The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1892-11-29
MUSIC IN SCHOOL.
Very Interesting Discussion by
Hoboken Educators-0ver.
crowded Studies.

AT he meeting of the Hoboken School
Board last night. a number Of communi-
ation from the principals of the schools
disclosed the fact, that the pupils of the
schools are put through a "cramming''
process that cannot inure much 10 their
benefit. The communications were in re-
spouse to a query whether they consid-
cred 1t advisable to continue the teach
ing of music in the schools. The bal
ance of opinion was that, if well taught.
music was advisable, but that the regul ar
course of studies left little time f or it.
Miss Ida Schraeder petiJioned for ex-
tension of leave of absence, owing TO
sickness, which was granted. Miss S..
Booth made application for position in
High School. Applications were received
from Misses Martha E. Marshal. Mary X.
Plalsted anu Susanna M. Simms for the
position of music teacher. Miss E.. L.
Sanford was granted an increase Of
salary, dating from November 1.
TO SING OR NOT TO SING.
Trustee Dyuan moved that the app1i-
cations received tor the vacant position of
music teacher be referred to the Com
mittee on School Government. with in
structions to confer with the principals
as to the ACCESSIBILITY of continuing the
teaching of music in the schools, or the
dscontiuuing of it. In support of his
motion, Dynan said ne thought the prin-
clpals did not favor the teaching OF music.
Trustee Hess had q number of ommu-
nicatlons from the principals, written in
answer to the query as to the advisability
OF continuing the teaching of music.
Here are some of them:-
K. G. Bower. principal of the High
School, wrote:-
1 favor the teaching of music in our schools
when it is well taught. Still the regular school
work Is of so much greater importance TO the
pupil, that think We should give very little time
to music,
VIM. Fl. EIston, principal of school No.
6, wrote that careful consideration mould
be giveu the matter before eliminating
the subject from the curriculum. He
said:-
1t is a very grave and true fact that our man
ual of study is crowded TO such a degree, that it
in a satisfactory manner the work re-
quired. would urge its continuance, first, be-
cause of the tendency it has to dissipate I'm
pleasantness and to elevate the thought and act
of the pupil; second, because of the assistance
it furnishes. il rightly used, in the maintenance
of that.discipline which is SO absolutely neces-
sary to the teacher in the discharge of his or
her work.
John w. Lycett. Principal of School
No. 2, wrete:
decidedly approve of vocal music as q branch
of instruction In our schools, but as our higher
classes are now overcrowded with special stud
les, it would, l think, be better TO continue such
instruction in the primary or intermediate
grades only.
A. Musgrave, principal School No. A,
wrote:-
am strongly In favor OF it. providing it is
properly taught, otherwise tits a waste of time.
Principals A. j. Demarest and j. Kelly were
in favor of dropping music for the course of
studies.
CONFERENCE ORDERED.
Trustee DYnan said it would be better to have
a conference with the principals.
TrusteelCannon thought the abolition of music
Dladvised. The principles may say by inuendo
that music was not well taught, but in his
opinion no branch taught was entered into with
more vim by the scholars than music. If the
studies were over crowded there were many
ways more time could be secured for school
work. II in the past music has not been well
taught. let us see in the future that it be well
taught.
Trustee Dynan's motion prevailed.