "The Skylark" by Mrs. Carter and
male quartette; =" Stars of the Summer Night" b.
Messrs Munsel. Bailey, Beedie and Woodward
WEST RANDOLPH, October 23 1880.
Mr.. Editor:-In concluding our report of til
musical convention held here, we desire to sa
that our omission to give the programmes of tn
matinees In full was caused by the very impel
feet work Of the committee on programmes, VIII
failed to note the title of the pieces performed
and, in some instances the name Of the perform
ers. Consequently, as we took no notes durin
the performances, and relied entirely upon tn
committee for the record, we were unable upo
subsequent inquiry and our memory, to quot
the order Of exercises in detail. The programme
for the concerts were made up under the eye
DIR. Perkins, and in proper form. This is OF
apology to those whose performances at the ma
inees have not been mentioned by u.s.
The convention was closed this friday evel
ing, with the second grand concert. The weath'
was unpropitious, but the attendance was Unite
only by the capacity Of Dubois and Gays hall,
which the exercises took place, the number pre-
ent being about seven hundred The program
of twenty numbers was opened at eight ocloc
and concluded In about two hours. We quote