The daily silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1903-1907, 1903-05-08
IN
OUR SCHOOLS
Gratifying Results Apparent
from Addition to This
Department
PUPIlSMAkiNG ADVANCEMENT
Many Good Singers Among
Them-Fourth of July Cele-
bration Meeting Tonight

The teaching of music in the pub
lie schools. and making it a part of
the regular course Of study has come
20 be looked upon as one of the most
Important factors in successful school
work. The rovement was viewed
with some opposition on the part CT
parents in it's early stages but this
has long since been overcome, and
parents who are most particular and
take the greatest interest in the edu-
cational advancement of their chill
dren are now unanimously in favor of
1t. The knowledge of music and alb
sorption of its manifold benefits are
generally conceded by the most
thororough and practical educators
to be of inestimable Importance in
qualifying and rounding out the cnar-
acter of the scholars, many of whom
go out into the world with no acquir-
ed knowledge of music other than that
gained in connection with their other
school studies.
In view of the fact that the teach
ing of music is recognized as being
as essential as the teaching of any
other branch of learning in all the
hest schools of the land. it is indeed
gratifying to those who are interest
ed in the public schools of Winnie
mucca to know that in this depart
ment our schools are strong and well
equipped, as they are in all others.
Music as a part of the course of
study was not taught until January
l, 1902. and the first experience was
rather discouraging. But the op-
posite is true today. and the music de-
partment ably presided over by Mrs.
A. L. Lothrop. who gives instruction
in all the grades is now one of the
most popular and progressive Of the
school
The first term was difficult for beth
teacher and pupil; many of the scho.-
ars had never attempted to vocalize
and were naturally timid in trying.
Study of vocal music is compulsory,
and all are required to attend and ac
quire the rudiments. and learn to
read at sight and appreciate the beau
| ties of harmony, whether it is within
their power to learn to sing well o.
not. The ninth and tenth grades are
now singing in two-part and three
part music. Without exception they
have fine voices and their harmony is
real, and highly pleasing. The 9th
er grades are thoroughly interested,
and in them all the pupils are making
gratifying progress. The desire t.
excel is apparent
The rote songs are selected with
ability and care. and these are sung
in good time and with correct ex-
preston. The first and second grades
are taught to sing by the aid of
scientifically prepared charts, while
in the receiving class the little ones
! learn to sing from tones, and to cor
rectly interpret the scale.
The success of the innovation Is
highly mplimentary to the instruct
or, who firmly believes that the per-
centage Of children who absolutely
cannot sing is very small, and tha,
nearly every child can become
good vocalist il taken in hand when
Young and given the proper train
ing. Latent and frequently unsus'
pected talent is thus brought out ane
made to become pleasure and bless
ing to mankind, helping to smoothe
out the hard rough places along ths
way of life. and make 1t more wort
the living.