The Watertown weekly leader. [volume] (Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis.) 1912-1917, 1916-04-25
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.

Watertown is in position just now
to possess one Of the best musical
organizations in this part of the
country-or possess none.
Through recent years few who
are imbued with the love of music,
possibly as their first love, but none
the less with an eye to the citys adj
vancement, have given both money and
time to bring the Symphony orchestra
up to its present high standard of
excellence.
And in reviewing those who thus de-
voted themselves, it would be hard to
select place to begin and end. Every
element which was possible to success
has entered into the finished organiza-
ton, and success would not have been
complete had any been omitted.
Of course, when one thinks of the
Symphony orchestra they are liable
to first think of the leader, then,
possibly, the other musicians, then
| their meeting place This order is
| by no means unnatural; but any one
| item could not be omitted and attain
success. In this matter of labor for
love every person has shown more
| than a spirit of sacrifice.
H. c! Reichert, the director, has
| been unstinted in his efforts to make
the orchestra a success.
Frank Bramer, concert master has
been more than liberal in his activi-
ties
Each individual member of the
organization has displayed a devotion
! more than mercenary.
Rev. N. Carter Daniel, who fur
nished a heated and lighted meeting
place, which included janitor service,
was moved with a spirit for higher
advancement equalled only by those
| named above
| Those who advanced money for the
purchase of instruments were taken
OF local pride besides the possible
return of sOrdid dollars.
All of which is nothing if not highly
cOmmendable.
But will the efforts of all those
interested, including some people not
mentioned here, be brought to an
abrupt ending?
There is an effort on foot now to
finance the orchestra and make it a
permanent institution Naturally,
money will be needed-not for total
maintenance, because the organiza-
ton can give concerts and get some
return. But money will be needed to
the extent of the difference between
/ a rg0D nJ low. irn
pense.
There are those who will ask what
benefit is derived by this excess, and
! the question is to be expected
| One of the general benefits to be
| derived is placing Watertown on a
higher level in the musical world
than surrounding cities, which of
necessity reflects a special kind of
favorable advertising to the city.
Another thought is the educational
advantages to the people. Still
! another and pleasing fact is the known
financial success of good musical
organizations after they have been
given an opportunity to firmly estab-
| fish.
After the recent artistic concert at
the congregational church a number
of those in the audience approached
the director and offered financial
backing, and while their generosity is
commendable, it is not sufficient to
carry the entire burden. Others will
of necessity be asked to assist, and on
| the outcome of the requests depends
| the future of the Symphony orchestra.
1t is scarcely conceivable that
city with an established musical
organization of the high standard of
excellence of the Symphony will per-
NIT the orchestra to expire, and when
those interested solicit subscriptions
liberality on the part of our citizens is
devoutly hoped