Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-01-31
PLEA FOR UNITY AND HARMONY
Among the Different Musical OrganiZa-
lions in Wheeling.

To the Editor OF the Register:
Sir:-If the Oratorlo Society, the Wo-
mans Musical Club. the Philharmonic
Club, the Arion and Mozart Clubs had done
nothing else. they have accomplished much
good in arousing a greater musical inter-
est in Wheeling than has been seen for
many days. One evidence of this is the
two articles by "Thechnic" and Phil in
the Intelligencer. a few days since.
Both OF these writers are right and both
wrong. The trouble they mention lies back
of all the reasons given. The best artists
are not now brought here because 1t does
not pay. People will mot pay the price
But there are other reasons why it does
not pay than those given by Phil The
chief reason why music is not making the
same advance in Wheeling that it is in some
other cities Is because there is, TO con-
siderable extent. a lack Of unanimity ana
harmony between the various musical So
cieties. This is extended even TO the mu-
sicians. II is perhaps no more so in Wheel
ing than in many other cities.
In Pittsburg there is a great strife be-
tween the two leading societies. Both cities
want someone who is broad-minded
to bring all the different societies and music
loving people together. It needs Tom
Inns. a Stanley, a Nanderstucken or
Damrosch. or a man of this broad caiibre'
a uniter. an organizer.
When all unite for one common purpose
there is no hall in Wheeling large enough
to accommodate those who will attend the
concerts given under their auspices. Inc
Casino would be crowded to the doors ana
to bring this about there must be a unlted
purpose All of the societies can unite on
but one basis. The aim must be 10 engage
foreign talent 10 give concerts in this city
The money earned must be put into
commoD fund. used exclusively 10 engage
eminent artists. A series of concerts must
be given annually. combining features
which shall be enjoyed by all classes IN az
tendance. 4 standard oratorio can De
given by the united choruses of the city
assisted by large orchestra and eminent
Out-of-town soloiSts. A second concert can
be a miscellaneous one, made up OF ladies'
choruses, male choruses and mixed Choir
uses. 4 third concert can he given by an
eminent pianist. assisted by prominent
vocalist Another can be given by a fine
violinist, quartette club or grand orchestra
Four or five concerts can thus be given
and the season tickets sold for three TO five
dollars.
If two thousand tickets were sold. the
annual income would be from six to ten
thousand dollars enough TO secure the
finest artists for every concert. These con-
certs would be given at suCh seasons of the
year as would make the Casino a desirable
place, providing such a large attendance
was secured. This is the plan that has
made the best music popular in all cities
that have advanced musically. 1t IS the
plan of all musical societies in the larger
cities. and IS the only plan that can be
made successful. II means the uniting Of
all phases Of all musicians for one great OBJ
iect Of engaging the best artists that all
may hear them.
If so large a plan is not feasible in Wheel
ing at the outset, a plan along this line
can be effected which shall make start
by giving perhaps two good concerts Il
year and selling season tickets so the art
lists may be engaged with the assurance
that the money is in hand TO pay FOR them.
1t is wonderful what fine artists can be
secured at a small expense if one is sure
they have the money in hand TO pay them.
Concerts can then be planned in advance,
and advertised with a certainty OF their
being patronized and being given without
loss. There are other things which will
lead to this which may be suggested in Il
future article ELSIE.