The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1885-11-06

however, IN shis connection, that the |
work should be continually supplement- |
ed. Systems generally introduce sub |
jects, and dwell on them but briefly,
leaving the teachers to exercise their in
genuity. AS to the system to be used,
that In which the principle that is so es-
sential in all branches of educational
work-the principle of exactly adapting
the course of instruction to the intellects
and attainments of the children-is the
one which should be adopted in the
teaching of music. In many places note
singing is practiced to a greater or less
extent. And while we would not sug-
gest that it be altogether discarded-for
it may be made profitable exercise
we would object to its supplanting the
elements of musical science, and also the
manner in which iii permitted, we may
say, to take care of itself. IF proper at
tention be not given to it, note-singing
often becomes worse than useless exer-
else, for in many cases great injury is
done to the health and the voices Of
children. Sunday school songs orschool
pieces, even, may be Unfortunately
selected that were written without any
regard to the compass of children's
voices or, if suitable music be used,
the correctness of key may be overlook
ed, and consequently the child is COM
PEELED to sing at either too low Or too
high a pitch, while each one is urged to
sing with all the power of voice possible,
and the one that can scream the highest
or the loudest receives the greatest need
ofpraise. We mean of course, that such
is sometimes the case. By such work as
this there are thousands of voices for
ever ruined, while others are robbed of
that sweet, rich, pure musical quality of
tone so much to be desired, but instead
are made literally cracked voices. We
would urge the importance of compel
ling scholars, the younger ones especial
ly, to sing softly. The natural sweetness
of q child's voice once lost, affected by
harsh or loud singing, can never be re.
gained. The natural tone of youth only
should be exercised in youth. Especia
attention should be given to those child
rem whose ears are not naturally so acute
as others, and who sometimes thus dis
couraged dislike to sing at all, thus los
| ing an advantage which proper concer
singing always furnishes such unfortu
mates. The best of blessings may bt
changed to curses, if we do not know
how to use them, and if we would have
vocal music remain in its proper place
among the blessings oil. existence expires
sionless singing should be forever Danish
ed. Every pupil should be taught tc
understand that the human voice is al
instrument, as it were, of gradual de
velopment, of growth, strength anC
beauty but that, if injudiciously used
it may very easily be injured. Developt
the voice by encouragement and well
trained practice perfecting the intona
ton by exercises selected to that end
in short, leading the pupils through the
necessary routine of study, by gentle
gradual, but sure progress, until the
science becomes no longer scaled book
not its study tedious one.
To those of our readers who follow
the profession of private teaching We
would say, that one owes considerable tt
the town in which they live, and there
fore you should encourage music as {
branch Unpopular education. Hundreds
of children have been led to seek more
advanced instruction in voice culture, az
well as piano-forte and organ playing
by the impetus received from studying
music in school. The per cent of learn
ed men that were taught their letters il
q college is very small indeed. Yor
should encourage both parents ant
children That music in the public schools
is no longer to be regarded as an expert
ment, but rather most desirable branch
of study, standing On an equality with
the other departments of popular edu
cation.
fTn he FIo,1ti19led