Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-02-25
LETTERS FROM BEE READERS
william w., Not william o. wynan,
Member 0maha's Pioneer Council.
AUGUST N. BoRelUn ON NAY FESTIVAL
DR.. Towne Protests Against Finance
Committees NegIiEence In Failing
20 Make Appropriation for
state Board of Health.

in The Sunday Bee your account OF
Omahas pioneer council. and write to call
your attention to a slight error in IT.
My father was a member of the council.
but his name was william w. Wyman,
not William u, as you have II. The error
doubtless arose from the fact that the
name of my brother, now of Washington.
d. c. but who was one of the earliest OF
the young men who came to Omaha, Is
Albert U. Wyman.
This error may seem to be little thing,
but know you will be glad to correct
II to keep as exact as possible the record
of the old days Sincerely yours,
w. H. wYMAN.
OMAHA, Feb. 2.-To the Editor of The
Bee The election of Mr.. e. p. Peck as
president of the Omaha May Festival as
ISOLATION gives new life and a new aspect
to the work of this organization. The
willingness of a business man of Mr.. Peck's
standing to take in hand the financial end
Of q May festival Is encouraging TO the
growth of music in Omaha, as Il means
that music is being recognized as an inn
portant factor, in the education and culture
of the community and will soon be given
annual support, as are other events for
the promotion and growth OF Omaha
The present May Festival association is
an outgrowth of the May festival held last
spring in the First Congregational church,
which originated with DR.. II. c. Herring
and Mr. Ira b, Penniman. The series of
concerts met with considerable success
and some very excellent artists were en-
gagged for the occasion. Several Of Omahas
leading musicians volunteered their sup
port and cooperation for another year,
hoping that this might prove the begin
ming of a permanent May festival. Ac-
cordingly, DR.. Herring Mr.. Penniman and
Mr.. Cuscaden, with those who had shown
any enthusiasm. got together one evening
at the studio Of Mr.. Borglum and In a
general way discussed the proposition. In
order to make It popular affair It was
decided TO invite the cooperation of other
musicians; some accepted and others re-
fused. At the second meeting general
plans were formulated; board of direc-
tors consisting of about twenty-five mu-
sicians, music lovers and business men
were chosen, all Of whom were enthusi-
astically in favor OF the movement and
willing to give 1t both moral and material
support A general outline of the work
| contemplated was drawn up and sent to
the newspapers for publication; with that
the active work ceased for the summer.
| In October officers were elected as follows:
| ATs F1eTTlnBs pTeSluenIs f1AlleT, VICE
president: A. NJ. Borglum. secretary and
treasurer; Ira B. Penniman, conductor Of
the chorus, and Robert Cuscaden. conduc-
tor OF the orchestra For a time the work
| progressed very satisfactorily; Mr.. Penni-
| man organized his chorus and Mr.. Gus
| caden got together his orchestra, each hav-
| ing successful rehearsals once q week.
| The finance committee became active and
results were very encouraging until DR..
Herring received his appointment to go to
New York. The promoters felt discour-
aged, yet unwilling to give up. not know
ing whom to ask to fill the place for which
Dr. Herring seemed so well suited. The
cause. however, could not have been bet
ter championed than by Mr.. Peck, and his
connection with the movement will force
| other business men to at least consider
with more favor the value OF more inter-
| nal musical culture.
In the selection Of an orchestra, home
material has been chosen. not because II
is thought to be as good as a Thomas or
chestra or the New York Symphony or
chestra, but because their use in work OF
! this kind will force the development of a
permanent orchestra For three years Mr..
| Cuscaden has struggled for the organiza-
tion of an orchestra, always giving one OF
two public performances during the season.
| Ihe playing OF MS PERFORMERS, individually
and ensemble, has improved and is now
about 100 per cent better than last season.
Another reason why this movement should
be supported is that every one associated
with 1t. except the orchestral musicians
are giving their services free for the good
of music in Omaha.
The best eastern soloists available within
the means of the association will be en-
gagged to assist at the concerts.
Now would be a good time for all Omaha
South Omaha and Council Bluffs musicians
to Join in the movement Why not make
this the beginning of new era OF cooper.
alton for the common good7 This associa-
tion does not pledge itself to support any
one musician or any body of musicians
How many musicians will voluntarily come
forward with one subscription for this fes.
tival-"for the good Of music in OmahaT'
Four concerts will be given. one in the
near future by orchestra and soloist and the
remaining three In May, closing with
"Elijah" by chorus. orchestra and solo.
lists. The subscription is IS. good for two
reserved seats for each concert. Concerts
will be given al the Boyd theater, the dat,
Of the first 10 he announced as soon as g
date Is available.
A. NJ. BoRGLUM. Secretary.