The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-11-04

' AhA Aos AhAS4ldL0 Ss " NOOO6OHs
 The Birmingham Music Study Club has grown to such proportions, cov- ering every field imaginable, per taining to musical development. that 1t Is not always an easy task 10 find some one to stand at the helm and steer its course. It needs a person not only possessing eXecu- tive ability, but a person of broad vision, one who builds not only for the present, but for the future; one who can instill into her co-workers the same enthusiasm, amb1ton ana ideals that she possesses, thereby having her co-workers formed into a unit all working together as one making a perfect whole,
 When Mrs. Rice took the presi- dency of the Music Study club in the spring of 1922. 1t was truly a case of some have greatness thrust upon them" for how, with her home her teaching, her choir work and various other duties, could she find time to assume the responsibility of such a tremendous organization? When first approached she would not even consider it, but having been one Of the clubs most ardent workers for years always being closely associ- ated with every movement that tend ed towards developing a keener ap- preciation of the best in music and making of Birmingham musical center, she finally consented to ac- cept the presidency, when it was put up to her that the club really needed her When she assumed her office in the spring of 1922, al though the club had enjoyed a most successful year musically, the treas ury showed a deficit. She lmnedI- ately called a meeting of her board and put before them plans for clear ing all indebtedness before the club season in the fall. These plans were accepted and successfully worked out.
 Historical Luncheon.
 All of us recall that delightful historical luncheon she planned, club year 1922-23. It was in the ma ture of a family reunion" and those who were present will always remember it as a delightful and spoke of the outstanding feature of her term in office, at the end of which Mrs. Rice asked the hearty cooperation of all members to help her carry on the work, and make the year 1922-23 the greatest of all. Progress Shown In 1922-23.
 Time nor space will not permit your editor to give a detailed ac- count of last years work. It was, indeed. a most active one and the records show many things accom- plished prominent among these was the presentation of two young art ists at the Jefferson theatre, Miss Genevieye Pitot, pianist of New Or leans was presented at matinee musical, and Mrs. Beatrice Tate Wright, Birmingham pianist, was presented with the St. Louis Sym phony orchestra. As result of these appearances Miss Pitot was enabled to sign five-year contract for concert work with a New York manager sent to her by our presi- dent, and Mrs. Wright is tp be given an opportunity to appear with the orchestra in St. Louis this winter. then there was the establishment of radio concerts-and what better way to spread the gospel of good music, and teach the younger generation how to appreciate tive like what we know and to know good music is to like it. The artist course was one of the most attrac tive ever presented, containing the names of Claire DuX, soprano; Francis MacMillen, vioIinist; Alberto Salvi, harpist; Harold Bauer. plan ist; Louis Graveure, baritone; be- sides these, there were two concerts by the St. Louis Symphony orches- tra, and a most successful season of opera by the San Carlo Opera com pany.
 Many people can plan things and have great dreams for the future. but often do not possess the ability to carry them through, but Mrs. Rice seems to be able not only to dream, but to make her dreams come true. Last year, after giving her re- port she offered the following rec concentrations: From the executive standpoint, I would recommend business like plan in carrying on the departmental work; an office from which all business should be trans acted the selection of an advisory committee. consisting of the former presidents and of business men, to assist in the club mana cement, and an annual guarantee fund to pro- tect the club from financial losses, such as have been sustained at times The recommendations were adopted and every one of them is now a reality.
 When l asked. Mrs. Rice to tell me about her principal achievements last year, the present scope of her work, and what she hoped for the future of the club, she replied:
 "The stories of the past achieve ments. struggles and triumphs of our club life have been delightfully."- told by our splendid past presidents, and Birmingham is today a very musical city Chat is, the patrons of the Music club are) but please don't ask me to talk about last year; let me talk about the present and the fu- ture, and not about the past until am 'pst president
 The platform of the Music Study club is very broad; the department tai work covering almost every field of musical activity possible, and vet, in way few people outside of our happy family fully realize the tremendous possibilities of such a working force in our midst. To be- gin with the artists course, our pub lie now knows that it can always de- pend upon series of concerts by the the very finest available artists on the concert stage given to' them at a very reasonable fee. One of my dreams Cf the future is that our loyal patrons will consider them selves life members, renewing. their subscriptions in the spring at our closing, concert, showing their confi- dence in our ability to choose a de- lightful course of concerts for. their pleasure, and thus by relieving the financial risk, making it possible for cur splendid body of enthusiastic workers to put all their snare time on musical development here in our city. The past has become history the present will make history, but what of the future of our great civic music organization, that is so dear Ue all of us who have struggled to- Eether through the changing years until the realization that dreams come true, if we only work and have faith? Right here let me say AAAF TrE nkE9ntE