14	MUSICAL COURIER
SECOND ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE
NEW YORK STATE FEDERATION OF MUSIC CLUBS
Three Day Session at Pennsylvania Hotel Replete with Interesting Addresses and Fine Concert Programs—Resolutions
Favoring American Artists and Composers
June 15, 1922
(Helen Norfleet, piano; Catherine Norfleet, violin, and Leeper Norfleet, cello) performed in thoroughly musicianly manner numbers by William Fridmann Bach and Schutt. This young trio plays in most artistic ensemble, with sincerity and seriousness of purpose. The program was concluded by an ensemble number, “Ave Maria” (Bach-Gounod), sung by Mary Bennett, with harp and piano accompaniment played by Miss Weller and Mr. McMoon. May Belle Furbush was at the piano for Miss Bennett.
Wednesday Afternoon.
Interesting addresses were given in the afternoon by Mrs. J. C. Downs, state president of Connecticut; Elizabeth Hood Latta, president of Pennsylvaia State Federation; Carolyn Beebe, chairman of chamber music committee, New York Federation; Mrs. Frederick W. Abbott, Philadelphia Civic Music League; Francis Elliot Clarke, director of educational department of N. F. M. C.; Nan Bagby Stephens, president of South Atlantic District, N. F. M. C.; Gertrude Borchard, Bureau for Advancement of Music; Howard Clark Davis, chairman of public school music, N. Y. F. M. C., and Sada Cowen, chairman young artists’ contest committee, N. Y. F. M. C. It is interesting to know that when Mrs. Cowen first took up this work, her first call for applicants for the New York State Young Artists’ Contest brought in but nineteen names. She made a determined second effort, which resulted in 685 applicants. Mr. Davis is doing an earnest work and accomplishing much in securing special credits for music in public schools and for putting in an increased number of music courses in New York State schools. He proposed that the convention go on record as favoring compulsory music education in schools.
Disappointment was expressed that the Carlowe Male Quartet (Caroline Lowe, director and accompanist) was unable to appear. Mme. Lowe is also the efficient and busy secretary for the federation.
Wednesday Evening Federation Concert.
An enjoyable concert on Wednesday evening brought the convention to a close. The New York Welsh Glee Club (D. B. Evans, director) was heard with pleasure in Welsh folk songs and other choruses. Samuel Roberts’ smooth, pleasing tenor voice was appreciated in songs by Parry, Hammond and Brahu. Carolyn Beebe rendered with admirable technic, fluency and poetic interpretation, groups of piano solos by Liszt, Grainger and Debussy. Especially interesting was the “Marche Heroique” (Saint-Saëns) for two pianos, she herself playing one, assisted on the second by her own Duo-Art record. Sue Harvard displayed the artistry for which she is so well known. Songs by Pearl Curran, Huntington, Terry and Hummel were interpreted beautifully. She put depth of feeling into the “Vissi d’Arte” aria by Puccini. Miss Harvard’s voice is appealing and grows on one. She was accompanied by Ethel W. Usher.
Election of Officers.
The following officers were elected: President, Edna Marione (New York City) ; first vice-president, Carolyn Beebe (New York City) ; second vice-president, Georgine Avery (Troy) ; third vice-president, Mrs. C. Seymour Knowlton (Watertown) ; secretary, Mrs. Edwin Egen-berger (New York) ; treasurer, Mrs. Harry L. Vibbard (Syracuse).
Two new clubs were federated—the Thursday Musical Circle of Brooklyn (Mrs. Herbert Keene, president) and the Inglesby Music School, Glens Falls.
The work of the federation is primarily constructive. In this connection President Marione made an interesting address, following which a resolution was unanimously adopted asking that the press critics in the future adopt a constructive form of criticism. One of the chief things for which the federation is Working is for the protection and the promotion of interests of American musicians and composers. Resolutions were adopted to this effect. Hereafter the conventions are to be biennial and the suggestion that they alternate between New York City and a city up state met with favor.	E. V. H.
Stadium Auditions Begin
The Stadium Concert auditions this year, which are under the direction of Mrs. William Cowen, began on June 12 in Aeolian Hall. Over 200 vocalists and instrumentalists sent in applications to compete. Preliminary announcements thus far have proved very effective.
The final auditions will, it is quite likely, be given in Carnegie Hall. The requisite this year is to be, for the competing soloists, “worthy of an appearance with the Philharmonic Orchestra.”
The first announcements are just now made of those who are contributing to the concerts’ guarantee fund for 1922. This year’s Stadium Concerts, under Henry Hadley and Willem Van Hoogstraten, conductors, and Arthur Judson, manager, with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and with Mrs. Charles S. Guggenheimer and Mrs. Newbold Le Roy Edgar as chairman and vice-chairman of the general committee, are to begin on July 6. Among the contributors are: John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Mrs. Andrew Carnegie, Vincent Astor, Mrs. Willard D. Straight, Felix M. Warburg, Mrs. Percy A. Rockefeller, Mrs. Pierpont Morgan, R. Thornton Wilson, Ralph Pulitzer, Mrs. William A. Taylor, Arthur Lehman, Louis F. Rothschild, Mrs. Edward S. Harkness, Louis L. Clarke and Alfred Rosen.
First Bristol (Conn.) Season Big Success
Marion Armstrong, soprano, Judson House, tenor, and Margel Gluck, violinist, were the artists in a recital at Bristol, Conn., on May 9. The Auditorium was crowded, and each artist was given an ovation. This concert was the last of the series in Bristol, and the third one presented by the Tillotson Bureau of New York. All three of these young artists endeared themselves to the people of Bristol, by their sincerity and true musicianship, combined with unusual personalities. Bristol occupies a unique place in the musical world, having started the season with one one-hundred-dollar artist, and working up to the point of paying nearly one thousand dollars for one concert. This is its first season, and in view of the fact that the artists are paid by a collection, making it possible to allow people of any class to hear the music, Bristol feels proud of its success. E. Arnold, Dr. B. West and Mrs. Perry Holley have been active in bringing good music to Bristol.
were Stanley Kohler, Betty Miller, Doris Dixon, Lorna Peterkin, Helen Taylor, Margaret Thompson, Elizabeth Hiss and Lawrence Alexander. This club (The Dunning Club) introduced the young artists who gave the program.
Helen Vogel, an eight-year-old juvenile guest artist (pupil of Manfred Malkin), surprised all with her very artistic rendition of the Mozart fantasia, Mendelssohn’s “Spinning Song,” and Schubert’s impromptu in E flat major. Beatrice Weller, a member of the Junior Harp Club of New York City, played with good technic and expression several harp solos by Chopin and Oberthur. Frances Weller accompanied her at the piano. Robert Murray, the phenomenal boy soprano, gave some remarkable performances of bird songs, using Cadman’s “I Hear a Thrush at Eve,” Mendelssohn’s “Spring Song,” and Nevin’s “The Nightingale.” With the greatest ease he tossed off trills and cadenzas high above the range of any other human voice. The “World’s Lullaby,” words and music written by Robert Murray, was an interesting and lovely song. Florence Stern, the fourteen-year-old violinist who made a successful debut at Carnegie Hall this spring, rendered with excellent technic and admirable finish of style the “Caprice Basque” (Sarasate), “Serenade” (Schubert-Remenyi) and “Country Dance” (Donald Heine). The combination of beautiful voice and charming personality made Rosemary Pfaff’s group a genuine delight. “The Little Damozel” (Novello), “When I Was Seventeen” (A Swedish folk song), “Just Before the Lights are Lit”,(Gena Branscombe) and “Lo! Here the Gentle Lark” (Bishop) served to display fluent coloratura work and interpretative ability. Edna Horton was at the piano for Miss Stern and Miss Pfaff.
Federation Luncheon.
About two hundred attended the federation luncheon, at which President Edna Marione presided. Assisting her as hostesses were Hortense D’Arblay, Maud Morgan, Harriet Thorburn and Mrs. James H. MacLeary. Guests of honor included Hon. Charles L. Guy, Frances Elliot Clarke, Dr. Bartlett B. James, Glenn Frank, Nan B. Stephens, George Gartlan, C. M. Tremaine, Amelia Bingham, S. MacLeary Weller, Elizabeth H. Latta, Mrs. Worcester B. Warner, Sue Harvard, Eleanora de Cisneros and James Francis Cook. Several of the guests made addresses. Mr. Tremaine especially emphasized service as an important factor in growth. He suggested that instead of saying “What can I get out of the federation?” we say “What service can I render to music through the federation?” James Francis Cook, editor of The Edute, stressed the importance of music teachers in the public schools and the ethic value of music as a dynamic force in character building. He remarked that “Music per se is of no moral value, but only when .devoted to good purposes.” George Gartlan added interesting remarks, which were in accord with' Mr. Cook’s ideas on public school music. The speech which really made the hit of the day, creating a profound impression, was that given by Eleanora de Cisneros. Her subject—America for American Artists—is one of vital importance to the federation and aroused considerable interest and discussion. Mme. Cisneros’ speech is printed in full on another page of this issue.
About forty American composers were present at the luncheon, among whom were Henry Holden Huss, Alexander Bloch, Frank Grey, Ethel Hier, Elizabeth David, Elizabeth Boutelle, Laura Sedgwick Collins, James Mac-Dermott, Alice Stratton Miller, Mana-Zucca, Pearl J. Curran, Harry Burleigh, John Mokrejs, Marian Bauer, Fay Fos.ter, Arthur Penn, Harriet Brower, Robert Terry, Georgine Avery, Eastwood Lane, George Gartlan, Mabel Wood Hill, Wassili Leps, Elsie Lyon, Lola Carrier Worrell, Paul Tietjens, Paul Gundlach, Robert Murray and Edwin Hughes.
Amelia Bingham auctioned off a souvenir program autographed by a number of the American composers present. It went to Elizabeth Hood Latta, president of the Pennsylvania Federation, for $15.
Tuesday Evening Federation Concert.
The New York State Federation Presentation Committee (Mrs. George Ellis, chairman) offered a program given by artists whom they have endorsed and presented this year. Cosma McMoon revealed a very fluent and sure technic in a group of piano solos by Mendelssohn and Liszt and a serenade written by himself. Beatrice Weller, harpist, was heard in several lovely harp solos, accompanied by her sister, Frances Weller. Mary Bennett’s rich contralto voice was displayed to good advantage in songs by Huntington Terry, Secchi and Salter. The Norfleet Trio
The second annual convention of the New York State Federation of Music Clubs was held at the Hotel Pennsylvania, New York, June 5, 6 and 7. Although only in its infancy, the federation is active and promises to accomplish some big things. In addition to co-operating with the National Federation of Music Clubs in advancing and ׳accomplishing its aims, the New York State Federation’s special purposes are “to inspire higher ideals of true musicianship through the development of the spirit of co-operation, and to stimulate the desire for musical expression. To encourage in the community an appreciation of music of all kinds. To foster and promote music and music interests.”
Mme. Edna Marione is the efficient and charming president of the federation. Other officers were:	Mrs. Julian
Edwards, president Emeritus; Mrs. Floyd F. Chadwick, first vice-president and chairman of extension; Caroline Lowe, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Harry L. Vibbard, treasurer; Edna West, parliamentarian; Hon. Charles L. Guy, auditor.
The delegates present and the respective clubs which they represented included the following:	Jane Newell
Barrett and Mrs. George D. Elwell, Monday Musical Club (Albany) ; Mrs. Stephen Ryder, Cecelian Society (Brewster) ; Mrs. Henry Horton, Musical Club (Ellen-ville) ; Mrs. John H. Rumph and Mrs. James H. Rogers, The Musical Society of Jamaica (Jamaica) ; Carolyn Beebe, Chamber Music Society (New York City) ; Judge Charles L. Guy, Edna West, Mrs. Edwin Egenberger and Grace Harris, Music Assembly of New York Cny (New York) ; Emma A. Dambmann and Mrs. Herman C. Zahn, Southland Singers—the first musical organization in New York State to be federated—(New York City) ; Owen P. Thomas and Samuel Roberts, New York Welsh Glee Club (New York) ; Henrietta Speaks Seeley, St. Cecelia Society (New York) ; Elizabeth Allen and Mrs. Seymour Knowlton, Morning Musicale, Inc. (Watertown) ; Elinor Hawkins and Katherine Seymour, Junior Music Club (Watertown) ; Eloise Morgan, The Tuesday Musicale (Rochester) ; Mrs. H. L. Vibbard and Mrs. Benjamin Marshall, Morning Musicales, Inc. (Syracuse) ; Georgine Avery, Music Study Club of Troy (Troy).
Monday Morning—Closed Session.
On Monday morning, June 5, there was a closed session, at which reports were heard from various committees. Of special interest were the remarks on public .school music by Howard Clark Davis, on American music by Jessamine Harrison-Irvine, on the young artists’ concert by Sada Cowen and on official music by Emma Dambmann. In the afternoon there was a conference of federated club presidents.
Musique-Dansant.
The musique-dansant was held in the ballroom Monday evening. The musical program was rendered by Blanche Da Costa, lyric soprano, whose sweet voice delighted the many guests; and the Frank LaForge Quartet (Charlotte Ryan, soprano; Anne Jago, contralto; Sheffield Child, tenor, and Charles Carver, bass), whose several selections were very well given. Helen Crandall and Kathryn Kerin were at the piano.
Tuesday Morning—Junior Session.
An important feature of the federation was the junior program. The presiding chairman was Mrs. Wallace P. Cohoe, New York City junior chairman. The guest of honor was Frances Elliot Clarke, director of educational department of the National Federation; she spoke briefly on the importance of the junior work. She reminded those present that for musical development there must be three classes—the writer, the performer and the hearer. The last named is the largest class and the one for which the junior clubs builds and trains, for the best informed listeners make the most appreciative listeners. Mrs. William John Hall (Addye Yeargain Hall) of St. Louis, Mo., is the national chairman of the juvenile and junior music clubs. Mrs. Hall has aroused tremendous interest in this work throughout the country and has started it in New York State this season. She spoke briefly on the splendid advancement in other states and of the wonderful opportunities for progress in this state. After explaining the purposes and the way in which the junior work is carried on, the Juvenile Study Club meeting was held under the direction of Mrs. Hall. This, in the form of a round table, was conducted entirely by children from about seven to twelve years of age. The president was Harriet Kohler; secretary, Ned Quinn; chairman of program committee, Robert Massis Beers. Other officers and members
N
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