The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1903-05-31
BY GRACE NOBLE.

In the modern finishing school, the
accomplishments of pupils are regu-
lated entirely by the sphere to which
it has pleased society and their faith
ers' millions to call them.
If girl is taking short and strenu-
Gus polishing course, her accomplish
ments are apt to be merely the fads
of the hour. If her parents insists
that she be prepared on the "get-rich-
quick" plan, she takes up the work
after the most superficial manner. On
the other hand, IL a considerable num-
Der of terms are to be devoted to her
drawing room education, the principal
of the school draws breath of relief
and starts as near the foundation of
things social and graceful as she dares.
The more rapid process includes a
smattering of the languages. particu-
larly French, so that the pupil is at
least capable of understanding the So
called smart repartee in which society
now INDUCES. She patters lightly of
the various schools of art. She CLEANS
few stray sheaves at the opera har-
vest during the season. She is strictly
an up-to-date girl If skirt dancing is
the rage, she takes private lessons in
the art. II coon songs are in favor,
she receives a special instruction Her
lesson in golf, or the crack game of
the hour, is as important. even more
so, than her hour in physics or alge-
bra. She does not draw with facility,
but she invests in a typography outfit
and burns wood, because every one is
taking up the fad. And she is dis
tinctly up on clothes.
In truth, when she goes back to her
home, she is glittering, dazzling crea-
ture. who babbles bewilderingly of
many things, but cannot be pinned
down long or exhaustively to any one
topic of dignity or importance. But If
she is clever and adaptive, she scores
something of a social success, to the
relief of her parents and the question
able credit of her preceptors.
When Art Becomes n study.
point to an entree into really exclusive
and solid society," whose path may
lead to foreign lands and. perhaps,
to an international alliance, the prepa-
ration is more worthy of considera-
ton. Rag-time forms no part of her
musical instruction. Art becomes a
study. not a fad. Golf is a means,
not an end.
In the matter of musical accom-
plishments alone, the range is wide.
She is permitted to select the instruc-
ment which appeals most strongly to
her, and then she is thoroughly
grounded in its technique. The piano
is almost invariably included in this
course Of instruction, whatever other
instrument may be selected as her
specially. She takes singing lessons,
not only to develop what talent she
may possess, but also TO train her ear.
to quicken her musical fancy, and 10
improve her speaking voice. Her
vocal training includes choral work.
The ensemble singing az a fashionable
school IL often pleasant 10 hear, and
always obligatory.
Theoretically. she studies the his
tory OF music, attends the best con-
certs ~ well as the opera. and hears
the masters ~ instrumental and vocal
music, with all valuable lectures that
the season may bring forth. In many
OF the exclusive schools weekly must
Gales Of much merit are given. and al
Tendance on the part 81 pupils ~ prac-
Ideally obligatory These musicaiea,
90 rule. are divided into groups. tsk-
ms np the various schools ~ music,
Including talks on che composers ne