We May Well Be Proud Of It

The Work of the School of Music

ARTISTS OF REPUTATION 

Have Always Been on Its Crop of Teachers — Some of the Work Done

Prominent among the educational institutions of Aim Arbor, and we might with propriety add of Michigan, stands the University School of Music. It is the direct outgrowth of the influence exerted by the sainted Dr. Frieze, whose name is perpetuated in the magnificent organ which stands in University Hall and recalls the memory of him whose name it bears. He looked forward to the installation of such an institution as an Ideal — and also felt that in the course of time a dignified and worthy school of music would surely be established in this community. It rarely happens that a prophecy is so thoroughly fulfilled as in this instance — and the fitness of the dedication of the recital hall in the School of Music (the Frieze Memorial Hall) can hardly be questioned. It will be seen from this glance at the origin of the school that it is not strange that it has from the first, aimed at the realization of educational ideals too frequently overlooked — especially in art education. 

Appreciating the initial advantages of its environment the board of directors has always kept in view the artistic progress of the school rather than mere financial success. Realizing the fact that association with artists is stimulating to the pupil the corps of teachers engaged to carry on the work has always included artists of national reputation, as well as teachers of experience, and the result has most assuredly justified the wisdom of position. 

The opportunities for hearing the best music are quite unusual and are rapidly extending the reputation of Ann Arbor as a musical center. The Faculty Concerts in the School of Music afford an opportunity for becoming acquainted with much of the chamber music literatura as well as the compositions of the great song writers, to say nothing of the great solo works for the piano and the violin included in the season's programs. Such a series of Historical-Lecture Recitals as that given by Mr. Albert Lockwood last season, has been but seldom heard in this country, while the Historical Vesper Services given each year in University Hall are of unique value to the student. 

The study of the historical side of the art is favored by the unusual collection of musical instruments donated by that public spirited citizen of Detroit, Mr. Frederick Stearns, to whose artistic knowledge and generosity the citizens of Michigan stand indebted in many ways. This collection comprising nearly every type of instrument known is open to all students, as is the library of the University of Michigan. Possibly the crowning glory of Ann Arbor's musical achievements is the annual May Festival, which has earned for the city a national reputation. This event has served to introduce to Ann Arbor the greatest artists of the day, and many of the finest dramatic as well as religious works have been given. This year the Choral Union will give its Tenth Annual May Festival, with a program including works never before given in Michigan. The festival comes as a climax of the Choral Union series, in which the great orchestras of the country and the most distinguished virtuosi appear. Reference to the Calendar tor the current year (which may be had by addressing the secretary) will give the details of thal which has been stated in a general way in this article and emphasizes the fact that we have in the university School of Music an institution of which we may be proud, and which in its way is worthy of our city's reputation as a center of culture.