The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1921-10-08
RICHMOND MUSICAL
ENTERPRISESLAUDED
BY MUSICAL DIGEST

A leading New York publication,
The Musical Digest, has devoted near
ly third of page of this weeks
number to lengthy article in its
educational department on the Rich
mond Symphony orchestra. vocational
musical courses in the Richmond high
school, and the annual May Festival
which is held by the city.
The article gives a detailed account
OF the musical enterprises of the city
which have been developed under Jo-
seph E. Maddy. formerly a member of
the Minneapolis Symphony orchestra
aud supervisor of instrumental music
in the schools of Rochester, y. Y. It
is said TO be an honor to the city's
musical accomplishments to be given
such mention in this publication,
which is said to have a nationwide
circulation, and indicates the attention
which the city is attracting in a mus
ical field.
Mentions School Work.
Following are the excerpts from The
Musical Digest:
"A popular course in the Richmond
high school is the vocational music
course, which gives credit for private
lessons and home practice and pro-
woes Tor home practice during school
hours, but which requires the pupils
TO study music history, theory, acous-
Tics and harmony in the school Can
didates for graduation in this course
must be able to compose and orches-
trate piece for performance by the
high school orchestra on the gradua-
ton program
1t is small wonder that with such
an all-embracing music program in the
public schools Richmond can boast
symphony orchestra of 60 players
which is capable of producing modern
orchestral works in a creditable man.
ner. High school students. receiving
one hour of orchestral training every
day throughout their course, are well
prepared to enter this post gradu-
ate institution, for in addition to the
daily orchestral practice the students
must practice an hour a day at home
and take one lesson week to get
credit for the orchestra work.
Tells of Symphony
The Richmond Symphony orches-
ira, under the direction of the music
supervisor, gives half a dozen con-
certs year and assists in the annual
school and community festival The
orchestra is sponsored by an organi-
cation of business men and club wo-
men, whose work is so efficient that
last seasons close showed a surplus.
the reason for the good attendance at
the concerts being attributed to the
fact that for a generation the people
have been educated to appreciate good
music in the public schools and
through community organizations.
This orchestra is beginning to acquire
fame outside its own community. and
this years season includes a concert
in Indianapolis.
The Richmond Festival chorus, also
under the baton of the music super |
visor, exists primarily for the purpose
of producing one major work each !
year in connection with the annual !
music festival. However, Christmas |
oratorio has been added to this years !
efforts. The chorus numbers 300 |
voices, recruited from church choirs
and singing societies.
Describes May Festival
"Richmond's annual May Festival is |
planned 10 portray all phases of !
development of the commun- /
ity. beginning with the kindergarten |
and ending with the symphony orches- /
ira and festival chorus. Cantatas and |
Cperettas are given by the small chill +
dren, with accompaniment played by I
the combined orchestras from the !
grade schools. Demonstrations are !
given by the instrumental classes. !
The junior and senior high schools |
ere represented by their respective or
chestras and choruses and student |
soloists. The soloists for the oratorio |
and symphony orchestra concerts are |
the only imported performers who /
take part in the festivals.
Truly such a situation requires /
much of the music supervisor. who /
must not only be capable musician |
and tactful oganizer, but an untiring !
worker with a devotion for high ideals /
THE present supervisor of music in /
Richmond is Mr.. Joseph Maddy. for /
merry a member of the Minneapolis !
Symphony orchestra and supervisor
Of instrumental music in the schools !
Of Rochester, n. Y"