The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-09-20


His Work as Composer-A Long
List Of Published Compositions.
What the Tribune Offers to the
Contestants in It's Educational
Contest-Progress of the Contest
and Advances Made by Contestants
Yesterday-only Nine Days Left
in Which to Enter.
"HE TINE was when music was
looked upon as an ornamental
accomplishment. something nice
to have, but not essential to
character r-bulding, nor in any
way helping one to meet the struggles
and realities of life. This view is fast
becoming obsolete. and people are
awake to the fact that music is a part
of human nature. and to have a we'll
rounded character one must not neglect
this branch of his education. Parents
and educators are recognizing the re-
fining influence of music. They realize
that young man who sings has a
potent safeguard against the allure
ments of coarse company. This recog-
milton is only the first step in the right
direction. Much more could be made
of music than is being done. Vocal
music is the natural product of human
nature, and its function is to express
and excite feelings" "Religous song is
the voice of the soul" Most people pos
sess good natural singing voice which.
by proper care and cultivation, would
inspire the highest pleasure. Moreover.
singing is conducive to the best Of
health provided the vocal organs are
properly used.
Oliver Wendell Holmes once wrote:
'Alas for those that never sing, but
e'with all their music in them"
Mr. Wooler the subject Of this sketch,
certainly will not be included among
those whom the above quotation has
great deal, but he gives vent to his
musical nature in composition as we'll
as in singing.
Mr.. Wooler's Musical Standing.
Mr. Wooler is recognized as one Of
the leading music teachers in North
eastern Pennsylvania. He is also tenor
sOloist at the Elm Park church, a posi-
tion which is the first of its kind in
Scranton. This position he has held for
almost nine years. always giving the
utmost satisfaction.
Voice Culture and Singing.
In voice culture and singing, Mr..
Wooler endeavors to make his instruc-
tion interesting and truly educational.
ever seeking to cultivate thoughtful
ness and aesthetic appreciation by en-
phasizing the beauty and expressive
power of music, vocal music especially.
He desires his pupils to become dis
eliminating and independent critics of
themselves and of their work, and he
spares no effort in bringing about this
result; ever striving for independence
rather than imitation. He believes that
one who understands the art of pro-
duclng tones properly, will retain a
musical voice unto old age, that every
person possessing good voice should
have 1t cultivated, and that perseyer-
ance in study will bring success
Mr. Wooler is most thorough and
painstaking in cultivating the art of
enunciation,ar tion. perfect breath
ing, f1eXibility, correct intOnatiOn, facial
expression, posture and interpretati ton.
His success as Il teacher is the result
or his conscientious work and excellent
method (as Is shown by the way in
which his pupils voices are developed),
and an instructive faculty of divining
the best capabilities, with the gift of
putting those characteristics in the
most effective light before the public.
lie has perfected a system based on a
careful classification of consonants and
the gradation of differently -colored
vowel-sounds. whereby the greatest
purity and resonance of tone, with a
perfect evenness throughout the entire
compass Of the voice, is obtained.
The mode Of production taught by
Mr.. Wooler preserves the voice fresh
and unworn for future use. whilst de-
reloping its utmost sorority and carry
Ing power. This Is strikingly notice.
able in his own voice. He cultivates the
different timbres of the voice so as to
aid the singer in expression. phrasnr
and diction in both horid and declama-
tory singing. Among Mr.. Wooler's stu
dents are some local instructors who
are taking advanced courses
MI. Wooler's Studies.
Mr. Wooler studied voice culture and
singing both in England and in this
country. His principal teachers were
Mr., Robert Bradley, Bradford, York.
shire, England, and Mr.. William Court
ney, New York. The following letter
was given Mr.. .Wooler on leaving Eng
land for this country:
Alexandra Road, Shipley. Aug. 10, 1890
To Whom 1t May Concern:
Mr. Alfred Wooler studied under me I'm
singing about four years: during that
time he made great progress and was
three years one of the principal singers
IN St. Paurs church, Shipley l con
slider him good musician and he pos
sesses fine tensr voice; he would make
good teacher In music In all its
branches. | wish him well In all his un-
dertakings, as know he has kind dis
position. Robert Bradley.
In addition to his studies In voice
culture and singing, Mr.. Wooler has
made thorough study and has a pro-
found knowledge of the theory of mu-
sic, having completed harmony, count
espoint, canon, fugue, form and COM
position under DR.. Hugh A. Clarke.
University of Pennsylvania, Philadel- |
phia, after which he received the fol- |
lowing letter:
Philadelphia. February 10th. 1898.
MY Dear Mr. Wooler: |