Connecticut western news., 1911-12-21
CHORAL UNION BANQUET
MT. and Mrs. StoeckeI Give Office rs
 Annual Treat.

Carl Stoeckel, of Norfolk. entertained the officers of the Litchfield County Choral Union at Delmonico's, New York, last Friday, where the annual business meeting was held and plans discussed for the coming season of the Union, after which dinner was enjoyed and the guests given tickets to the various thea ters of the city, which capped the climax of their enjoyment.
 At the business session Dr. T. L. Ham, ant, of Norfolk, was elected president of the Unlon, to succeed Mir. A.W. Ack- erman, resigned; reports of the various town societies were read, that of the Canaan society being submitted by it's president, Rev. K. O. Gillette, as follows:
 "The seventh season of the Canaan chorus was one in which the interest and enthusiasm of former years was we'll sustained and in no season has the sense of high privilege taken greater possession of both chorus and community. In fact the fear lest, because of our lack of tenors the chorus might not be able to go on,
 
 privileges enjoyed and a determination not to let them slip away from us.
 "The lack of tenors has been one of our problems from the first, but this season has been the most disoouraging of any. We had, only five, and two of these were new and inexperienced members. Two of the most experienced tenors have since removed from town and we realiz. cd that we were confronting a serious condition. There have been a number of young men in town who have natural tenor voices but who know little or nothing about reading the tenor part and consequently have never been per suaded to try for the chorus. The di- reotors engaged Mrs. Bullock, who has had large experience in such work, to conduct class for tenors and offered the privileges of the class free to any who would join. As a result class of eleven (only one of whom was a mem Der of the chorus two years ago) has held number of rehearsals and they are de- yeloping good quality and strength, and great enthusiasm. While no doubt they will find the serious work of the chorus rehearsals more taxing to their inexper- fence, we believe that with the tenors who are planning, to come down from Ashley Falls and Sheffield we will have the best tenor we have ever had. If our phophecy is true it will mean a great deal to the successful work of the Ga naan chorus and will be a great relief to Mir. Paine. We. deeply appreciate his patience with us in this matter. We realize that in small place everything possible must be done to cultivate our resources and this class is @ move in this direction and it will be continued as long after the opening of regular re- hearsals as may seem needful and as long as the young men may desire.
 During last season there were eighteen rehearsals and the average attendance was 70.17. The total enrolment 86, but five dropped out making an actual work. ing membership of 8l. The average at- tendance was 8l.58 per cent. of the total enrolment, or 85.24 per cent. of the actual enrolment. This is an increase of 616 per cent. over last year. The largest at. tendance was 7S, the lowest 5S; 12 were perfect 21 missed only one and IA only two, making AT who did not miss more than two rehearsals, which is 55 per cent. of the membership.
 "For the first time in its history the Canaan chorus had local accompanist, Miss Gladys DeHart, who did creditable work for her first season and she will continue to service us in that important capacity.
 "The Boston Festival Orchestra Club tgave an artistic concert under the aus. pices of the chorus to which the scholars in our High school were admitted free. But owing to local conditions the concert was financial loss. But in spite of this the season was closed without a deficit, thanks to the generosity of some of our Canaan people We missed the income from the associate membership. AS was stated last year, when we found that people had begun to feel that they could pay two dollars and be assured of invita- tions to the concerts we felt that it was time to quit. This danger is @ very real one and we believe that the spirit of the law as we'll as its letter should be lived up to.
 "The annual meeting this year was very successful. over sixty being in attend ance and pleasant evening being spent together. MT. Watson Hardenbergh, who has served the society most inde- fatigably as secretary and treasurer for a number of years and who was about to locate in Providence, was presented with a piece of Sheffield plate in recognition of his services. MT. Joseph Parsons was elected his successor and is present this evening. We are glad to welcome him in to this goodly fraternity. AS usual there