The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-02-02

tians in the sense Of having received
Christian baptism.
The boy should be Of good moral
character; a vicious boy will quickly
contaminate others. and unless the mo
raie OF the choir be kept at a high pitch.
IL VIII prove curse rather than bless.
ing to the congregation. IL members
OF choir are known to be guilty of
breaches Of morals and good manners
in their life outside the church. il will
reflect theoretically on the officers of
that church. IL is Of the utmost inn
portance then that the choir master.
who lie most intimately associated with
the boys. should be not only beyond re-
proach, but devout, reverent and con-
scientious.
The boys should also recognize a
spiritual relation with the rector, who
should be their pastor, knowing them
well, not only in the church, but at
home IN the surroundings of their daily
life, having their confidence. and lead
ing them to look up to him as their
friend as well as pastor. Not, however,
putting himself in conflict with the
choir master. whose authority, as the
one responsible for the discipline of the
choir. should be supreme. II the choir
master be guilty of favoritism or iDjus-
tiee let the rector expostulate with him
IN private. but never let the boys feel
that they can appeal from the master to
the rector, with the assurance that
their wrongs, fancied or real, will be
righted by the reversal of the masters
action.
II he be incompetent 10 secure social
as well as musical harmony, through
want of tact. or defect Of temper. or
from any other cause, let him be dis
missed, but the discipline of the choir
can never be maintained if there be
more than one head. But there need be
no conflict. IL the rector be g man OF
common sense mot. alas always COM
moD), and the Organist ditto, hint
from the pastor as to matters Of man
agement in special cases will always be
kindly received and acted on, aud the
two can work together in perfect har-
mOny. A rector makes great mistake
If he allows himself to NEEDLE with
matters of discipline; and sooner or
later it will be fatal for the organist
" AkuOlC iAi1 lNAb'A AZ Ab0ht@iA
Of the'music, the discipline or the morale
of the choir. The rules for the govern
ment Of The boys should be few, and
they should be enforced. The follow
ing, which have been widely copied,
and govern a good many choirs through
the country, may be found suseful
/. A boy shall not be admitted as a
member Of the choir unless he has been
baptized. is of good moral character,
and possesses proper musical qualifica-
tions.
g He shall not be considered mem
Der of the choir until he has been for
mally admitted by the rector with the
appointed office, and has signed a pro-
mise of submission to the rules. his
parents also giving their assent to the
same.
g. Having been admitted a member of
the choir. he shall in no case leave 1t to
sing elsewhere unless dismissed for loss
Of voice or i'll conduct,
A. While a member OF the choir lhe
shall not sing at public entertainments,
except by the consent of the choir
master.
3. He shall attend all services in the
church at which there is music. and all
rehearsals. unless i'll or excused by the
choir master.
G. Relates to compensation, and
must be worded 10 suit each particular
case.
7. He is to remember always that he
is engaged in the service of Almighty
God. and is to bring to 1t a reverent
and obedient spirit.
Rule third 10 intended to prevent. II
possible, boy from securing careful
training IL the choir of poor church,
and going of whom he becomes really
valuable, where he can obtain larger
salary. OF course, it is only moral
obligation. but is usually found a suffi
cient protection for the choir master.
Rule four is intended to protect the
choir master from the attempt TO secure
the service of his boys in secular work.
in the theatre or concert saloon, ETC.,
which would be obviously Inconsistent
with their position in church choir,
as well as demoralizing to the boys.
In answer 10 the question often asked
should there be a choir-master beside
the organist in we would say from a
somewhat wide experience, 1t is best
that the organist should be also choir
master. He knows how he wishes the
music sung: he trains his choir to sing
itas he wishes; he is prepared TO accom-
pany it appropriately, and ordinarily
can conduct with head and hand.--The
Churchman.