The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-08-18
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA


 musicians union, in expressing his de- light of the orga anization of the orchestra and the prospects for Birmingham hav ing a great symphony orchestra such as those of the northern cities, said that the success of the new organization seems more certain than any of the previous efforts made.
 "The members of the. union have long desired to see such a step taken and have made efforts to establish an orches- tra here before," said MT. Arrico Tn saying that the amateurs who can quail fly will be permitted to play with the union members, I feel that I have the support of the entire union. We have always been glad to aid the progress of musical organizations and have served willingly in furnishing music for patriotic movements. Everyone should help us build up this splendid orchestra"
 1t was announced that the same kind of high-class work that has been done by the Community band, of which Will liam Nappi is director, will be continued. The orchestra is to be under the direc- ton of Phillip Menoli, a musician and composer of national reputation.
 AMATEURS TO PLAY
 The nucleus of the orchestra is to be trained musicians fro mthe local musi- clans' union, supported by local anna teur musicians who qualify Following the patriotic and conlmendable lead which the musicians of Philadelphia, Gin cinnati and other large cities have taken in allowing amateurs to play with them in public service and in community or chestras, the local musicians have con scented to help the great movement by allowing the amateurs here to play in the orchestra with them.
 Heretofore this has not been GUS tom of the local union, but after the necessity and patriotism of the matter was presented to them, and the impor- tance of the orchestra was urged, the members consented It was announced that the amateurs who play with the professionals will have to pass rigid ex- aminations and have the required qual- iications.
 Sunday about 20 members will be in the orchestra. An increasing number will play from then until the organiza- ton Is as large as it needs be. SINGING POPULAR The band numbers that have been rendered at the singings during the | past Il weeks have proved especially popular with the large crowds that at | tended and 1t is believed the announce ment that the high-c class work will be continued and very much enlarged will be well received by all the singers. Professor Lawrence stated that real l ization of the orchestra is to mean much to Birmingham. "It is this great | need that has kept us from being a musical community and that has been | called for so often and so persistenrly It should interest every ore who has | the welfare of the city at heart. AfteI while it will be highly perfected orga nization and will be a splendid body of musicians. We have the mate-
 rial here, and when it is thoroughly perfected it will be thing to be proud of," he said.
 ORCHESTRA WILL PLAY
 The fact that the orchestra will play
 at the singings will give expression 10
 music talent here, it is said Some of
 the most accomplished singers Of the l. city, whether they are members of the community music organization or not
 will sing.
 That music leaders will push the movement Is evident from the enthusl- astic expressions of approval of tn' orchestra from them. Mrs. J. w. Adams ipresident of the Treble Clef chorus of the Music Study club and chairman of the community music committee said that the orchestra is need the | musicians of the city have long fe and have tried to show this need to Birmingham. "The musical people o1 the city will, am sure. work to make the orchestra permanent thing she said