Gilpin observer., 1905-11-30
Idaho springs People Attended in Numbers
Their Scholars Sang Well and
Were Awarded the Prize.
The TEACHERS MEETING A GRAND SUCCESS


former years the evening meeting pre-
ceding the Saturday session has been de-
voted to lecture by some prominent
man. Last year Judge Ben B. Lindsey
gave the address. This time a choral
contest was arranged by the committee
and was entered by choruses from Bald
Mountain, Idaho Springs, Central City
and Black Hawk.
special train from Idaho Springs
brought 225 visitors, 179 OF whom were
contestants. special supper was pre-
pared blythe ladies Of the Degree of Hon
or for the visitors, 159 of whom availed
themselves Of the opportunity. as did
also many others whose interest in the
contestants brought them to this city.
The Opera house was filled to the lin
it Of it's capacity. 1t was even necessary
to place chairs in the aisles to accom-
Dodate the extra number. When the
curtain rose the stage appeared set to its
full size and occupied by more than 300
pupils from the public schools.
The audience was enthusiastic and
gave each chorus its full measure of ap-
plause. The Idaho Springs High school
won in the contest with the Central City
High school, and in the contest of the
grades Black Hawk carried off the prize.
Every chorus sang exceptionally well
the listeners as to the probable winners,
especially in the contest of the High
schools. In the grade choruses. however,
there was practically no doubt that
Black Hawk would win first place. 1t
is seldom that such fine singing is heard
even among older and more experienced
singers. The sweetness and purity of
tone, ttg'delicate shading which is par
ticulariIy difficult to obtain with very
young singers, brought forth many an
expression of wonder from the audience.
1t is gratifying to find that the marks
given to the Black Hawk chorus by the
judges were the highest scored in the
contest, even the High schools, though
graded on the same basis failed to make
an average as high.
In giving so much praise to the vic
torious chorus, we do no, wish to pass
over the excellent work done by the 9TH
er contestants. Bald Mountain enter
ed the contest with the splendid spirit
OF doing its best without expecting the
prize. 1t is only about month since
Bald Mountain has had director of
music and consequently the chorus was
at disadvantage against the other more
highly trained schools but they sur.
prised the audience by the good work
they did and when the marks OF the
judges were made known Bald Mountain
had reason to feel proud of the standing
they had made.
Both the Central City grades and
High school did we'll. A good deal was
expected of the High school, but the
grades were an unknown element in
musical lines. Suffice it to say that the
clear voices and good songs were a de.
light.
The Idaho Springs grades sang well
and showed training and were roundIy
applauded.
After the contest was over while the
judges were out, the Idaho Springs
choruses sang together to accompani-
ment by their own orchestra. The effect
was fine and was greatly enjoyed, as was
also the music Of the Idaho Springs Man
dolin club
On Saturday, at the High school build
ing the teachers program was held aud
proved practical and interesting. Presi-
dent j. G. Matthews conducted the meet.
ing Rev. Mr.. Forester opened the ses.
sion with prayer. Mr.. Kenwell OF Bald
Mountain gave an unusual and interest.
ing paper on Japan and its interior
schools. Mr.. Kenwell also took active
and helpful part in the days discussion.
Miss Briggs presented well prepared
paper on Reading in a most artistic man.
ner. A very interesting feature OF the
morning was an address by President w.
II. Malet OF the Black Hawk board OF
directors. Mr.. Malet is an able speaker
and was very much appreciated, Supt
Potter of Idaho Springs rising to pay
tribute to the wellthough. and we'll
presented speech Of Mr.. Malet. Supt.
Thomas OF Georgetown gave an excel
lent paper on Interstate Certihcation.
The visitors Of the day who contribut.
ed to the program were Ex State Supt.
Fred Dick, DR.. Stiifsy OF Greeley. DR..
Akers OF London, and President Victor
G. Alderson Of the State School OF Mines.
DR.. Anderson spoke at some length on