The Portland daily press., 1884-02-28
ANNUAL CITY REPORTs.
nepsrt Of Tsaehsr Of slngIng.

Mrs Annie e. Merrill, teacher OF singing In
the public schools, makes the following report
to the school committee:
have found myself embarrassed ~ by the
insutticiency of the number of books, and the
worn condition of many, rendering them I'M
NJ Tor use. ~ By the fact that long use mas
rendered many of the best selections in the
present series so familiar to the ear as to de-
prive them OF all interest and value to the
pupils as drill exercises thus making it inn
possible to impart to them that independence
In musical knowledge which is the first ele-
ment in thorough musical scholarship, and
wnicn can emily De gained through the use Oh
attractive material.
This fact has led to general dissatisfaction
on the part OF the teachers, which was freely
expressed to me when / entered upon my
work at the opening OF the present school
year, and which my own experience in the
SCHOOLS since that time has shown to be we'll
founded. In addition to this, it is felt by
many OF the grammar school teachers, that the
book used in their schools is wholly untitled
70 tnat grade being entirely beyond the capa-
CITY OF tne average pupil.
These things being true. It ia evident the
most satisfactory results can be secured to the
pupils only. ~ Through an adequate supply
OF books for all the schools wherein music is
Taught. ~ Through the use of such books as
snail contain the needed variety of attractive
music and musical exercises, carefully adapted
to the several grades In which they are used
III 10 necessary then, In order that the best
results may be accomplished in music during
the prese year, that new books be furnished
as soon as possible, either of the series now
USED, or OF some other. Should it seem practi-
cable to your board to make an entire change
IN the books used, know of no series which
could SO cordially recommend as the Normal
sluslc course, edited by j. w. Tufts and I'll.
n. Holt, gentlemen well known in both edu-
cational and musical circles. A series of mus
ic readers should bring out and make availa-
Die In the teaching of music the results of the
experience and progress of the best and most
successful teachers, and should apply to must
cal instruction correct educational principles
The Normal Music course, following out the
most approved methods employed in other
branches OF instruction, teaches that practice
shall precede theory. The pupil is not asked
or expected 30 sing from notes, until the notes
are USED 10 represent to the eye sounds that
nave been taught and named to the ear as rela
tive mental objects. 1t separates music as
mathematical study from music as an art. It
teaches harmonies practically, by giving the
pupils the power TO sing them, instead OF work
ing out the mathematical construction of
chords.
This method Is certainly practicable, and as
1t insists only upon those elements which are
essential to The art, no time is wasted over the
oietical detail in the beginning. It Is espe-
cialiy adapted to school work.
Respectfully submitted,
ANNIE e. MERRILL,
Teacher of Music.
Truant OMcer's Report.
The truant officer, Mr. Charles "a Beal,
makes the following report:
Az in previous years, have made mention
OF the method pursued in regard to boys in
cnned TO struancy, I will simply say that
have found no occasion to change the plan, but
nnd my convictions growing stronger each
year, that no surer way of correcting the evil
tendencies OF children Tin any direction) can
DC found, than to appeal to and secure the CO.
operation OF the parents, believing that large
number OF arrests and large list of commit
ments to the Reform School is not indicative
OF the highest degree of success; bat on the
contrary, fewer arrests and commitments, with
better percentage OF attendance at schools.
am pleased 50 say that, while have received
more than the usual number of cards for in
vesttgation, / have made fewer arrests sent
less to the Reform School than in any previous
year OF my service, aud believe the per cent
OF attendance has never been better,
Visitations upon schools ............,,, 823
Cards of investigation attended to. ....,...2 3O8
Hlsltations on families. PIG
Investigations on request of parents guard
Scholars returned to school without arrest, 81
Committed to school, recorded arrest. -. 40
Sentenced to reform school,. ....s.... :. 3
FURNISHED with clothing supplied by the Prov
ident Association and from other charitable
sources.. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. 375
Our thanks are due to the Judge OF the
Municipal Court for his prompt attention to
cases brought before him and for the salntarv
advice which he has given to these young Of
fenderf to the marshals and police for assist.
ance; TO the superintendent and school COM
mittee Tor their announcement and directions:
and to teachers and parents for their kind CO.
operation ct all times.
Respectfully submitted,
WY A IT. -