The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1914-07-11

tory.
Fargo Conservatory is being reOr-
ganized by the newly elected dean,
Prof. A. j. Stephens, we'll known
throughout the state as North Dako-
ta's leading musician. Mr.. Stephens
took the official chair several days
ago. and has been devoting his time to
many changes, both in faculty and
courses.
The people of Fargo will be glad to
hear Of Mr.. Stephens election to this
important office in the biggest year Of
the history Of the college. He has
served the city we'll. Few people real
ize the results of his six years work in
Fargo. He has gradually developed
the young musicians, teaching free
lessons when conditions required it,
until now Fargo is on the eve Of pos
sessing a good symphony orchestra as
a permanent credit to the city.
One of the many factors in Mr..
Stephens success is his winning per-
sonality. He makes friends on all
sides and enemies are unknown to
him The younger generation of mu-
sicians all admire him, and as a token
of their affection call him Dad" AS
a man Of staunCh character Mr..
Stephens could have no superior. He
.Eas gon through the formative period
of a big city musicians life. and has
come through the stronger for it. He
has come west to grow up with the
country. and the country has received
and honOred him.
Mr.. Stephens training has been eX-
ceptioQal. He graduated from the
New England Conservatory Boston. in
1901. Five years of post graduate
work rounded out his splendid prepar-
alton for musical leadership. He con-
tinued until 1906, conducting under
Wallace Goodrich. studying counter
point composition and Instrumentation
under Benjamin Cutter; voice under
c. B. Shirley.
He played under Emil Mollenhauer
with the Boston Festival orchestra
four years, including all the Handel
and Haydn society choral concerts.
From 1905 to 1907 he was a member
of the Schubert String Quartet Of
Boston, making collegiate tours
through the eastern. southern and
east central states. From 1904 to 1908
Mr.. Stephens could be found in the
orchestra of the Colonial theater, BOs-
ton. His ensemble training was under
Emil Mahr, and Joseph Adamowski,
of the Boston Symphony orchestra. He
was a private teacher in Boston from
1901 to 1908.
In 1908, Mr.. Stephens decided to
come west, and Fargo profited there
by. He arrived in September 1908.
Since that time he has been the mu-
steal leader of the city. His time has
been employed with the Fargo Col
lege Glee club band and orchestra.
He organized the Fargo-MOorhead
OratOrio society in 1910. This later
combined with the Philharmonic club,
nf which ha ic 0Nn1Iptnr haJino piVpn
two concerts each year with splendid
success. At present Mr.. Stephens is
quietly. earnestly building the founda-
tons for a permanent city symphony
orchestra. He is at present choir
master of the First Methodist church.
Mr.. Stephens is an expert at ar
ranging music. His work has graced
the program of many a glee club and
orchestra, perhaps unknown to his
hearers. He has been a willing help
er in everything that has contributed
to the progress of the city, more es-
pecially in musical circles. One in
stance of his spirit of cooperation
was noted this June, when he came
to the rescue of the senior class Of
the A. c. by orchestrating the Indian
music for the play, Sitting Bull-Cus-
ter.
Although Mr.. Stephens told no one
he was a band man, the news did leak
out, and every summer Sunday aft
ernoon for two years, Dad" has don
ned his cap and uniform and betaken
himself to the park. where he holds
first chair as solo clarinetist.
Next year will be the biggest year
for both he city and the college on
the hill, and Mr.. Stephens seems to
have jumped up just at the right
time. Mrs. Stephens will continue in
the conservatory voice department,
and will be a valuable helpmate in the
heavy duties of director. Mr.. and Mrs.
Stephens will make a fine team of
workers, and their host of friends are
congratulating them, and predicting a
grand success.
The following to Professor and Mrs.
Stephens from the board of trustees
explains itself:
To Professor and Mrs. Stephens:
The faculty of Fargo college in ses-
sion assembled hear with pleasure
that o have been called to a posi-
ton in another institution, and re-
joice that the offer is such as justly
to compliment your talents n abili-
ties.
While congratulating you on your
deserved success. we express our re-
gret that the thought Of your leaving
Fargo has ever been suggested. Your
departure would be a calamity to the
conservatory, college, town, and state,
and we do earnestly hope that your
present position may in some way be
made so as to, continue to command
you service.
We beg to assure you Of our love
n esteem, and we do sincerely and
earnestly hope, that we may still nave
your presence and inspiration with us.
--------'
nellie Bryant at Biennial Meeting.
nellie Bryant, the soprano, was calls
ed to Chicago the end of June to sing
at the biennial meeting of Women's
Clubs. She sang on California Day.
In the Congress Hotel, twice, as fol-
lows:
English songs
Like a Rosebud ............L La Forge
retreat .............sss.....Ia FOrge
Ny Heart is a Lutte ..Y.... Woodman
inter Nos ............. .MacFadyef.
Nothin but Love Bond
Aria From Cavalleria Rusticana.
Mascagni
After both appearances Mrs. Bryant
had to sing encores. the first being IT
Love You, California" the second "On
j Moonbeam," which she also repeated