The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1895-01-30

One of the enjoyable musical events of the |
season was the Concert given at the Congre-
gational Church last Friday evening, but the
night proved to be an unfortunate one for
the financial success of the performance. AS
was very tersely expressed by Judge c. A.
Reed, Superintendent of the Sunday School
last Sabbath, in announcing the repetition
on Monday evening"" the air of the Church
was filed with melody that night, but the
air outside seemed to be filled with bliz-
Yards" This unfavorable state of the ele-
ments caused many vacant seats at the en-
tertainment, although a fairly good sized
audience was present TO enjoy the program.
In view of the limited attendance and its
very apparent cause it was determined to
repeat the concert Monday evening, which
was done with very gratifying results.
The entire pulpit end of the Church was
filed with singers, and seldom has it been
permitted Ravenna audience to look upon
more pleasing or inspiring sight than the
large chorus confronting the attendants that
evening. They not only evidenced a plen-
titude of good, serviceable vocal talent in
the town, but bore generous testimony to the
efficiency of Prof. Myers methods, under
whose training they had been for the pre-
ced1ng two weeks.
DR.. G. II. Griffin presided at the organ,
Mrs. Theresa Harper at the piano, while an
orchestra consisting of violins and clarionet
was furnished by Harry Dewey, Will and
Vernon Weaver.
The concert consisted of chorus singing,
solos and quartettes, and was divided into
three parts, the first and third of which were
rendered by the adult singers, and the second
by chorus of children, numbering fully as
many as that of the older people. And it
was in the splendid appearance and per-
formance of the children that the excellence
of Prof. Myers work appeared. Their time,
harmony, expression and general vocal
ideation were we'll nigh marvellous. They
were successful rivals of their elders, and
sang as seldom a chorus of such magnitude
and material are able to sing. To those au-
ditOrs possessing any appreciation whatever
of musical progression and the points in
volved in the higher development of the art,
the character and degree of the work accom-
plished by Prof. Myers in the scant fortnight
of instruction given his classes, will be
readily apparent. AS has been well said
such a work is exactly in line of development
needed in every community, for it is elevat
ing and refining in effect and influence.
In response to an inquiry made by J. G
Clark, President of the Y. P. S. C. E., at the
| close of Friday evenings concert, which he
prefaced by stating that there would be q
heavy shortage to the Young Peoples Soci
ETY., under whose auspices Prof. Myers came
and who were therefore responsible for the
| expenses of the convention and concert, the
entire audience voiced a hearty and enthsi
| astic sentiment in favor of arepetition of the
entertainment. The Prof. expressed HIM
self as abunda.tly pleased with what haC
| been accomplished by the singers of Ravenna
and complimented as well as congratulated
the town on having so many good singers
and so much excellent general musical tai
ent. "Such a community" said he, "canno
be otherwise than pleasant and profitable t.
reside in" And those whose privilege i
was to enjoy the advantage of his instruction
are of one mind in the estimate of his abili
ties as a thorough, practical and successful
instructor. Judging from what we hear on
every hand the Prof. will be "a very welcome
|
again to Ravenna.
| The first number on the program was
| chorus, ''God shall charge His Holy Angels,
followed by quartette, &C The Cuckoo by
Mrs. Theresa Harper, Misses Gertrude Jones
Eliza Dalrymple and Emma Carothers. Thi
selection was of exquisite rendition, and on
of the best things on the program. The cleal
true soprano of Mrs. Harper and the rich
deep contralto of Miss Carothers are of NOR
than average superiority, and the singing o
the quartette was certainly a rare treat t.
listen to. This was succeeded by chorus
go, Columbia, We Hail Thee" after which
male quartette, composed of A. B. Seymour
E. Y. Lacey, j. B. Jewell and A. w. Ohm
stead, sang cover the Hills at Break O
Day." Miss Jones then sang, in solo voice
1" when the Goldenrod's Afame, - for whIcI
was received merited applause: Her voic
is sweet and true. Hold Your Head u
Like Man." solo, by A. B. Seymour, will
chorus, was listened to with pleasure. Mr.
Jewell then favored the audience with
solo, "Answer," magnifcently rendered.
is always pleasure to listen to the spendit
voice of this talented singer. The Lord
prayer was then cnanted, the singers reveal
ing marked Improvement in this Difficult
class of vocal rendition.
AT this point the singers retired from tn
stage and their places were taken by tn
Children's Chorus, and surely no more beau
tiful sight can be imagined than a compan
of bright, happy faced little folks, thei
minds and energies all centered on one com
mon purpose, The first on their program
was Sing It," solo, by little Iva Judson
with chorus. "Grandfather's Farm" chorus
was5followed by "When l was Baby" b.
Irene Dawson, with chorus. This little mai
has voice of marvellous development fo
her age, and of singular purity and sweet
ness. II equals in fullness and what !