Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-12-14
History of tae mozart society by n
Aemper.

History of she Mozart society by
Aemper.
The Mozart Society was reorganiSed July
l, 1882, with the present list of officers, qp-
der the musical direction OF Mr.. Moses S.
Downs, who was engaged for an experimental
remodeled into a shape better adapted to the
purposes and needs OF society which
pires to become a great educational factor,
as well ss a source OF social enjoyment. A
conservatory department was added as a
feeder 10 the society lfor il is from
there We expect 10 get cur c4ltl-
waited singers and our orchestra), and
with the hope and belief that it would
eventually he the great school of music
for The lower valley. Mr, Downs raised his
baton, the first rehearsal, over eleyen active
members, and we nov number 125. We had
then about sixty associate members; We now
have our limit, zoo, ana abopt twenty appli-
cations on file awaiting vacancies. We have
purchased since July l, 1882, lease of hall,
the stage scenery aud furniture, library
(musical), square piano and one OF the finest
Concert Grand ever brought here. Our
chorus began training at al unfortunate
rime-in the summer, just when everyone
vas ahoqt leaving for the usual
vacation, and siHce this season be-
gun, October 1s', hss eenstanily been
receiving accessions of new l4embers,
who had 10 be taus bit in turn the ground the
others had already gone over, which of course
has prevented Mr.. Downs from giving the
finish he would like to his choruses; but after
this concert we ali start even, and he will have
fair chance. Our Conservatory" as you
will see by reference TO the APPEAL, is under
The direction OF Ar. Downs (who also teaches |
the vocal" Department., and is divided into |
three departments, "gocal," "piapo3 and |
Orchestral" Mr.. Downs, in charge of the |
vocal department." is a pupil of Mr.. |
WeatheFbee, OF the Roya Academy, London. |
He is teacher Of ripe experience, and has
a high rank in New York as an
came TO US with splendid recommends
tions from the leading and world-famous
artists, Thomas and others, which recon-
mendations his course h9s done full credit
10. Mrs. r. Frayne Wilson, in charge of
the piano department, is pupil If the emi-
nent pianist qnospelius, who was brought 70
this country by Jenny Lind, spd who alter
ward became widely known as The leading
teacher of Baltimore, Nd. Mrs. Wilson, at
contest in Georgia, at which moet Of the
finest piano performers of that State CON-
euded Pen6eld (who now plays the
largest organ in New York City, and
is a piano player of great merritt, to whose
Efforts the MoIarts are indebted for the en-
g3gement of Dir, Downs, vas CHAIRMAN OF
he Judges Committee. Mrs, Wilson vas for
EN- years after the very successful ipstruc-
ress of the largest and (socially) best class
aver had by any TEACHER in Atlantis, Ga.
Sig. Arensl was recommended by many OF
he leading maesiros of New York CITY 10
Mr.. Downs, during the summer vacation. as
| very fine performer, scientific musician
Ind teacher. The secretary of the Mozarts
had quite struggle for his services with
everal English ard French opera compa-
lies, who desired to secure mis- leadership.
His pupils, as they advance sufficiently, will
20 into the Mozart orchestra, which will thus
Increase slowly until il has reached the de-
ired proportions, and will then have only
performers in it. The conserva-
DRY has at present only about seventy-five
cholsrs, bnt we hope, when it is known that
We furnish as good instruction az the leading
MUSICAL consery atorieR, and at very much |
ess figures, we will have sve uaes that
lumber. We do not teach in classes (save
he elementary study, which can be taught
0 100 as easily as to one, and for which we
q arge merely a nominal sum-, but devote
ne hours private instruction to each pupil
vice week. As we have no stockholders
. pay .aiyid4nds TO, as the soelety guarsn-j
ses tRe instructors and defrays all expenses
{ rent, fuel ard light, clerk hire and at {
.ndance, our teachers can afford TO give
.ssons for smaller fees than they, or any
theirs OF equal meri:, would charge under &
Their circumstance.