The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-09-14
VIE w S OF
20 u RNAL
r E A D E R S
The Journal is glad to print
short communications from read
ers on any topic OF interest.
Letters should be typewritten Is
possible. and double spaced.
(THE BAND pRoposIrloN)

TIE BAND PROPOSlIlON1
Editor Pensacola journal:
/ have read with interest the recent
articles in the Journal about the pro-
posed organization of a Military band
and would like very much to see 1t ac-
complished.
There are several things to be taken
into account when considering this
undertaking which should be given
careful thought.
In the first place, it is not possible
that band could secure enough en-
|gagements to enable it to be self-sup-
porting, and as no business or organi-
cation can operate successfully with
out capital the first question would
be how will it be financed2g
Several methods suggests them
selves-arnong which I will mention:
/. popular subscription.
"A guarantee by some person or
group of persons, that the inevitable
deficit viii be paid.
3--An appropriation of funds to be
set aside by the City Commissioners
for that purpose, such appropriation
to be made each year in order to in
sure permanency Of the organization.
It may be argued that since the mu-
sicians will probably be paid for each
engagement played, they should be
willing to bear the expense Incidental
to the operation of the band.
Suppose that a man or a group of
men organize a. sawmill company
which will furnish employment for so
or 100 workmen. To what extent
would the employers of those work
men expect the workmen to contribute
to the maintenance of the business?
How long would the mill run if there
was no provision made for financing
operations?
A musician who is>competent to play
in such a band as Pensacola, should
have already invested heavily to fit
himself He has spent from $50 to
$100-perhaps more-for an instru-
ment. He has studied and practiced
for years, at no small expense and
self sacrifice, to become a performer
upon that instrument.
1t would be unfair to him to expect
him to help finance the banG also.
Some may ask what the expense of
operation consists Of If the players
have their instruments and know how
to play upon them.
The first item is music which is
arranged-i.e. which has va
rious parts written out suitable for
each of the several instruments.
Years ago the leader or bandmaster
would prepare such parts for his
band, but that is slow and expensive
method at the present time compared
with the opportunity for buying music
already arranged and printed.
Such music will cost from rs cents
for a Sousa March to SO or 81 for an
operate selection, with intermediate
prices for various kinds of music.
Assuming that a band is to be or
ganized which will play public con-
certs-there should be provided IL
brary of music large enough, and with
sufficient variety to enable them to
play at least 6-(and preferable 10 or
more) programs of to 10 numbers
each without being obliged to repeat.
That would mean minimum of so
selections, marches, waltzes, and va
rious other compositions
Another item of expense is hall rent. |
The band must have a place where
they can hold rehearsals--keep music
and other property.
Another item-desirable but not alb |
necessary--is uniforms. A I
band loses it's prestige if 1t does not |
have uniforms. They should be pro-
yided by all means
In view Of the things which should /
be considered before anything definite
ean be decided upon, I take the liberty
If suggesting that the Journal arrange I
or a meeting to be called in the near
future, requesting all who are inter-
ssted in the subject and willing to as
list, to be present:
If Pensacola really wants band to
1elp in the entertaining of tourists
md to help in the education in and
promotion Of good music. now is a
rood time to show how willing its
,itizens are to boost # along.
old TIMER.
Pensacola, Sept II.