The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1890-09-04
Tie Normal Musical Institute

Mr.. EpIToR: One bright summer af-
ternoon we took the train for Donnalds.
An hours ride brought us to the little
town where the Southern Normal Musi-
cal Institute was to be held for the follow
ing ten days-to begin August 18th and
closo August 22nd. We were met at the
depot by member of the Reception Com
mittee, and soon comfortably settled and
made to feel at home among the Dom
naldsville folks. The evening was passed
real pleasantly at musical gathering at
the Hotel.
Next morning, after short walk, we
arrived at the Baptist Church where the
Normal was to meet. On entering, we
found not less than forty pupils and nine
teachers present. The latter were from
neighboring States, aud had been induced
to make the long trip because of the supe.
rior advantages offered by the Musical
Institute.
Prof. A. j. Showalter, of Dalton, Geor-
gia-a man of commanding personal ap-
pearance, intellectual brows and delight
fully pleasant expression, was the Princi-
work in short time. A brief description
of some OF his methods of teaching may
not be uninteresting. The Professor him.
self as teacher and composer of music,
needs no eulogy at our hands, for his
work in that line speaks for itself-suffice
it to say that what there is best in the
"new education is represented by him in
his Normal work. Any one, having an
idea of true Normal work, could not help
but heartily admire and commend his
methods, even though such one be q
tyro in the study of music. The advan-
tage of using oral instruction over that
gained from books, was clearly shown in
lis theory lessons, which were first taught
then ssigned-things being always taught
before Words-ideas before expression.
He did not teach beginners the scale as q
whole, but first taught the individuality
of each tono, using the syllables and Ia or
all. Any child could easily comprehend
illustrations explaining intervals, sharps
and flats, &c. All theory lessons were
afterwards practiced and reviewed. Both
shaped and round notes were used. By
able to read music The latter were used
by the advanced classes. The three classes
in Harmony must have been delighted
with that department Of musical study,
Judging from the way they .stuck" to it,,
Lot ceasing to study even at recess. The
splendid exercises in voice culture pleased
every one. As music is "the art of MAX
ing sound beautiful" Professor Showalter
spared no effort to teach his pupils to in
terpret the tones properly. He does not
allow them to sing as loud as they can
without regard to the quality of tone,
neither does he permit them to form The
habit of beating time with the foot or
Land, as it is likely to give jerky style of
phrasing, and leads to singing without ex-
preston.
Quite variety of music was studied
suitable for home, Singing School, Sum
day School and Church. The evenings
were devoted mostly to the study of
choruses, glees and anthems. Miss Zula
Brock, most excellent accompanies, pre-
sided at the piano or organ, and con:
tributed very much to the successful
Many choice devotional pieces were stud
led. Pupils were led to feel the meaning
that is underlying all such music--a clear
conception of themes and words being
considered of the utmost importance. In
this way exalted ideas Of the good, the
true and the beautiful may enter into our
most inmost being. Prof. Showalter sue
ceeded in leading his pupils up to higher
appreciation of music. He led them to
see the difference in its physical, mental
and moral expression, and gave due stress
to the latter as the grandest, highest and
noblest of our entire nature. Being him
self genuine christian OF sound princi-
pies, pure impulses, he comes nearer than
most Of us toward putting his religion into
his every day life and work, thereby un-
consciously Inspiring in his pupils q love
for the pure anu right. No doubt such
teaching will bud, blossom and bear fruit.
Including the evening class there Were
sixty-four pupils in attendance. The in
terest did not flag during the entire ten
days session. a grand Concert was given
at the close. Judging from the apprecia-
ton shown by tho large audience, it was
decided success. Credit is due Prof.:
Newton, Misses McGee, Watkins and
Harper, of Honca Path, who joined the
class the last week, and who contributed
much to tile enjoyment Of all at the Con-