Connecticut western news., 1916-12-21
CANAAN CHORAL SOCIETY
Read by the President at the Meeting in
 New York.

ouOIdI uIlOu LOT the season or lSI and are happy to have had part in it and to have done "'our bit" toward that success. Our chorus had pledged itself to loyal support of the program and the leaders, and though we greatly missed our beloved conductor, we are happy to report our chorus was as large as ever and though we have to report a decrease in the average attendance, am sure it was due more to the extreme winter weather and to the great amount of sickness than to lack of interest or loyalty. Our chorus enrolled 106 members, with an average attendance of 89, or 84 per cent. Of the total en- rolled, seven dropped out, three of whom dropped after being present only two or three times. The final enroll ment was 99, which is the same as ill the preceding year. On the basis of the final enrolment the average at tendance was 90 per cent, which is d drop from the remarkable record of 967 per cent. the year previous, a drop which is not at all surprising, all things considered. If every one of the 99 had been presen at all 20 of the
 
 total of 1880 attendances. There were actually 1,780, or 200 absences. This divided by 99 gives two absences per member as against two thirds of an absence per member last year. There was a large number of cases of pro longed absences from sickness and fewer members who successfully re- sisted the persistent germ. Only 26 were perfect in attendance as against half the chorus in the preceding season. Eighteen missed one rehearsal and the same number missed two. We had 51 sopranos, 26 altos, 10 tenors and 19 passes. The problem of tenors Las been an old problem with us, but for few years past we have had fair pro. portion in that part. However, the fates have been after us this year, and one after another of our young men have left town for business reasons. Out G. the 10 enrolled last season, only four are left and some of those who have gone were among our best. None of the tenurs have been members from the beginning, i'll contrast, for instance, with the basses, 57 per cent. of whom
 
 was formed. We expect to receive some new tenors, though not enough to make good our losses.
 l wish to report again most satis factory distribution of the invitations. If there were any disappointments or complaints they haven't come to our ears. Credit for the wise and tactful handling of this problem is due to Joseph Parsons, our secretary. I wish to reccrd also our appreciation of the efficleut work of our registrar, George Hardenbergh, and of our accomplished accompanist. Miss DeHart.
 At the recent annual business and social meeting all the old officers were re elected, but all members of the board of directors who were not officers were new. There is wisdom in having at least some change in the governing body each year, and thls has been our practice for some time.
 The chorus was very happy to rec onize Mrs. Stoeckels birthday and in a simple way to honor it by giving to her testimonial of their honor and affec- tion which was signed by every mem. Der of the chorus. They also gave to MT. Allen copy of "The Creation'' bound in Morocco as a testimonial of their good will and appreciation of his patience with the chorus and the valua ble instruction which he gave.
 The Canaan chorus has passed it's 18th season in the glorious fellowship of the Litchfeld County Choral union. For 12 years body of about % has enjoyed the privilege of higher muslcal education, has been steadily gaining in proficiency and in familiarity with the great works ot choral and orchestral music. New members are coming in each year, with their contribution of fresh enthusiasm. Old ones are gong out with their memories full of haunt ing harmonies and melting melodies and exhilarating experiences in re- hearsals and concerts. Who can meas. ure the value of all this to the indi vidual and to the social life of our will Iage? In the social realm it makes an invaluable contribution to the solution of one of the most difficult of village problems-that of educational and in. spring entertainmen6. One evening a week during the winter months set apart for the study of the great musi- cal interpretations of life 1nder great leadership and in harmonious accord with other representatives in all walks of life-surely there is no finer contri- button to the problem of village social life. And what a material it gives for fresh and inspiring contribution. And what an elevation there is in the musi- cal taste of ali. How it shows itself in the eagerness to obtain and to repro. duce for others enjoyment the fine records of the great singers and masters who have been heard in Norfolk-a power of selection which would be inn possible to the majority were it not for the familiarity gained there. As for its contribution to the normality and happiness of the individual life, am going to quote from George Eliot in sThe Mill on the Floss" I think I