Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-11-17
NEXT MAINE MUSICAL FESTIVAL.
Plans As They Are Mapped On. BY the
Leaders.

At the meeting of the Kennebec Choral
Union held last evening at the Baptist
yestry, the following letter in regard Ia
next Maine musical festival from Direc-
| tor William r. Chapman and Manager
f,omer n. Chase was read:
| Auburn. Me-. Nov u. 1897
| Prospectus. Maine Music Festival 1898.
! To the Officers ana Members of the Cho-
| rus.
| We are pleased with the degree of mu-
| steal success which has attended the
work of the pass year as proved by the
enthusiasm of the audiences at the con-
certs of the recent festivals We know
that still more can be accomplished by
another year of the same effort. and we
feel encouraged to 50 on with. the festi-
val choruses ard work which is rapidly
spreading all over the State. We are
ob..etd 10 ask. however that Il certain
guarantee he given by the various che
ruses to partially insure US agairss loss
in devoting so much time and labor to
this cause. We have decided that IL is
wise TO require that each chorus shall
pledge the sale Of half as many patron ~
course tickets at $500 each as there are
active membe RS enrolled. 50 from Il cho-
rus of 1e9 We may expect 30 patrons. and
50 on at this ratio.
We are anxious that al. who love mu-
sic ana can sing should become members
Of the chorus. study the music. and help
perp.tu5ite the festival. The seating ca
pa.ity or the stage at Portland and at
Bangor is limited and there will be room
only for singers. Choruses are now form
ing in cities which We're not represented
at tne last festival asking permission to
join the ranks for the coming season. AS
this Is "A music festival for the State of
Maine we feel obliged to give them an
opportunity for this study and cultivation
If they 50 desire There fore. we are
obliged TO keep the number down 20 1863
voices in each the Eastern and Western
division. we must have admission COM
miuees and permit only those who d'
s.re to study. and have musical intelli-
gerce I've do rot say necessarily. ability
10 become members.
We realize from the experience Of this
year that quite larg~>percentage a.
those singing in the chorus will not te
able to attend the festival for various
reasons. However. the admission COM
mttec Will have the authority to consider
in reference to the members who VIII Dc
admitted 10 the festival stage. the follow
ing points OF excellence. viz: Voice. is IL
true ard pleasant. absolutely in tune:
knowledge of the music. thar Is. ability
TO sing l. without notes. attendance III re-
hearsa.s. punctuaiity and regularity. de |
pertinent Mt rehearsals. in careful .:udy |
and carrying out the suggestions of the |
conductor.
We are forced TO admit that some of
the chorus of the last festival were not
SO parlicula: in observing these matters |
as Is necessary for the good of working |
members who desire an opportunity for |
,udy ard Improvement. II you do hot |
wish 10 earnestly study and enjoy this |
festival music. do not attempt 10 join the |
chorus this year: if you do, there Is u |
pace for you ard you are welcome. We |
want every singer VINO can ard VIII |
sing. We are anxious to make the work |
Of the chorus of the highest possible |
Standard. and the music selected is more |
rfyrsp
tina, of the last programme. II is our
purpose 10 make the festival for the fall |
o. ~. as grand as that of 81.
To stimulate the study of this music.
the NAM geme,t offer "A prize of 500 90
be dlviGsd into 500 for each. the cas-
crn and western division. tut :ai:r j.
TO be awarded by musical judges VINO
shall be selected later. to the chorus
which SHAH be able to do the best work at
the festival
The expense of carrying on the renear
sails must be determined by the local
ma Ga cement of each chorus. Ii is simply |
necessary to raise funds sufficient 10 pay |
the nail rent. conductor and pianis,. The
music books will contain over 800 pages.
and will cost only Si.25 and each member
must own copy. 1t includes the com
plete sorator.o OF Elijah by Mendelssohn.
besides an operate programme three
pictures from the Tower Of Babel by Ru-
bnsitein. and miscellaneous numbers. MI
1 ,hapman desires you 10 taka Up the OPP
era selections first as they are easier than
Elijah.
We desire ihat il he understood at the /
commencement of this season that light |
gowns must be worn by all ladies on the
festival stage for the evening concerts.
the de sirability of this was proved be
yond question at the recent festivals, and
the rule will be strictly Enforced.
1t has been found eXpedien; and helpful!
to the conductors and secretaries 10
have captains appointed for the different
divisions of the chorus, and it is advised
that trese captains be appointed carly in
the season that they may become bet
ter acquainted with the members. ana
thus nIake easier their own duties uaG
responsibilities
Re spectfully.
WILLIAM Il. CHAPMAN.
Director-in-Ch thief.
HOMER n. CHASE.
General Business Manager.