The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-11-12
ONE woMAN's WORK.
Which Has I'm 1t n Hint for Other
Women of Wealth and Leisure.

New York Times.
rs it not curious said one woman to
another, the other day, at a luncheon,
that we women, who should know our
own sex, seem always to be surprised at
any unfamiliar instance of feminine ca
pacity? 1t is my belief that women are eS-
pecially executive, and have especial talents
for organization, which lack only oppor-
tunity to develop themselves. And yet 1,
myself, am conscious of a mild astoniSh-
ment when / hear of a woman who has
organized and carried out with success an
enterprise which depends on the co-opera-
ton of many people.
(which train of thought has been sug-
geSted to me by the success of Mrs. John
G.. Curtis's orchestra, which; at this mo
study of music deserves especial recogni-
ton as a pioneer in the field. 1t has begun
this autumn its eighth year OF existence, a
mixed orchestra Of ninety players, perhaps
boys and girls, men and women, ranging
in age from ten to fifty, and in social place
all along the scale. These ninety players
meet Mrs. Curtis one evening in every week
for practice for eight months in the year.
They certainly show their appreciation OF
the one musical opportunity in America for
such concerted playing. / speak advisedly,
for, though there are innumerable orches-
tras in New York. they are all close cor
porations, trades unions. in fact. The out
slider cannot get his apprenticeship.
Now, about seven years ago, Mrs. Cur
tbs, win is a woman of broad culture, charm
ing accomplishments and distinguished So
cial place, made up her mind that there
should be a chance in this city for orchestral
practice Tor those VINO COul0 neither go to
Europe nor devote more time than two or
three hours a week to their music. So she
gathered half a dozen players in her own
drawing room and gave every Wednesday
evening TO work, under the leadership of
Mr.. Theodore John, an admirable conductor.
and formerly leader of the State Orchestra
of Freiburg, in Baden. Then, whenever she
heard of a player with talent but no op-
portunity she offered the chance of this ex-
cellent practice provided Mr.. Johns EXAMINE
alton could be passed. The fees were very
small, and Mrs. Curtis has given TO her
work not only her genius, her social gifts.
her warm-hearted sympathy and her un-
failing patience and courage, but her purse
as well. The orchestra long ago outgrew
the limits OF a private house. but she still
practices with ii in the small hall il occupies
as faithfully as IL her violin were her bread
winner.
And isn't there a lesson for women IN
her SUGGEST? Her power has lain in her
devotion to her work and her belief in Ii.
And think OF the good she has done. Not
only has she offered these players the aes-
thetic enjoyment of the study OF the best
music. but many OF them a livelihood through
this chance OF instruction.
The fact that her orchestra Is so little
known Is really one OF the beautiful things
about Mrs. Curtis's work" went on the
speaker. who was IL that said one OF the
great wrong things about our social order
Is that nobody Is willing 10 be second, but
everybody must push 10 the lead. and
shout 10 make himself observed? Mrs.
Curtis has been content to do the best
thing. and wait to have Ii known that it