National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1882-03-04
GEORGETOWN AMATEUR ORCHESTRA.
Short sketch or His Organization and
Rapid Progress in Musical Excellence.

Short Sketch or Ills Organization and
Rapid Progress in Musical Excellence.
An unusual activity has been noticeable In local
musical enterprises during the past winter, aud 1t
is n strong indication Of a growing taste for u
higher class of music than has heretofore been
offered at public entertainments. The enthusiast
tic welcome of the magnificent choruses of the
Washington operate Association, and the hearty
support given the Chamber Music Quintette Club
and other local organizations, show plainly that
this community can appreciate and will support
good music when 1t is properly presented. The
prejudice against the efforts of home talent as OPP
posed to the productions of foreign companies is
being rapidly dispelled by the real merit of our
local organizations. Prominent among the insi-
tutions which are bringing about this very de.
sirable result is
TIE GEORGETOWN AMATEUR ORCHESTRA,
the largest and most thoroughly drilled orchestra
in this city. Like most bodies of this kind it was
in its inception only intended for the private
amusement of few skilled amateurs, and in 1871
consisted Of Mr.. Ii. ID. Cooke jr., violin; Mr..
Thomas Gibbs flute; DR.. Barbarin, ccllo while
Mr. c. s. Helm filled out the full harmOnies upon
the piano, and the meetings were held at the resi-
dence of Mr.. Cooke. In the course of time addi-
tions were made, new instruments introduced,
and more deliberately arranged music was pur-
chased, until now the orchestra consists of forty
active members and all of the principal orchestral
instruments are represented. the progress In the
character of the music has been even more
marked. The simply arranged ballad has given
way to the classic overture and the ponderous
| symphony. This form of music is used almost
exclusively at the rehearsals, although limited
NUMBER of pieces of the lighter class, such as
waltzes and marches, are studied for the sole pur-
pose of making their concert programme attrac-
tive to the general public The orchestra is under
| the direction of Professor Bernays musician of
| good taste and fine judgment
| IN ADDITION TO THE ACTIVE MEMBERS
| there are now seventy-fiye passive members rep
resenting many Of the wealthlest families of
| Georgetown. These members have the privileges
| of attending the rehearsals and concerts given
under auspices ofthe orchestra paying therefor
the nominal fee of IS year. In consequence of the
rapid growth ofthe organization the management
| have been compelled to seek more commodious
quarters, and have leased the hall in Curtiss School
| building for its temporary accommodation. Steps
have, however, already been taken by some of the
leading men of the association for the erection of
| a music hall, in which the orchestra may have
permanent abode. The success of this enterprise
is due almost entirely to the energy of the presi-
dent, Mr. II. ID, Cooke, jr, who, in his generous
llberalty, has spared no pains or expense in any
thing that could add to the stability of the orches
| tru Thanks to Mr.. Cooke Washington has an
amateur orchestra unequaled by any this side of
New York, and which promises to continue a
source of pride and pleasure to the music-loying
public of this city.