The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-01-09

The. First Regiment band mas decided
TO discontinue its Sunday afternoon con-
csrts at the Seattle theater unless there is
a manifest desire on the part of the mu-
sic-loving portion OF this city TO support
the very meritorious efforts or the band
by an increased attendance and interest
This decision was made necessary because
the attendance at the last six concerts
has not been sufficient to pay the actual
expenses. let alone netting anything what
ever 10 the performers.
The First Regiment band Is made up
mostly of men who are musicians. who
depend upon their musical abilities for
living. In the organization are number
of PLAYERS who are artists upon their re-
spective instruments. and who. If they
cannot earn a living in this city. will be
compelled to go to some other larger and
more lucrative field. which means that
the band win be broken UP and this city
viii lose a musical organization which. for
fits numbers, has few, If any, equals or
superiors in the West. This assertion is
not made as an individual opinion The
Post-Intelligencer has heard the most
fattering expressions OF satisfaction from
strangers who have happened 10 be in the
city and in attendance upon the Sunday
afternoon concerts Mr.. Wagner also has
commendat0ry letters (entirely unso,icitedl
from citizens OF Tacoma who have
CHANGED to hear the band II is true that
the band is composed OF only twenty-four
pieces. and that the addition of other in
struments would enable il TO render with
better effect some of the heavier selections
of its extensive repertoire but the fact
remains that the band as now constituted
can execute with musicianly skill anything
that is written for brass and reeds.
The programmes of all the concerts thus
far given have been carefully selected.
RI
some of the numbers showing careful
preparation. To render acceptably Selec-
lions from the standard operas. for in
stance requires three or four rehearsals
per week but even musicians who love
music for music's sake lose interest unless
there is some remuneration for their eff
forts.
The Sunday concerts at the lake in
summer are usually attended by from 1000
to 1000 people. while the Sunday after
Moons at the theater. where the music Is
heard to much better advantage, are not
favored with an audience TO exceed 500 or
400 at IL. Is and 20 cents admission The
reason is not exactly clear. but must be
assigned 10 one of five or six causes
Either the people are not In favor of Sun
day afternoon concerts at the theater. or
the hours from to ) are not convenient
or the price IS too high, or the band does
not render enough sacred music or the
people do not care whether or not the band
is kept together as "A musical ORGANIZATION
At last Sundays concert which num-
hered the largest audience since the
"P.-I'' concert. the sentiment was unani-
mons against the discontinuanCe OF the
performances. and a plan was suggested
which Prof Wagner hopes to be able TO
carry out successfully. The plan is for a
series of eight concerts on a subscription
basis OF s. per season ticket. which will
entitle the holder 10 forty admissions. 10
he used as many as desired for each per
Torrance. seats 10 be reserved upon appli-
cation at the theater. Mr.. Wagner an
nOunces that II he can obtain subscrip-
tions for 100 tickets AZ 81 each, that viii
enable him 10 pay expenses. and other adj
missions viii give a small profit 10 the
band.
Mr. Wagner viii begin AZ once 10 solicit
subscriptions for the series OF eight con-
certs and the Post-InteliiEence will also
receive subscriptions a its business Office.
and list % subscribers win be published
from day 10 day.
The Post-Tnteilirencer believes that the
First Regiment band which has contrib
uted 50 much TO public pleasure ought 70
be maintained. and that double the num-
Der OF tickets necessary ought 10 be sold