The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1896-03-13
BRADFORD, VERMONT MARCH Is, 1896
MUSICAL CONVENTION.

| In giving account or the musiea
convention of last week, it could bs
well summed up as instructive, enter
tanning eevating and enjoyable, as Us
the careful and thoughtful attentict
given to all details, of arrangements
the convention was a success, in that il
embodied these qualities. y
The first two rehearsals were very
ably directed by Mr.. c. F. Dudley o1
East Montpelier, assisted by the popu.
lar pianist, Mrs. B. III. Hooker Ioi
Peacham. Mrs. Shepard arrived on
the night train Tuesday, being delayed
one day by the storm, and was able 10
be at the rehearsal Wednesday morn
ing. The announcement that Mrs,
Martha Dana Shepard was not only 10
preside at the piano, but also to direct
the chorus, was in itself assurance that
it would be well drilled, and do credit
to the occasion. From Mrs. Shepards
long experience, we had reason to ex-
pect much from her, the artist that she
IS, and we were not disappointed; in
fact, she excelled our most sanguine
expectations. AT first we were sur
prised, and then fascinated with the
way she trained the chorus until she
succeeded in controlling them, as she
did the piano on which she played.
The chorus consisted of about eighty
singers, many of whom were from out
of town. One fact quite noticeable,
and might be mentioned here, viz, that
most of the male singers were from
adjoining towns There were many
fine singers in the chorus, as a whole,
would be one hard to equal, and is
spoken of very highly by all who heard
it, in fact Mrs Shepard spoke of it in
the highest terms. There existed
among the members the utmost good
feeling, and the rehearsals were ex.
ceptionally enjoyable as we'll as in
struCtive.
The concert Thursday evening was
very well attended, as also the matinee
Friday afternoon and the last concert
Friday evening. OF those who at.
tended from out of town and took
part in the concert were some wins
were well known to us all. The ac.
compiished musician, Mrs Hooker,
was a power in both chorus and con.
certs. Her Songs and piano recilatfors,
were well received and enjoyed by all
present. The spirit with which she
entel ed into it and her efforts to make
the occasion a success, were fully APP
preciated by the management and mem
bers of the chorus.
The solo by Miss Ellen Bixby of
showed careful training of
her fine soprano voice. Our neighbor-
ing town may well feel proud of its
protege. Miss Alice Brown of Lyn
all will admit with good
grace, that she was a favorite. Her
clear, strong SOL rano voice, her easy
together with her graceful
lady like appearance on the stage, cap
tivated the audience from the first
She was always greeted with applause.
Mr.. Dudley of East Montpelier, Mr.
Morse of st. John bury and the Stod-
dards of Peacham received due applause,
demonstrating that the ladies could not
carry of all the honors of the occasion.
One of the pleasing features of the
chorus was harmonica solo by Master
Harry Doe of South New bury. For
lad of eleven ears, he showed remark
able talent The vocal solos by Mrs.
Barnard Miss Davis, Mrs. Hooker, Mr..
E. K. Mum. and the duets by Mrs.
ana Mrs. Peters, Mrs Stew
ems and Mr. Barnard showed that it
was not necessary for US to import
singers. While the piano solos bv Miss
Erwin, Miss Parker and Miss Craig,
and the cornet solo by Mr.. Cummings
assured us that we do not lack mate.
'ial for fine musicians. The reading
)y Miss Edith Jones at the Thursday
evening concert, as usual, did her cred.
t, and it was regretted by all that she
was unable to take part in the other
concert, owing to previous engage
nent. To those of US who simply
ooked on, cannot be realized the plan. |
ling, thought and anxiety, together
With hard work, that is required to Or
,anize and carry out successfully all
of this nature. The ell
,rgy with which the committee, Mrs.
\ w. Peters and Mrs w +. Cum
nings, took hold of this matter, even
when the elements themselves were
gainst them, and to bring to so sue
essful a close, are deserving of the
vote of thanks from our
itizens The very CRAFTY ing success
Il this new departure in musical con-
entions, both in art and france, com.
'els all lovers of music tc exclailn in
let the same source of cul.
ure ia ART and edific alton De continued.
he net proceeds $50, which was di-
ided equally between the two pastors.