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2
 O
CT 10 1919
I
© C I . B 43 S2 0 3

“THE MASTER MUSICIAN.”

The Pioneer of Negro Musical Magazines in the World.

OCTOBER, 1919.

VOL. I. NO. 1 Price, 15 Cents Per Copy

Published Monthly at 501 South Sixteenth St.

Officers.
ROBERT W. RICKETTS .................................President
W ILLIAM A. POTTER .................................... Manager
JOHN C. McKAIN ............................Assistant Manager
GEO. W. P A R V I S ................................................... Editor
W A LTER W. S M IT H ................................... Staff Artist
Advertising Rates on Application.
Brief Communications Solicited regarding Negro
Musicians, Music and Artists.
No attention given to anonymous letters.
Write all communications upon one side of paper.
Application pending for entry as second-class matter in
Post Office.

CONTENTS.
Page
Editorials .................................................. 6-7
Tasks of Men (Verse). Will Potter........ 4
Feature Page ............................................. 11
Theatrical and Dramatic N o te s ............... 10
About Artists ............................................. 12
Nathaniel Dett, Director of Music at
Hampton Insttute............................. 14
“Who Knows” Question B o x ................... 9
The Photoplay ........................................... 15
“ Exscrip: “ From James Reese Europe’s
Last Message on Music” ....................... 5
Miscellaneous Jottings ..............................
Classified Advertising.
Music Teachers ......................................... 9
Open Engagements of A rtist.................... 13
Vocal Teachers ......................................... 9

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 TO TH E PUBLIC
The Master Musician
W e desire to impress upon you all that we are at your
service at all times. Our every effort shall be bent to
satisfy and please our readers. We shall be glad to hear
from any person regarding things of interest to all those
connected with the musical and dramatic world, their
work and ambitions, and will gladly answer any queries
requested in the various monthly issues of this magazine.
It is our desire to circulate this magazine into all parts
of the world were we find Negro musicians and artists
working. In other words, it is our aim to bring everyone
into a closer understanding of what each is accomplish­
ing throughout the country.
Articles, criticisms and comments shall be given care­
ful attention.
Details relative to advertisement should be addressed
to the manager of the Master Musician Magazine, No.
501 South Sixteenth street, Philadelphia, Pa.
TASKS OF MEN
One cannot see the long road’s end,
But, to that point must strive
Regardless of the vicissitudes
That daily with us abide.
To conquer, must be our one great aim,
To gain the desired end,
And stand among those in the world
Who have accomplished the tasks of men.
W IL L POTTER.
NOTE
Philadelphia, Sept. 4, 1919.
Mr. Potter,
Care of American Music Company,
Keystone A id Bldg., Phila.
Dear Sir:
I heartily indorse the good work you are doing.
The “ Master Musician” I feel will be a great help to
all musicians.
Hoping for your success in every way, I am
Yours truly,
M A R IA N ANDERSON.
INFORMATION BUREAU
Notice
Owing to the lateness of our receipt of inquiries we will
answer some in the November issue of the Master
Musician.
ANNOUNCEMENT—IM PORTANT
Owing to labor conditions the Master Musician maga­
zine is making its initial 22 days late. It is our efforts
and your solicitation that we intend to serve you with
the best musical knowledge that can be obtained.—
Editor.
NOTICE!
Next month “The Master Musician” will publish a list
of its agents and correspondents throughout the country,
giving our readers a little idea of our territories.
The Collins Sale Company, of Philadelphia, handles all
the leading Negro publications of the day, and are Phila­
delphia agents for the “ MASTER MUSICIAN MAGA­
ZINE.”
A FEMALE BAND
The Quaker City Female Band, of Philadelphia, is com­
posed entirely of female union musicians and has been
playing for quite a time filling engagements. One in­
stance they were in the Elks parade at Atlantic City,
N. J., this season. This is proof of what the Negro women
are doing in the musical world. Persons who have heard
this band are full of praise for their ability, out of this
band has also been formed a female orchestra of first-
class rating.
This band is under the management of Mrs. Abbie
Johnson, a woman thoroughly capable, in every respect.
Her work and efforts speak for themselves. It is truly
the best band of its type in the country.
We are hoping that they will be booked solid for the
fall and winter seasons.
P4C2
CHARLES A. W ILSON TO RETURN TO
PHILADELPHIA
Charles A. Wilson, attorney and violin ’cello artist,
will return to Philadelphia for this season. Mr. Wilson,
a practicing attorney of Boston, came to Philadelphia to
practice law, and surprised his many friends and admirers
in this city when they found that he was a ’celloist of
no small degree. He left this city early in June for
Chicago, in order to fill a summer engagement with a
Western orchestra which had been of long standing.
Mr. Wilson has interested himself to such an extent
in the efforts of the American Music Company of this
city, that he is working hard in the Chicago territory to
intercede in its behalf and his interest has been produc­
tive of much good.
Philadelphians this season will have the opportunity of
hearing Mr. Wilson in concert and trust that he will re­
ceive their hearty support.
FAMOUS SOPRANO MAKES RECORD
Mrs. Florence Coles Talbert, famous colored soprano
soloist of Detroit, has made a record for one of the famous
Talking Machine Companies. This is a mark of progress,
and it will be of great pride that the colored people will
be entertained in their homes by their own artists of
merit.
Mrs. Minnie Blake Dickerson, a soprano soloist of
Pittsburgh, Pa., has also made a record for the Victor
Talking Machine Company. _
BROOKLYN NOTES
Mrs. Sara F. Russell is spending her vacation at the
Hotel Comfort, Ocean City. Mrs. Russell is the prom­
inent soprano at the Concord Baptist Church.
M U S IC R O L L S
A N D S H E E T M U S IC
CLASSICS POPU LAR SENTIMENTAL
Out-of-Town Business
Given Prompt Attention
E R N E S T V . B IR C H
6 0 8 S. 17th St., Philadelphia
Phone Dickinson 3678
4
 A BOOM FOR BANDS
A representative of the Master Musician witnessed the
parade at Atlantic City on August 26, of the Elks’ con­
vention and saw some of the most renowned bands in the
country. A complete list of bands in the parade has been
formed, and we are giving them as follows: The Light­
house Band, with “ Big Boy” Ernest Jones as drum major,
headed the parade, and was followed by the Cosmopolitan
Band, of Baltimore; Community Band, Excelsior Band, of
New York; the Pittsburgh Band, Band of Bridgeton, N.
J .; Army Service Band, O. V. Catto Lodge of Elks’ Band,
of Philadelphia; Cornucopia Masonic Band, of Philadel­
phia, of which Robert W. Ricketts is director. Mr. Rick­
etts is one of Philadelphia’s best arrangers and composers
and is also president of the American Music Company.
Next in line came the 15th Infantry, N. Y. N. G. Band;
Marshall Band, of Rochester; Cole’s Imperial Band, of
Philadelphia, of which W. H. Cole is director. Mr. Cole
was formerly director of the Philadelphia Concert Or­
chestra and other organizations of renown. Mr. Cole’s
band led the Pride of Camden Lodge, which took first
prize for the best dressed lodge in the parade. Next
came the Pythian Band, of Alexandria, Va. The Quaker
City female band, of Philadelphia, of which George W.
Johnson is director. Mr. Johnson is also director of the
Elks Band, of Philadelphia.
Bpi: Here is an extract from “Jim Europe’s” last message on
Music:
“ I have come back from France more firmly convinced
than ever that Negroes should write Negro music. We
have our own racial feeling and if we try to copy whites
we will make bad copies. I noticed that the Morocco
Negro bands played music which had an affinity to ours.
Jte'f One piece, ‘In Zanzibar,’ I took for my band, and the
SSt ..
white audiences seemed to find it too discordant. I found
it most sympathetic. W e won France by playing music
which was ours and not a pale imitation of others, and
if we are to develop in America we must develop along
“ our own lines.. Our musicians do their best work when
using Negro material. Will Marion Cook, William Tyres,
even Harry Burleigh and Coleridge-Taylor are not truly
themselves in the music which expresses their race. Mr.
Tyres, for instance, writes charming waltzes, but the best
of these have in them Negro influences. The music of
our race springs from the soil, and this is true today with
no other race, except possibly the Russians, and it is
‘ J because of this that I and all my musicians have come to
; love Russian music. Indeed, as far as I am concerned, it
is the only music I care for outside of Negro.”—Literary
Digest.
ANNOUNCEMENT—IM PORTANT
Owing to labor conditions the Master Musician Maga­
zine is 22 days late in making its initial introduction.
- Its by our efforts and your solicitation that we intend to
serve our readers with the best musical knowledge that
can be obtained.—Editor. ________________
M R . J U N IU S M A X W E L L ~~
PIANIST
6 7 6 N . B rooklyn St., Philadelphia, Pa.
vBell Phone, Dickinson 1756
W ork Called for and Delivered
J. R . JO N E S
M ERCH ANT T A ILO R
Gents’ Suits to Order
Cleaning, Pressing, Dyeing, Altering and Repairing
S . E . Cor. 16th and Christian Sts., Phila.
NEW YORK NOTES
J. R. Burroughs, a former resident of Manhattan and
a musician of note, paid a visit to old New York last
month, arriving from Philadelphia, where he is located for
the present. Mr. Burroughs will be remembered as one
of the original members of the famous Clef Club.
The Master Musician would like to hear from all artists
and musicians in and about New York.
The autumn festival with such artists as Mme. Pauline
Dempsey, Mme. Marie Barrier Huston, Mr. Andrew
Copeland, was a grand success. The Amsterdam Asso­
ciation band rendered several selections.
F. D. Weaver has returned to town after a good season
at the boathouse in Atlantic City, and is now at work at
the Astoria Cafe. Mr. Weaver is an earnest worker and
deserves much credit.
The circulation of the Master Musician in New York
and Brooklyn is growing larger every month and to those
that have not subscribed as yet they are missing; a good
thing.
The Master Musician is in receipt of a very commend­
ing letter from President Deacon Johnson, of the Clef
Club, of New York city, announcing the following of­
ficers for the ensuing year: Deacon Johnson, president
and general manager; B. K. Johnson, secretary and ac­
countant; C. N. Johnstone, treasurer and assistant man­
ager; E. Gilbert Anderson, conductor; Frank P. Young
and P. W. Robinson, librarian.
The Clef Club has reorganized and the following offi­
cers have been elected: Seth Weeks, president; Ira Hor-
ington, vice president and recording secretary; Arthur
Shaw treasurer; Charles Parker, sergeant-at-arms. The
Master Musician wishes the new organization a wonder­
ful success.
Our reporter informs us that Miss Ruby Mason and
her jazz band is having a fine season in New York.
Mme. Madeline Carter Hawkins spent a pleasant time
in New York. Mme. Hawkins is an artist of rare skill
and famous as a prima donna and pianist.
A1 Gaines, of the Vendome Theatre, of Chicago, visited
New York and was very much pleased with his visit.
The Master Musician congratulates Senor Jean Loncke
and Mr. Neil O ’Jon on the excellent recital at St. Marks’
Hall on September 5.
The Master Musician would like to hear from all or­
chestras and bands, they may send in news or cuts of
their bands or orchestras for publication.
Roland Hayes, the famous negro tenor, gave an excel­
lent recital at the Towers on Ocean front. The recital was
a grand success and was ably assisted by Mr. Lawrence
P. Brown, who rendered “ Deep River” so effectively.
OBITUARY
John Truit—The “ Master Musician” extends sympathy
to the bereaved family and friends of one of Philadel­
phia’s musicians.
MRS. IDELL ROBINSON’S
S C H O O L O F D R E S S M A K IN G
8 1 2 S. 19th St., Phila., Pa.
All Branches of Dressmaking Thoroughly Taught
Make Your Own Dresses While Learning
Open All Year
Phone Dickinson 4861 Automobile Service
CLARENCE T. ALLM OND
Son of the Late W m. P. Allmond, Sr.
FUNERAL DIRECTOR and EMBALMER
Modern Equipments
N . W . C o r. 1 7th and Fitzw ater Sts., Phila., Pa.
5
 TH E M ASTER MUSICIAN M AGAZINE
501 S. 16th street,
Philadelphia, Pa.
Vol. 1— No. 11 October, 1919
E D IT O R IA L STAFF
Robert W. R ick etts.......................................................Press
Will A. Potter ................... . .................. General Manager
John C. McKain .................................Assistant Manager
George Waldon P a rv is ............................................... Editor
SUBSCRIPTIONS
One year, U. S. A. and Canada..................................... $1.50
Six m on th s...........................................................................80
Three months .................................................................... 40
Single copy ........................................ 15
FOREIGN COUNTRIES
One y e a r ......................................................................... $2.00
Entered U. S. A. P. O.,Philadelphia, Pa., September,
1919, second-class matter.
The Master Musician is for sale at the principal news­
stands, music stores in the principal cities in the U. S.
Copies for advertising in the Master Musician should
be in hand of the Advertising Department before 4 o ’clock
first day of each month.
ANN OUNCEM ENT— IM PO RTAN T
Owing to labor conditions the Master Musician Maga­
zine is making its initial edition 22 days late. Its by our
efforts and your solicitation that we intend to serve you
with the best musical knowledge that can be obtained.—
Editor.
IN FORM ATION BUREAU NOTICE
Owing to the lateness of our receipt of our inquiries
we will answer some in November issue of the Master
Musician.
The opportunity is ripe to say to musicians, artists
and all interested in our efforts to lay before the music
lovers this magazine.
MUSIC AND W H A T IT IS
Music is an elevated science which affects the passion
by sound. It can be said that the most valuable and
essential and up-to-date topic of today is music; in the
church, at schools, public and private gatherings are not
complete unless there is music. Centuries ago when cel­
ebrations, feasts and other gatherings were held, music
held a very prominent part, such as harp, flute and even
B. C. Gabriel blew the trumpet. So on up until the
present day, while there are some additions to ancient
instruments, music is still the leading art and science.
H O W DOES MUSIC A FFEC T YOU?
W e have all attended many concerts and recitals, and
saw some people who might have been stone deaf for all
the good they were gettmg. They sat like mummies, cold,
self-satisfied, perhaps Whispering to their companions—
the music brushing off their bodies. Never once did the
beautiful influence work in their hearts, minds or even
their nerves. They applauded because they had to do it,
but really you know, it was very boring. Style brought
them there, and fashion demanded that they look interest­ TH E NEGRO AS AN A R TIST
ed. But not pleased, that would never d o ; if they became
enthusiastic or seemed to be deeply moved, that would Of course we have all heard that the Negro possesses
be against all principals of dignity. W-hat a miserable -the gift of music by which is meant the untrained and
thing is dignity. It censures happiness and puts a ban on unconscious power and ability to make melody. Having
smiles. It curtails the gestures of natural joy and puts been blessed with this power, it would be a great pity if
sunshine in the ice box. So many people confuse dignity he did not seek to cultivate and train himself to interpret
with respect and pose with poise. the works of the musical composers.
When people let the music inside of them it brings out
the poetry in their hearts. Music will not create poetry
where it does not exist, but it unearths it where it does.
You may have thought that because you are at home,
and some famous persons outside is singing, you are
just ordinary and she is great. Absolutely wrong. The
difference is in the methods. You may be doing more
good, but you never gave vent to your beautiful thoughts.
Hence in music you unlock your fine ideals and poetical
dreams. Under the spell of a lovely composition you
find yourself dreaming. Ah, its a wonderful thing to be
able to dream. Everything is in the mind!
That imagination of yours will open up, and will set
you to thinking poetry. Or, it will give you a clearer
vision of your own life. It will help you to decide what
is the right thing to do. Isn’t it true that sometimes
the outlook is like a muddy pool? You can’t see the bot­
tom. Something clears the mysteries. Music does that
for people. It clears the vision, it softens the entire sys­
tem. “ I am not as I used to be,” some folks will say.
“ I’m cussed and hard and everybody is trying to take ad­
vantage of me.” Did you ever see a washing on a line
on a frosty day, how stiff and misshapen it gets? And
then the sun comes out, and the clothes return to their
normal soft state. That’s also what music will do to
you.
It is a part of y o u ; and when you sing and you play,
then you have taken part in it.
Music will change you and your family. It will make
the home a better place to live in and the best place to
spend the evening.
. The Race in Music and Drama.
In ancient Rome, where music was a part of intoxica­
tion in the revelries of Ceasar, Pompei and other rulers,
the highest type was demanded by them. In modern
ages the people have taken the place of those ancient
lovers of the art. Hence, the reconstruction, theme,
rhyme and original thought, is the task given all music
composers and authors. Vying for originality has placed
many men in the foremost ranks. The race has given
us Colridge-Taylor, Burleigh, and others, and no less our
Will Marion Cook, whose life’s work has been given to
music.
The drama now is the foremost in the race’s progress.
Minstrelsy, low comedy and plantation oddities are rele­
gated to the background. The world is demanding of all
races things elevating and inspiring. Along the Rialto will
soon be seen the works of prominent Negro authors and
play writers.
The evolution of Negro melody is fast assuming pre­
tentious position in this democratic age. Young minds
should be trained along higher themes. The youth .will
be called upon to fill the places of our present men of
prominence in the musical and dramatic field. It is the
duty of all race loving citizens to lend their efforts, sup­
port, influence and encouragement, to perpetuate that
which has brought the race so prominently before the
world.
Read musical journals, first-class Negro literature,
study themes of life and song at all times and we will fill
the niche made by prejudice and discrimination.
6
 X
He has- from birth an originality, which if developed,
will gain for him in the musical field untold success at
which point he is, regardless of color pronounced an
artist by musical critics. There it is. An artist. When
they say a musician is an artist, what is meant? In the
first place in order to become an artist, one must, together
with being a musician, be able to infuse into his or her
execution, a wonderful amount' of originality and per­
sonality. By this means alone can a student ever hope
to attain that degree of an artist.
For instance, if it were not for originality of an artist
one would soon tire of the monotony of the rendition of a
. standard classic. But alas, this quality comes into strong
play making the selection impressive and enjoyable to
an audience. I have many times listened to the well
known contralto artist, Miss Marion Anderson, render
the much-used Burleigh composition, “ Deep River,” and
never felt depressed by the offering. W hy? First, be-
•cause of her originality and personality which she
possesses in abundance; second, because of her unstrained
and thorough confidence in her work.
Whether the artist happens to be vocal or instrumental,
this quality of originality he or she must possess. In a
way, the Negro has the greatest lead upon the other
races of the world, inasmuch as from the beginning he
has been a child of nature, our first teacher; suffered the
pangs of the down-trodden, forced to develop as best we
could, thus existence our second teacher; lastly, determin­
ation to surmount all obstacles. Therefore, being trained
on through the ages, those of the present age have in­
herited originality and personality, which, when applied
to musical vocations, can produce and execute in such
SPECIAL FEATU RE
An interesting article on Negro
Spirituals will appear in the Novem­
ber issuj of the “ Master Musician.”
A wonderful article by musicians
of great experience—F. A. Clarke
and W . H. Cole.
original manner, music that has today become known
throughout the world. Their music cannot be imitated,
as it cannot be felt and thoroughly understood, by any
but themselves. The Negro loves music, feels and under­
stands it, and has gone so far as to convey to the world
his history, love and passions in the form of music.
As an artist his equal has yet to be found.
Speaking of the colored race as great lovers of music
would not be adding much to what has already been said
on numerous occasions. Our readers will also agree with
us, that the great success which they have achieved in
the past, are still consistently pushing to the front, can
be directly traced back to the very beginning, i. e., the
colored people are born musicians.
There would be more first-class musicians if the early
training were not neglected. When a child shows any
signs of a musical leaning, whether it be vocal or in­
strumental, then is the time to place them with the best
instructor that can be found. By so doing the young
mind will receive more readily the instructions than those
of a maturing age. Hence, by attention .and regular
practice it is rag£t surprising the result when entering
the musical worm.
TH E STU D EN T’S OW N RULE HELPS
The question has arisen time and time again as to
.whether or not a person can use his own rules in the com­
pliment of a composition. In reading these articles, I
chance to say in answer to the same, that anyone may be
accorded this privilege. W ho taught the first man that
exhibited his knowledge of theory, and how did he prove
the same?
4S: .
I’ll tell you, some years back in the early four hun­
dred and up until the sixteen hundreds music made a
wonderful stride, and only through day and night sessions
of individual study, did the present theory make itself uni­
versal. Of course all along, and during this period a sys­
tem known well to the Catholics was being exercised,
known as plain Chant and it being used strictly for sacred
services was noticed only in this form.
Then suddenly the old German, Italian and French
music lovers began to dig in these peculiar airs, and the
birth of a story was playeid in music. They got together
after a long period and formed what we call today a
council, compared their knowledge, and at this present
date the same is exercised with a small portion of modifi­
cation. I will attempt to say that today, one can’t com­
pile a composition without the base and knowledge of
that early day council. In constructing compositions the
subject should be well indicted to a story, and if not
same, he should submit it to other musicians for their
approval. Music is so beautiful when colorized in the
proper form, and played with the heartfelt expressions
of a good executor. One might say that he or she is not
satisfied with the construction of a composition, and this
is oftentimes the case with many artists, and why?
The arranger is careless with his progressions and
makes rare and abrupt changes unnecessary, and con­
structs his work merely for the care of compensation and
not for the- color. Grand opera has talented so many to
almost perfection, but I dare say you can find a person
100 per cent, in efficiency, as other performers may dis­
pute him with execution or technic, and some times with
dianamic expressions. So all along these lines, I think a
scholar or an artist can use his or her discretion and for­
ward a better impression with a rule that best fits him
or herself.
Not as to ever mar the rules laid out by the old mas­
ters, but apply them with the annexation of your own
feelings, which no doubt, will give you a self-constructed
rule that may always be appreciated by music lovers dur­
ing your entire existence.
I don’t discredit the musicians that are mechanically
trained, but I will say that improvement would mean a
lot to him in the way of invented ideas. One plays pub­
licly to satisfy the listener and privately to rehearse,
and I’ll mention in the next issue why he should practice
along.
JAZZ MUSIC.
Article after article has been published regarding the
type of music, so-called “ Jazz.” I have read them with an
eye of detection and find that the author of the same refers
to this class of music as noise, freely condemning the
music.
In my opinion these references are somewhat lacking
the proper amount of endorsement, as authors of such
articles should judge more from an artistic standpoint.
Jazz can’t be executed by every musician, neither can
Grand Opera or even the simple type of popular music. It
requires study to be a jazzer; and if the sensation is to be
delivered properly you have to reach one’s heart before
the effect of Jazz is really appreciated. Giving my full
attention to music for twenty years and being familiar
(Continued Page 21.)
JA
 PH IL A D E L PH IA NOTES Madam Keen’s orches­
The Musician’s Union Local, No. 591, is having a won­ tra is booked solid with
derful success this year, and much credit is due its presi­ Prof. Jerome Mosby at
dent and secretary, Mr. John Thomas and Mr. Jerome the waltz dream dancing
Lee. These men are certainly hard workers and have academy.
the union and its interests at heart. Mr. George Baquet, the
The Elks’ parade at Atlantic City had quite a few well known clarinetist, is
Philadelphia bands in line, among them being the Cornu­ now leading the orchestra
copia Masonic Band, Cole’s Imperial Band( Keystone at the Waldorf Castle.
Band, Elks Band, Quaker City Female Band, and a few The M a s t e r Musician
other bands of a minor importance. wishes him much success
Mr. Bernard Archer and Mr. Napoleon Bizzell,- two in his new undertaking.
of Madame Io Keen’s jazzers, are studying harmony and The Standard Theatre
composition under the direction of Mr. R. W. Ricketts. has a new orchestra. The
Mr. Harry Cole, of No. 1818 Titan street, after his re­ members are: W . Benton
turn with the 350th Artillery Band, accepted contract O v e r s treet, conductor;
for an Atlantic City engagement which the reporter of Raymond Smith, violinist;
the Master Musician claims him a star with his saxa- Mose McQuitty, double
phone. bass; Alexander Valen­
Mr. Arthur Brown, Philadelphia’s well-known bari­ tine, trombone; Buster
tone, is back in the city after a succesful tour in the great Williams, cornet; George
West. Allen, drums. Mr. Over-
Madame Keene’s orchestra has played just as much in street is a staff writer of
Atlantic City this past season as they did at home. Mad­ American Music Company
ame is a wonderful leader and deserves great credit for JUNIUS MAXW ELL, Pianist and is the writer of
her work, and always pleases the Eastern public. “ Jazz Dance,” “ Jazbo Johnson’s Syncopatin’ Band!”
The R. C. O. Association, a branch of intelligent work­ Miss Alice Davis, teacher at the McCoach Playgrounds,
ers in the great Wanamaker store, are scoring great suc­ rendered a beautiful soprano solo at the Olympia Theatre
cesses with their chorals. This association is blessed with Sunday, September 7, in honor of the Frederick Douglas
a good band and orchestra and it makes one feel good to Hospital Campaign drive. Miss Edna V. Pennington,
know what this store is producing in the line of talent. of par excellence, supported her with the piano.
The young ladies in Philadelphia that are winning Local, No. 591, held its regular monthly meeting Sun­
praise with the musical circles are: Miss Mildred Cole, day, September 7. The regular amount of business was
Cornelia Seaman, Genevie Johnson, Reggie Briscoe, Elsie recorded as usual and all is well with the union in the
Lee, Eullee Towns Barnett, Loraine Harris and Estelle city at the present time.
Steward Scott, formerly of the 368th Infantry, is back
Charlie Taylor and in the city resuming his duties with the Masonic Band
his band are expected as saxaphone player.
back in the city as The Master Musician is for sale everywhere and it is
soon as the season at the only race musical magazine that reaches the musicians
the seashore has at large, so why not make this magazine the ideal of the
closed, and we read­ profession and subscribe freely.
ily know that the At­ The Shiloh Band is considered well among the musici­
lantic City folks will ans of the East and its presence means a good deal to
miss this violin play­ the profession these days, as we need good musicians at
er, as he carries with all times.
him a reputation that M e ssrs. F r a n k
is hard to compare Washington, Johnnie
with. Venie, Joe Joiner,
The Master Musi­ and Drummer Davis
cian is bound to have h a v e returned t o
the best news of the Philadelphia after a
musicians, as it successful season at
reaches all of the Atlantic City. •' ■
best musicians in the
The famous W ill­
country, and it will
iams’ Singers will be
never fail to publish
in town on November
the notes of the art­
ists if they send them 11, and is being pro­
in, in proner form. moted by the re­
MRS. GENEVIVE JOHNSON
nowned promoter, G.
Piano Soloist Grant Williams.
Bob Ricketts’ jazz
orchestra has resum­
R O B E R T W . R IC K E T T S ed their duties at
W ith Academy, in W il­
mington, Delaware.
A M E R IC A N MUSIC C O M P A N Y The Master Musi­
cian would like to
R oom 302 Keystone Bldg. hear from all musi­
Sixteenth and Lombard Streets, Phila., Pa. cians and artists and
MISS ALICE DAVIS would appreciate a
“ E very th in g in M u sic ” Soprano visit at any time.
8
 W H O KN OW S? W HAT HON. EM­
How many first-class Musicians there are in the METT J. SCOTT
1.
United States? HAS TO SAY
2. The length and duration of a Master’s technic? An extract of a letter re-
3. When a Musician becomes a Master? cieved from Hon. Emmett
4. How many instruments a person can play well ? J. Scott to us says:
5. The cure for a musician who overestimates his “ Permit me to convey to
ability? you my congratulations
6. Whether a Negro musician is recognized by the upon the enterprise upon
countries of the world? which you are embarking.”
This magazine is being
indorsed by all prominent
persons, which goes to
prove that this is another
P. A. VENABLE step for the race in the
Music Instructor musical world.

W. H. COLE
Bandmaster
: William H. Cole, the erstwhile and popular Conductor
of Cole’s Imperial Band, deserves much credit for the
;: work done along music lines. Mr. Cole possesses and
displays a rare fondness for music and his long experi-
' ence and hard study places him in the first rank.
His achievements as a band conductor have been very
successful, especially when we consider the space of time
since he entered this branch of music.
;--j- Our Race, to be successful, must have get up about
them, with hustling business qualities,
f Then and not until then will they ever expect to com-
Jrhand the attention of the community at large,
p -l. Mr. Cole, we say, possesses all such qualities.
PETERSBURG (V A .) NOTES.
, , The following names are recorded in the office of “Thf
\ Master Musician” as prominent musicians of Petersburg
J g j a .:
■ t;Prof. R. C. Bolling, 118 Mercury street.
Rev. J. B. Brown, 224 New street.
Mrs. R. P. Campbell, 219 Harrison street.
ffc M is s Susie Byrd, 450 Harrison street.
Mrs. J. B. Darden, corner New and Byrne streets.
Mrs. G. L. Mackey, West street.
B|LkMrs. Russel Holmes, Webster street.
HP Miss Anne E. Giles, 1003 Shepard street.
JfMiss Nudine Smith, Harding street.
►Miss M. E. Goffery, Romeo street.
---Mrs. T. G. Baugh, Third avenue.
Miss Rosebud Pegrane, Dunlop street.
Pfl Miss Mildred Brown, Dunlop street.
- Miss Mollie Washington, Harding street.
: Miss Eunice Robinson, Harding street,
a“ The Master Musician” would like to hear from thes
‘"-musicians and would like to have their cuts or picture
I from which a cut may be made. W e wish them succes
in their work.
TH E O LD E ST INSTRUM ENT
The slide trombone is, -without doubt, the oldest in­
strument still existing in its primitive form. All others
have undergone remarkable changes, some of them even
in recent years. The violin has been developed from the
viol, the flute has been given keys and blown at the side
instead of the end; the trumpet and French horn have
been supplied with valves; the piano has been developed
from Dulcimer (borrowing the key board of the Harpi-
chord and Clavichord), and the organ has had the most
wonderful development of all, but ancient trombones
have been unearthed in the ruins of Pompeii and else­
where which are practically the same as those made to­
day, except that we now have facilities for more accurate
machine work. The' “ Sackbut,” mentioned in several
places in the Bible, was nothing more or less than our
present slide trombone.
Landlady— “ W hat’s your business?”
Applicant— “ I practice medicine.”
Landlady (decisively)— “ No practicing in this house.
I had a gent who practiced singing and he drove out all
my boarders.”
LOS ANGELES NOTES
Mrs. Belle O ’Neil has been reported at the office of the
Master Musician, at Philadelphia, as being a wonderful
instructress in music. W e wish Mrs. O’Neil great success
and trust that she will continue to accomplish great good
in her wonderful work in the West.
Mr. John Grey has been heard of in the East and we
wish him great success with his harmony class, something
that the Negro pupils of music really need, if they desire
to advance in music.
Read
“THE TORTURED NEGRO”
Or
“ T H E C R Y F O R J U S T IC E ”
By Louis Michel, o f Los Angeles, California
Price 2 5 C en ts Per C o p y
For Sale by
“ M A S T E R MUSICIAN M A G A Z IN E ’ *
501 S. 16th St., Phila., Pa.
IN FORM ATION BUREAU NOTICE
Owing to the lateness of our receipt of our inquiries we
will answer some in November issue of the Master
Musician.
9
 THEATRICAL NOTES DRAMATIC NOTES.
Of the few exceptionally good Negro Dramatic Vaude­
ville Companies now at work special mention must be
made and congratulations extended to Mr. Luke A. Scott
and his wonderful company.
Mr. Scott has worked hard to place his company upon
the highest plane in dramatic work. Each member of the
same is an artist. The only words that may be said are
that it might create a little more interest if the assignment
were changed now and then, which might develop the
versatility of the casts.
Among the members of his company during his long
sojourn in Philadelphia, at the Gibson’s Standard The­
atre, were, Misses Iris Hall, Grace Howell, Irene Elmore
and Messrs. George Wiltshire, Charles Narceese,
Anthony Costello and William Mann. Bennie Butler, a
student under the late R. Henri Strange, noted Negro
Shakesperean artist, has recently signed up with Mr.
Scott.
Miss Iris Hall, former leading lady for Micheaux Film
Corporation, of Chicago. Her last picture was the “ Home­
steader,” recently released. Since joining Mr. Scott’s
company she has been offered an attractive proposition
JOHN T. GIBSON, to return to the film. Unlike other members of her pro­
(The Race’s Foremost Theatrical Owner and Manager.) fession of the opposite race, her work with the legitimate
Dean of Them All. stage proves more attractive.
John T. Gibson, the well-timed and progressive the­ Mr. Scott’s company is now playing at the Strand The­
atrical manager and owner of Gibson’s New Standard atre, of Jacksonville, Fla. At the expiration of this con­
Theatre, of Philadelphia, which is the best and most well- tract it is hoped that the company will return to Phila­
equipped playhouse owned and managed by any colored delphia, where the theatregoers really hold a warm spot
man in the world. Playing to crowded house at two reg­ for them in their hearts.
ular daily performances.
Before Mr. Gibson took over the Standard Theatre
other magnates were unsuccessful. It was generally EARL B. GRANSTAFF,
known as a “ white elephant’’ when along, came Mr. Gib­
son, with sleeves rolled up, ambitious, and with stupend­ Trombonist.
ous energy and great hustling abilities, together with his
knowledge of business, made the Standard what it is Earl B. Granstaff, a real
today, up with the leaders.
trombonist, who has
F. GRANT GILMORE. worked throughout the
Author, Writer, Promoter, is the distinction given the country, and is now doing
above; a man who has done a great deal to advance the orchestra work in Grand
race. In his book and drama, “The Problem,” in which Rapids, Michigan. There,
he clearly answers Thomas Dixon’s “ Clansman” and being no other colored or­
“ Birth of a Nation,” places him as one of the race’s fore­
chestra of any standing in
most defenders. He is also the author of “ Lynch Law,”
a moving picture scenario; “ W ho’s to Blame,” a drama; that city makes his work
‘The Negro,” a drama, there a great success.
and several books, in­ W e extend our hearty
cluding “ Masonic and congratulations to Mr.
Other Poems.” Mr.
Gilmore is now pre­ Granstaff, and may he
paring a stock company continue his good work.
in this city to play in
the chain theatres EARL B. GRANSTAFF
owned and controlled
by colored people. His SISSLE AND BLA K E STOP SHOW S
life’s work is to elevate One of the strongest acts on the vaudeville stage just
the race and stage to now is that presented by Lieutenant Noble Sissle and
the highest degree of Eubie Blake, known as the Dixie Duo, and late of the
perfection. All aspir­ 369th United States Infantry Band, the famous “ Hell
ing authors can send Fighters” organized by the late Jim Europe. Sissle and
their manuscripts to Blake are stopping shows wherever they appear. At the
him at his office, 305 Royal Theatre last week they not only scored one of the
Keystone Building, Six­ big" hits of the bill, but held the show up at every per-
-formance. Some of their song numbers are, “ Gee, I’m
teenth and Lombard
Glad I’m From Dixie,” “ Good Night My Angeline;” “ The
be reviewed and, if Doggone Baltimore Blues,” “ Ain’t You Coming Back
streets, where they will Mary Ann to Maryland,” and “ I’m Just Simply Full of
meritorious, will be Jazz,” all of which are published by M. Witmark &
used. F. GRANT GILMORE Sons. (Theatrical and Dramatic Continued on Page 23.)
10
THE CORNUCOPIA BAND AND ORCHESTRA OF PHILADELPHIA

CORNUCOPIA BAND AND ORCHESTRA,

F. and A. M., of Philadelphia, Pa.

This Band is really the pride of Philadelphia, and every

member is a finished musician. Below is a short program
rendered Sunday, August 3, at Media, Pa., on the Court
House Lawn, guests of city of Media, Pa.:

CORNUCOPIA BAND,

ROBERT W. RICKETTS, Conductor.

F. and A. M., of Philadelphia, Pa.

i1
Headquarters: 409 S. 11th Street.

Programme.

Le Regiment-De Sambre-et-Meuse................................A.Turlet
Poet and Peasant.......................................................Suppe
March ................................................................... Altheuse
Apple B lossom s.......................................................Roberts
Popular .............................................................. Von Tilzer
Wedding of the W in d s ........................................J. T. Hall
Selected.
Singer.

Part 2.
Maritana ............................................................... Wallace
Joyce 7 1 s t....................................................................Boyer
Quartette from R igoletto............................................Verdi
Selected.
Finale
Star-Spangled Banner .................. Sousa

B. F. Weston, President; W . H. William, Vice Presi­

dent; George W . Parvis, Secretary; Robert B..Herring­
ton, Treasurer; Board of Directors, J. A. Holland and
Jehu Robinson.
11
 ABOU T ARTISTS SOME FACTS ABOUT MME. FLORENCE COLE
TA LBE R T.
Notice
Mme. Florence Cole Talbert was born in Detroit, Mich­
Owing to the lateness of our receipt of inquiries we will igan, and taken when she was very young to Los Angeles,
answer some in November issue of the Master Musician. California, where she was raised and educated. She comes
Musician Notes from a line of vocalists, her mother and grandmother both
being sopranos of no small degree. She finished high
The Master Musician learns that Miss Antoinette school in Los Angeles. While in school she was soloist of
Smyth Games received the degree of Bachelor of Music, the High School Glee Club, and it might be said that here
at the Chicago Musical College in 1919. Also ha's this was her beginning.
artist been awarded the Diamond Medal for vocal ef­ Graduating from high school, she studied under Mme.
ficiency. W e would like to hear personally from Miss Gloria Mayno .Windsor, an instructress in opera and con­
Games. cert music. Later she attended the University of South­
Clarence Cameron White, violinist, has recently pub­ ern California, College of Music, specializing in Oratorio.
lished a new composition entitled “ Bandanna Sketches,” She accepted a place with the Midand Concert Company,
for violin and piano. Madam Maud Powell has signified this being her first professional appearance. While trav­
her intention of using these sketches on her programs eling with this company she met Wendall P. Talbert, an
for the coming season. They also won the interest of accomplished student of Oberlin Conservatory of Music.
Fritz Kreisler, world-famed violin virtuoso. Mme. Talbert left the Midland Company and attended the
Speaking of accomplished persons and those of wonder­ Chicago Musical College. She finished her course here in
ful talent, attention is called to Miss Anita Johnson, col­ one year, winning in competition the Diamond Medal of
ored, 12 years of age, a pianist, whose program is made Honor of the College.
up of works by Rachmaninoff, Kautski, Gottschalk, Men- The Race can well be proud of this representative, as
delessohn and Beethoven. Of this lady we would like to she stands abreast of the other notables of the world in
hear. She is from Augusta, Georgia. Her brother, music.
younger than she, is studying the violin.
Harry T. Burleigh has made a talking machine record MR. J. ROSAM OND JOHNSON RESIGNS
of one of his compositions, “ Go Down Misis !” " Mr.'Bur­ J. Rosamond Johnson, the greatest colored pianist and
leigh is the best known composer of the day of Negro composer, whose career on the theatrical concert stage is
Spirituals. And his work has demanded the attention of known to thousands. The beautiful numbers written by
the most imminent of artists. him for the famous show of the past, Cole and Johnson,
Mr. William King, a pianist and organist of Philadel­ “Red Moon,” may be remembered by many. One of his
phia, will make a few recitals in New England with Mr. popular ballads, “ Since You Went Away,” is being used
Roland Hayes, noted baritone, this early fall season. by a number of artists in circuit.
Miss Marion Anderson, noted contralto, of Philadel­ Mr. Johnson has been director of Music School Settle­
phia, is working hard, preparing her repertoire for this ment of New York city, and resigned as director of the
coming season. She has already many engagements to same in order to devote his time to composition and
be filled . She will carry this season quite a number of -public performances. The greatest luck to Mr. Johnson
new selections.
-> W IN S FRENCH SCHOLARSHIP
P H IL A D E L P H IA CON TRALTO SCORES. William H. Vodery, the colored composer and instru­
On June 28th, Marian Anderson, Philadelphia’s leading mental arranger who organized the 807th Infantry Band,
contralto, entered the Chicago Musical College to study that afterwards became known as the Headquarters Band
under Oscar Saenger, the master voice builder. She com­ in France, is leaving for France October 15, where he will
pleted the course prescribed for her in six weeks, win­ enter the French High School of Musical Studies, in the
ning much distinction. At the regular student recital held Palace of Fontainebleau.
at the college, Miss Anderson, the only Negro, received Vodery has received a free two-year scholarship at this
overwhelming applause, being recalled many times, the musical school, he having the distinction of being the only
audience’s only means of expressing their satisfaction and American musician-composer to ever win a scholarship
acceptance. from this French musical institution. Last August, while
The Colored Musicians’ Convention, which met in Chi­ stationed at Chaumont, France, with his band, Vodery
cago in July, comprises all the artists and musicians of took the examination in competition with 120 other
note throughout the country. At their concert held on musicians. Forty of this number passed with sufficient
July 25th Miss Anderson rendered a French selection, percentages to entitle them to take the final examination,
“ Adieu Forets” from the opera “ Joan de Arc,” by Tchai- Vodery being among the 40. And in the final examina­
kowsky. Her audience, which comprised the Race’s tion he not only came out first, but he also led with an
greatest talent, proved their appreciation of her work. It unprecedented average of 98, a mark that was acclaimed
was voted at a meeting of the convention that the asso­ by musical scholars throughout France. His composition
ciation give her assistance in completing her musical edu­ for the occasion was a descriptive tone poem entitled
cation. “ Two Months in the Old'M ill.”
Miss Anderson is, without a doubt, the greatest con­ Vodery has orchestrated .the music for some of the
tralto we have ever had, and there is undoubtedly before foremost musical shows.
her a wonderful future. Being a young woman will prove
a wonderful asset to her. It is hoped that she may have F A C T ^ /O R T H KNOW ING
the good fortune to be the first to enter the Grand Opera The first Negro Jubilee Record made for the Victor
field, as there is no end to the Race’s possibilities. Talking Machine Company, was made by the Dinwiddie
Quartet under the management of Mr. Sterling Rex, noted
“ Abhor the example of those who hate correction; for lyric tenor. It was located at the time at Tenth and
like lightning to those who walk in the dark, though it Lombard streets, Philadelphia. At the time this quartet
frightens them, it gives them light.” — Pier, Francisco made four records. . The members were Harry Cryer,
Tosi, 1743. Tames H. Thomas, Clarence Meredith and Sterling Rex.
12
 CHICAGO NOTES

SPECIAL NOTICE!
— A- grand musical festival was held in Chicago at the
Providence Church. Prof. J. H. Garnett spoke on the
subject of “The Negro; Whence He Came and Whither
He Goeth.” The arrangement of the musical was by
Prof. J. Wesley Jones, Chicago’s efficient and popular
chorus conductor. Prof. Charles Elgar, the well-known
-orchestra director, was present. Miss Magnolia N. Lewis,
directress of institutional choir, is to be congratulated
The Master Musician
lUpon the rendition of “ Have Faith.” Miss Edna D. is offering two prizes, beginning
Winters,- a-student of Lane College, Jacksonville, Tenn.,
;played Brow’s “ Spinning Song,” and the big chorus October in the
choir sang “ Heart of Emancipation” and several other big
choral" numbers.
;;iMr. Hermes Zimmerman, composer and pianist, is in
^Chicago and has interested the leading choir leaders in
$50. and $100
hisYcampaign to place his latest number, “The Chief
^oraerPS'forie,"'spiritual song, among the people of Chi-
igOS-hiMmer;Patti Brown will feature the song at her
citals-T^J ' ~ ~
Popularity Hf)
dmesPhttirBrown, soprano, of national fame, sang at
■SouthLPark M. E. Church, and the entire audience
Jdeeplijtstirred. with the manner in which she rendered
^different'selections;.-Y-The comment was that Mme.
C h o ir
Irown, knows just how to render any number. It is to
^ Vemembered that Mme. Patti Brown visited Philadel­
phia, New .York, Baltimore and Washington with the
'"Ti6us'.3TOth.Infantry Band.'.
IS Contest
ffi^^aster'-Musici’an extends its appreciation to its Beginning October Ending Feb. 1st
licagpjreadersJfor the interest they have taken in this
igazine. To the Choir receiving the highest number of votes will be given
Continued on Page 22.)
-: ~ ; 1 ’ ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS
3 LARGEST ORCHESTRA IN PHILADELPHIA in Cash; and to the Minister in charge will be given a
iten-piee^ferhH'____ direction of Miss I. O
’ondi ful record here in the city.
Mosbey Dancing School, of
MOROCCO LEATHER BOUND BIBLE
with his nane inscribed in gold letters. The secend Prize of
“colore d orchestra of its size
gsgft ■■
credit for her work. She
FIFTY DOLLARS
leader in Philadelphia and will be awarded to the Choir standing second on the list.
vith a small contribution sev- The MASTER MUSICIAN will publish each month, the
bdayjsYthe,directress of the largest standing of the various Choirs. Ballot blanks will be pnblfshed
rking in the city., in every issue and will count for twenty votes. Yearly subscript­
....
ions will count as three hundred votes. Vote for your favorite
Choir. Ask your newsdealer for the MASTER MUSICIANmag-
a zine,7 or write direct to us.
'ickinson 6 6 6
II Phone, Dickinson 5 2 2 9 C ut out a nd m a ll at once.
W . H . CASSELLE
tor, Practical Embalmer
2 0 V otes I BALLOT I 2 0 V otes
____ .M ain Office:
o m u » » ^ n
I S. Seventeenth St., Phila., Pa.
.3.1.6 .Marks A v e ., Darby; 130 2 South M ASTER M U S IC IA N M A G A Z IN E
34th Street; 1 5 3 0 North 23d Street; Sharon 5 0 1 S. 16 t h S t . , P h i l a . , Pa.
‘' ^ “ "la ron Hill, Pa. Name o f Choir .................. ...........................................................
..... • ' - "
Church..............................................................................................

11 Phone, Spruce 3 5 3 9 Keystone, Race 29 3 Address...........................................................................................

G E O R G E L eV E R E City or Town..............................................

FLORIST
;Our Specialty is Beautiful Floral Designs and Minister.......................

jlS-Y? - Sprays at Moderate Prices Your Name ............

:!%Store Open
^rir.lrrr--'y—- 8.30 A. M. to 9.30 P. M. Address..............

v ' Weekdays and Sundays City or Town.

1,2040 South Street Philadelphia, Pa.


NATHANIEL DETT
Director of Music, Hampton University
N ATH AN IEL D E TT & H AM PTON U N IV E R SITY
(Composer and Pianist), Hampton, Virginia.
In the amazing new interest which the war has brought
to music as a community asset, the Negro is not being
lost sight of.
And this is as it should be. No people love music as a
mere expression of everyday life as does the Negro. He
sings because he cannot help himself, and his heart and
soul are behind the practice.
Down in Virginia, at Hampton, there is a Negro who
thinks definitely of his race with respect to music. His
name is Nathaniel Dett, director of music at Hampton
Institute, Virginia. Possibly, too, he is undoubtedly as­
sisted by a pianist of wonderful ability, his wife. They
are a musical couple who have in their power the means
of assisting those who are aspiring.
Mr. Dett is the composer of “ In the Bottoms,” “ Listen
to the Lambs,” “ I’ll. Never Turn Back No More” and
“ Weeping Mary.”
This is a highly curt way to sum up a man who has
already accomplished a very considerable deal in music.
He is a 1908 graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of
Music, which institution bestowed upon him the degree
of Bachelor of Music for Original composition. It has
been said that since the coming of R. Nathaniel Dett
to Hampton, as director of music at the institution, has
marked a new epoch in its musical development.
It has been written:
In the last few years Negro music has passed from the
stage where it was either regarded lightly or ignored, to
the second period of transition, where musical opinion i>
divided as to the best method of treating it. One school
holds to the belief that it should be presented in its ab­
solute primitive simplicity, without attempts at elabora­
tion and only in such manner may this beautiful music
of bondage be preserved to America. Another group of
musicians of which Mr. Dett is one of the leading ex­
ponents, believes that the better way of preservation lies
in development of the original themes, development that
shall conserve instead of destroy, the original charac­
14
teristics, and at the same time make them unable for
presentation in concert form.
(May Stanley in Musical America).
“ It remained for the pianist of the evening, R. Nathaniel
Dett, to show how the characteristic accents of Negro
music may be developed into genuine art forms without
resorting to imitations of the white man’s music. Mr.
Dett performed two suits of his own compositions en­
titled, ‘Magnolia’ and ‘In the Bottoms.’ From the former,
one may select the movements entitled ‘The Deserter
Cabin’ and 'Mammy,’ as significant examples of this ele­
vation of the folk song to the forms of greater compass
wider contrast and deeper meaning. From ‘In the Bot­
toms’ might be selected for similar reasons, the move­
ments entitled ‘ His Song;’ ‘Honey’ and ‘Jaba.’ ”— Chi­
cago Tribune.
“ Mr. Dett is a pianist of distinct quality, and his music
has an individual note of charm.”— Chicago Post.
“ The. most striking signs of originality were found in
the works of the last-named composer. He has talent
much greater than the average, and one well worthy of
all encouragement. Much of the effect produced by
‘Magnolia’ and ‘In the Bottoms’ was due to his manner
of performance, for he proved himself as facile and pleas­
ing a pianist as composer.”— Chicago Journal.
“ Under the auspices of the S. Coleridge Taylor Club, of
this city, Mr. R. Nathaniel Dett, the young and talented
pianist and composer, gave a delightful recital last even­
ing at the Queen Street Baptist Church, assisted by
social talent, and a large representative audience enjoyed
a rare program. Mr. Dett’s own compositions were en­
thusiastically received, some numbers eliciting applause
before his conclusion. He is a master of the piano, the
grace and technique of his execution showing his fine
training and versatility.”— Norfolk, Va., Journal and
Guide.
It is sincerely hoped that the public in general will be
offered the pleasure of hearing Mr. Dett in concert some­
time during this season.
“ LE A V IN G OUT NOTES”
Thousands of inexperieinced piano players leave out
notes. No doubt they take for granted that the composer
has put in just so many notes in a composition to give it
the effect of richness or fullness, and if a note in a cord is
left out it makes very little difference. True, in very
many cases it does make a very little difference, but in
others it makes a very serious difference. This is par­
ticularly the case in what is known as dissonances. Chris­
tian in his “principles of expressions in Pianoforte play­
ing,” describes a dissonance as “ like a thorn in fle s h -
something foreign, which must be removed— something
aggressive which must be appeased— something jarring
which must be Euphonized.”
The dissonance must be converted into consonance by
resolving or leading one or more of its notes to others
which makes a consonance. The dominant seventh is
a good instance. In the key of C this would be the chord
G-B-D-F, reading from the lower note up. These notes
usually resolve in the following fashion: F resolves on
the E below it, D resolves either up to E or down to
C, B resolves up to C, while G goes down to C or up to C.
Try this out on your piano. This cord often appears in­
verted, that is with the notes in different order, let us
say D-F-G-B. Suppose in the resolution of this cord E
was left out with the resulting cord of C-G-C. The effect
would be very bad for many reasons, one of which is that
the dissonant note F unresolved. For this reason all
students should become acquainted with dissonances.
 PHOTO PLAY.
MISS BEULAH HALL,
The Race’s Foremost “ Movie” Star.
NOBLE M. JOHNSON,
America’s Premier Afro-American Screen Star.
; The above photos represents to us the rapid strides of
-the Negro’s advancement and achievements. Truly one
cannot help but look with pleasure and pride upon the
work of Noble M. Johnson, who has formed the Lincoln
■Motion Picture Company, of California, comprising
^■'entirely Negro talent. Every patron of the moving pic-
gE? ture houses should admonish the managers to produce
more scenarios relative to the Race.
Negro Film Makes Hit.
Philadelphia: A film, “ The Homesteader,” written and
composed by Oscar Micheaux, of Chicago, was screened
at the Olympia Theatre, of this city, for two nights in
| succession, September 9 and 10. This was this film’s first
15
IRIS HALL
Leading Lady in “ The Homesteaders”
Bell Phone “ The Reliable Shop”
GEORGE W . LONG
JEWELER and OPTICIAN
1 6 2 5 and 1 6 2 7 South Street
Fine Watch Repairing Philadelphia, Pa.
showing in Philadelphia, and viewed by thousands, both
white and colored. That it was received can hardly be
explained; enough, to say that it was not booked for a
long enough period, as there were numbers who could
not buy tickets. The first night was really worth one’s
life to even attempt to get in the theatre. They were
fighting to buy tickets, and it was only through the great­
est efforts of the police guards that checked this wild dis­
order.
This is only one small portion that the Negro has at
least reached the point where he realizes that he can be
entertained to the fullest extent by his own movie actors
and actresses. That he has in his Race those who can
produce a film along the same line as the Universal,
Art Craft or Fox Productions. Such a man is Oscar
Micheaux, who has passed over the Ruby road and under­
stands the ins and outs of the movie game. He has given
Negroes a film that they can be proud of in “ The Home­
steaders/’_____________________________________________
Repairing, Stringing and Trimmings of All
Instruments
TEACH ER OF MUSIC
R O B E R T B. H E R R IN G T O N
9 0 9 S. 2 1 st Street, Philadelphia
Dealer in
Violins Violas Violoncellos Bass Violins
Guitars Mandolins Banjos
Saxophones Clarionets Cornets Trombones
CONOWINGO JAZZ
By the way, all the European correspondence of the
Musical Courier speaks of the tremendous vogue there
of American “ jazz” and other novel examples of our
blithesome school of composition. Perhaps we really do
express ourselves most naturally as a nation, in “jazz.”
Sometimes other lands are better judges of such a ques­
tion than our own. - It took England to discover that
Joaquin Miller was a poet; Whistler, a painter, and “ The
Belle of New York” a comic opera classic. They may be
right about looking upon “jazz” as a valuable style of
composition and the most typically American produced
so far— Musical Courier.

Advertise
in the
MASTER
MUSICIAN
Write for rates.
JAZZ E XPLA IN E D
Writer Traces It to Fox Trot and Keen Sense of Rhythm.
From the Christian Science Monitor.
To the Editor of the Christian Science Monitor:
From time to time there have appeared in your columns
articles on the subject of jazz music, the last one appear­
ing on Saturday, August 9. There seem to be so many
ideas regarding this matter that I take the liberty of add­
ing my own.
Some people, especally musicians, have a much keener
sense of rhythm than others, just as some people can hear
much higher pitched sounds than others. The ordinary
person can follow music having four beats to the measure
without a great deal of trouble, but a person who has a
great sense of rhythm can catch the half, quarter and
sometimes the eight beats.
You will remember that it was not until the fox trot
became a popular dance that jazz music came into exist­
ence. Moreover, you will find that most jazz pieces are
written in fox trot time. Before jazz music came into
being the trap drummer in the orchestra was the only
musician who could express the half, quarter and eighth
beats, because his instruments could be manipulated so
rapidly, and we learned to call this rapid accentuation of
the measure syncopated time.-The balance of the musici­
ans, those playing wood wind and brass wind instru­
ments, had as keen a sense of rhythm as the drummer,
but their instruments were not adapted to expressing it.
Unhappily, somebody hit upon the idea of jazzing the
band. To make a jazz band you must first have a good
orchestra. The instruments of the musicians are then
each tuned slightly out of key with each other; the result
seeming an impossibility, namely, discordant harmony.
The part played by any instrument could be heard
throughout the whole piece, because it was discordant as
compared to the others and its tune would not blend."
With each instrument being practically an orchestra by
itself, the problem of the balance of the musicians in the
orchestra on syncopating the rhythm was simplified. Some
confine themselves to the regular number of beats per
measure, others double this number, while still others
play in between the half and quarter beats, thus even
syncopating the beat. The result is .jazz music.
As I read through the foregoing I realize that it is
more a mechanical expression of jazz than anything else,
but I believe you will find that it will hold water much
better than some of the other articles that I have read on
jazz music.
W IL L A R D HALL.
Larchmont, N. Y., August 14, 1919.
The article says, that jazzers are compelled to tune
their instruments slightly out of tune, to produce the
effect of jazz. Never in the history of music, has it been
necessary to deliver any part or portion of music with a
contrast of untuned instruments.
I am pleased to say that so many of us have studied,
and we can’t believe any article of this sort, when we
readily compose jazz compositions daily. Can you imagine
an intellectual musician announcing the operation of
musical instruments out of tune?
This writer might go and study suspension and synco­
pation, and then when a cord is held over while the dura­
tion of other chords are being executed, he wouldn’t term
it discordant.
Jazz was born in the writer of this article and nothing
in the history has ever appealed to me in discord form.
Giving no exception to the rule, you or no one else can
manufacture jazz, for you’ve got to have it in your system,
or not give your bad idea of the same, when one that
knows can explain it different.
The name of the idea that the Ledger writer speaks of
would be confusion, not jazz, because jazz should be
sweetly delivered as a grand opera selection, and with
the proper amount of study should prove to any one’s
satisfaction.
R. W . RICKETTS.
MUSICIANS ORGANIZE
Denver, Colo., Sept. 19.— A number of well-known
musicians strongly supported by lovers of music have or­
ganized what will be known as the “ Denver Musical As­
sociation.” This organization will encourage the study
of a higher standard of music and will give life and vitality
to the compositions of our composers. Mrs. Lillian
Hawkins Jones, a woman of rare musical talent? has been
elected as president, and Aristide Chapman, secretary.—
“ Chicago Defender.”
W ill Marion Cook’s Syncopated Southern Orchestra is
playing at Philharmonic Hall, London. Are our English
cousins carried away by “ jazz” and “blues?” Oh, yes,-
but read this in the London Musical Standard, and mar­
vel : “ There is no doubt that in their finest selections this
orchestra really is great. Its playing is so fine it was a
pity that one or two more serious items were not included
in the program as their serious pieces show them to even
"greater advantage than their gay music, which is saying
a great deal.” When we send what we consider our best
music over there they tell us we are essentially creators
of popular w orks; when we give them the cream of our
light music *hey call for the classics. What are we to do ?
16
 A Regret That Banjo Days Are No More.
From The Christian Science Monitor.
Looking back over the last 75 years of banjo playing,
now virtually vanished from American entertainments, a
writer enumerates the long line of “ banjo kings,” from
Joe Sweeney, who probably learned to play the instru­
ment from a slave, to Edward Dobson, the last one,
who attained his mastery of the banjo by studying the
methods of the remarkable negro player, Horace Weston.
Weston had been a slave, and thus the banjo, from the
beginning to the end of its public career, stands as a
product of slavery days in the United States. Th'omas
Jefferson described it as an instrument “ proper to the
blacks, which they brought hither from Africa and which
is the original of the guitar,” a claim that would perhaps
'be disputed by modern students of the history of music.
To the older theatregoing generation in America the
banjo and the burnt-cork minstrel are linked in happy
memory, but the younger generation is apparently frankly
uninterested either in minstrels or in “ banjo kings.” The
vogue seems to belong to a time historically nearer the
institution whence it emanated.

ANNOUNCEM ENT— Important

Owing to labor conditions the Master Musician Maga­
zine is 22 days late in making its initial introduction. Its
by our efforts and your solicitation that we intend to
serve our readers with the best musical knowledge that
can be obtained.— Editor.
MORE R E VA LU A TIO N S APROPOS OF JAZZ
Immobility of Orient and Stodginess of Low Countries
Break Down
OUR M AD MUSICAL STAMP
Shall W e Dance Ourselves Into a Distinctive and Worthy
National Creativeness?
Already we have mentioned in these columns the furore
which jazzed music has created among the thousands of
Chinese coolies in France. Efforts have actually had
to be made over there to keep the Chinese laborers and
jazz separated. The call of the intoxicating music in­
terfered with the progress of work.
Nevertheless, the Chinese are said to be an impassive
and emotionless people. But nothing, apparently, can
long stand out against jazz. The latest nation to go dippy
about it is Holland.
Are You “ America Crazy?”.
Probably we shall have to revise a good many of our
accepted truisms about racial types. The phlegmatic
Dutchman must go along with the immobile Oriental
and the vivacious Gaul. In Holland they call their pres­
ent rage for jazz “ America-crazy.” This is perhaps a
doubtful compliment. Yet we must veritably accept it,
with all its uneasy wealth of implication.
For a rather longish while, nearly everybody thought
that American music, when it really came for good and
all, would be builded on the old negro folk tunes. Now
men like Pierre Monteux are saying that the instinct of
the dance will probably stand' behind our original com­
position. Of course, this might be more or less negroid
matter also, as witness today’s orgy of jazz. So Dvorak
and Monteux, then, might have something in common in
their remote divinings.
Certainly America has these many years now been
hard-ridden by the dance forms. When we used to take
them from Europe, they were popular enough. Then we
began to shift toward South America, and the addiction
to them assumed something of the character of an ob­
session. Now we make our own, as it were, turning
them hot off the griddle each morning and evening, and
we are madder about the sport than ever.
(Continued on Page 21.)
G. GRANT W ILL IA M S
Philadelphia’s Well-Known Manager.
Mr. G. Grant Williams, the man who makes it possible
for Philadelphia to enjoy musical treats. A man who can
guarantee a capacity audience, thus making it worth while
for a large organization of performers to travel to Phila­
delphia. I refer to him as a super-man among the pro­
moters. On former occasions he was referred to as King
of Promoters, but that was when he had sold out the
Academy of M usic; by the way, the largest playhouse in
Philadelphia and one of the largest in the world, three
times in succession. But now he has sold out the academy
six times in succession, breaking all records, white or
colored. The title of king is too paltry, so I now refer to
him as super-man among promoters, for no man, white
or colored, has ever approached his record. How proud
we Philadelphians should feel. How proud every one of
our race should feel, that one of us (G. Grant Williams)
has been able to accomplish what no other man has even
approached. In order that our race may rejoice anew as
they read his record of achievement, I herewith append
the dates on. which the wonderful feats were accom­
plished :
March 30, 1916, Williams’ Singers, 24 hours in advance;
November 22, 1917, Williams’ Singers, 48 hours in ad­
vance; April 22, 1918, Clef Club, 2 weeks and 8)4 hours
in advance; May 21, 1919, Clef Club, 5 weeks in advance;
January 1, 1919, Citizens’ Committee, 1 week in advance;
May 14, 1919, DuBois Lecture, 10 hours in advance.
On the occasion of his third success, the president of
the board of directors of the Academy of Music had a
special medal, made and presented it to him, at the same
time remarking that the wonderful feat had never before
been accomplished. I wonder what they think now that
he has totally eclipsed his own former record?
The following is a congratulatory letter to Mr. Wil-.
liams from the Secretary of the Board of Directors of the
Academy of Music on the occasion of his last great ad­
vance seat sale for May 21:
(Continued Page 18, Second Column.)
17

SARGEANT LANDON
Formerly 368th Infantry Band Drum Major.
Sargeant Landon, formerly of the 368th Infantry Band,
is recorded in the minds of the House of Representatives
as the neatest soldier carrying a musical baton at the
head of any military band. Sargeant Landon is now a
member of the Philadelphia police force and is com­
mended as a fine officer by the sergeant of the Fifth dis­
trict of the city of Philadelphia. Best wishes for your
success by the Master Musician Magazine.
LE O N C AV A LLO , FAMOUS COMPOSER, IS DEAD
Writer of I Pagliacci and Other Operas Visited U. S.
in 1906.
Rome, Aug. 9.—Ruggiero Leoncavallo, the composer, is Locust streets
Mr. G. Grant Williams,
dead.
Ruggiero Leoncavallo was born in Naples in 1856. He
received his musical education in the conservatory at Dear Sir:
Naples and at the age of 16 made a tour as a pianist.
Leoncavallo probably was best known for his opera, “ I - house for the evening of May 21 next, thus making a
record of no seat sale five weeks in advance of the date
Pagliacci,” which he composed in 1892. He was a man
named.
of letters as well as a musician and was a Wagner en­
thusiast, having done much to make that, composer’s
works popular in Italy.
Others of Leoncavallo’s opers were “ Medici,” “ Savcn-
arola,” “ Tribly,” “ Cesare Borgia” and “ Zaza.” He first
visited the United States in 1906.
“ Zaza,” one’ of the latest works of Leoncavallo and of
which he was both librettist and composer, will be pro­
duced in the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, next
winter. Miss Geraldine Farrar will have the leading role.
The work was given by the Chicago Opera Company two
years ago.
TH E CORNET
The cornet, as we know it, is less than a century old,
and largely the invention of a Frenchman, named Sax, yet
we read of the “ cornet” being used in England in the time
of Charles II (about 1660) to strengthen the soprano
parts of church music during the temporary scarcity of
choir boys. Further than that, we read in the Bible of
the “ cornet” being used among other instruments at
certain idolatrous ceremonies (Daniel III, 15), several
thousand years ago. It was a flaring tube, usually made
of wood and covered with leather, having a cupped
mouthpiece like the cornet of our day, but pierced with
holes, like a flute. In Germany, it was known by the
name of Kinke, and was made in various sizes, just as
are the brass band instruments of our day. In its largest,
or deep bass form, it was curiously curved, and known as
the “ Serpent.” It must, in this form, have been more
used in England than on the Continent, for Handel, on
first hearing it in England, inquired what that might be,
and being told, remarked: “ I tink it no de Serpent dat
tempted E v e !” Evidently he did not consider its tone very
seductive.
In Shakespeare’s tragedy of Plamlet, Act III, Scene 3,
the Danish prince calls for music, exclaiming, “ Come,
some m usic! Come, the recorders!” and after a short
scene with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, the players
enter with old English beaked flutes. Hamlet takes one,
and offering it to Guildenstern, says: “ Can you play upon
this pipe?”
It is customary, in most stage productions of this play,
to use a fife, or transverse flute, but it would be much
more in keeping with historical accuracy to use a flageolet
— an instrument blown through a mouthpiece on the end.
like an organ'pipe or a penny whistle. The flute blown
through a hole in the side was a later invention, probably
German, and was introduced into French orchestras by
Lulli, coming into general use in England about the time
of Handel. The recorder, or beaked flute, was made in
several sizes; treble, alto, tenor and bass. The larger
sizes are now extremely rare, only a few being found in
museums.
(Continued on Page 20.)
(Continued from Page 17.)
Philadelphia, April 16, 1919.
American Academy of Music, S. E. cor. Broad and
526 South Sixteenth street,
Philadelphia, Pa.,
I congratulate you on your complete sell-out of the
Very truly,
F. V. BONNAFFON,
Secretary
18 >
 NOTICE
A list will be published each month, with the total
votes received by each choir, beginning November.
A CHOIR W ORTH HEARING
The Church of the Crucifixion, at Eighth and Bain-
bridge streets, Philadelphia, has a wonderful choir under
the direction of Mr. William King. He deserves great
credit for his work with this choir, which does him great
credit as an efficient instructor. Miss Julia Gilbert, of
this city, is one of his leading voices.
Mr. King has only recently returned from overseas, in
the service of the country. He is a young man, who has
worked earnestly to attain his present place in the music
world. He is one of the youngest artists of the day and
is known to thousands for wonderful execution upon the
piano and organ. Already his experience in recital and
concert is great. He has traveled with Mr. Roland Hayes
on numerous tours, and was Miss Marion Anderson’s
able accompanist before his departure for overseas serv­
ice. Mr. King left a very large number of pupils when
he left for military service, but has succeeded in opening
once more into a very busy season.
A few words in reference to his training. He owes his
early training to Prof. Gilbert Anderson, then of Phila­
delphia, one of the greatest teachers of piano here. His
first public appearance was made when a mere tot with
the Philadelphia Concert Orchestra, then under the con-
tractship of his teacher and recent conductor of the Clef
Club Orchestra, of New York city. Later he studied the
organ under Mr. O’Brian, of the Church of the Jesu, one
of the largest churches of Philadelphia. Lastly he studied
under Mme. Cecil Chandora, a French instructress, dur­
ing his stay in France.
Mr. King is a product of Philadelphia, in whom all
feel a keen interest, as Philadelphians are very , proud of
their own, who have made any headway in their various
callings.
UNION BAPTIST CHOIR, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
The choir of the Union Baptist Church, of Philadel­
phia, announces the following officers: A. L. Franklin,
president; Nancy Dourthit, vice president; Nettie Frazier,
recording secretary; Thomas Nelson, treasurer; Mary
Brown, chaplain, and William J. Williams, director;
Estelle Wills Aiken, organist.
The Union Baptist Church can well boast of its or­
ganization as entering the first ranks of musical classi­
fication of the universe, and we readily admit to any good
report that enters this office in regards to this choir. As
the representative of the Master Musician attends the
church and remarks the wonderful splendor in which this
choir delivers its Sunday programs before and after the
Rev, W. G. Parks delivers his Sunday sermon. Marion
Anderson, Philadelphia’s own contralto, and I. O. Maude
Brown, formerly of Chicago, leading soprano, are two
of the leading 40 that comprise the Union Baptist Choir.
ST. THOMAS’ CHURCH CHOIR
The choir of the St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Phila­
delphia, Pa., is under the direction of Prof. Earl Diton,
well known pianist. The possibilities of this choir are
wonderful, and with a little work will be in first ranking
condition.
Among those who are working with the choir are Mrs.
Redd (Lydia McCla'in), well known soprano, whose
voice is growing more sweeter. Mrs. Redd, before her
marriage to Dr. Redd, M. D., is a Philadelphia girl,
raised and worked in the parish of St. Thomas. This
accounts for her wonderful assistance in lending her help
to make this choir one of the best in the city.
Prof. Henri West, piano and vocal teacher, is one of
the earnest workers in this choir. Prof. Diton has before
him work which will certainly prove to the public his
ability as an instructor and choir master. Of course, the
Episcopal service is known to be one of the hardest serv­
ices to learn, and Prof. Diton’s handicap will be for a
time his unfamiliarity with this service. He has already
made great headway with his present work.
Calvary M. E. Church.
Rev. C. A. Tindley can readily be proud of the choir
that greets him every Sabbath, and my how they do
deliver the sacred ethics of music in the form that can
be remembered by all that love music.
Rev. Tindley is a wonderful speaker and he well de­
serves to be accompanied by a worth-while musical or­
ganization. Calvary M. E. Church is located ori the most
popular thoroughfare in the city of Philadelphia.
W ESTLEY A. M. E. CHURCH
The Westley A. M. E. Church, at Fifteenth and Lom­
bard streets, can well boast of the talented choir that
confronts the congregation every Sabbath, and Prof. F.
A. Clark, as their most able conductor, deserves wonder­
ful credit for the same. .These names listed are mem­
bers heading the harmony denominations that comprise
this wonderful organization:
Mrs. Anna Pearce Marshall ..................... Soprano soloist
Mrs. Bernice Arnson .............................Contralto soloist
Mr. Frank Ford ........................................... Tenor soloist
Mr. George Russum ........................................ Basso soloist
Westley A. M. E. Church Choir.
F. A. C lark............................................................. Director
Mrs. Myrtle Summerville......................................Organist
The churches entered up to this issue’s publication are:
Church of the Crucifixion, Philadelphia.
Union Baptist Church, Philadelphia.
Calvary M. E. Church, Philadelphia.
Westley A. M. E. Church, Philadelphia.
St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, Philadelphia.
19

Miss Henrietta Johnson, the Young Canadian Violiniste.
Miss Johnson received her early training at the Toronto
Conservatory of Music and supplemented this with pri­
vate study under the great violin virtuoso, Jan Ham-
bourg.
After devoting some time in private studio work at her
home, she became one of the faculty of Lincoln Institute,
Jefferson City, Mo., accepting the position as head of
the violin department; and her unbounded capacity for
hard work became the successful leader of the school
orchestra.
Previous to her commencing her work in Philadelphia,
Miss Johnson toured many of the principal cities of the
State, appearing twice at the State capital before the
Missouri Legislature.
Miss Johnson’s presentation to Philadelphia in recital
made a distinct impression. She possesses great skill and
her pleasing magnetic personality enhances the effect of
her playing.
While here, to better prepare herself for the concert
field, Miss Johnson is taking an advance course in the art
of violin playing and is now engaged in serious study.
(Continued from Page 18.)
This was a small portable organ whose pipes were
“ reed pipes” like those of the oboe, cornopean or trumpet
stop on a church organ. Sometimes it was made in very
small sizes, and in the shape of a large book; the pipes
were unscrewed and packed inside when it was to be
closed up. This was known as the Bible Regal. In the
time of Shakespeare and earlier, the “ regal-tuner” was as
familiar a personage as the piano tuner is now. There
was even one attached to the Chapel Royal of St. James,’
with a salary of 56 pounds a year, which, considering the
low prices of commodities in that day, represented quite
a respectable living.
CHICAGO.
The September Supper Musical was held at the “Y ”
Sunday, September 21. The program was very enter­
taining and was attended largely by young folks. The
features of this event were a short talk by Miss Irene
Hudlin, violin selections by Mr. Elliott Washington,
piano selections by Miss Goldie Guy and Mr. Donald
Haywood. This is one of the new features of the Y. M.
C. A., and was innovated for the purpose of allowing the
members to bring their lady friends to visit the building.
The program lasted for 45 minutes.
The Editor of this magazine in the person of George
W . Parvis wishes to make this booklet the greatest of
all, and it is now the magazine of its kind in the world.
Send your photo. Advertise in this magazine, as its cir­
culation was guaranteed before it entered publication.
GEORGE GRAHAM
Mr. George Graham, of Philadelphia, has gone to the
Music Settlement House, in New York city, to finish
his course in voice culture.
Y O U TH HAS MUSICAL GENIUS
W illy Ferrero, 13 years Old, and American Born, Is
Capable Leader of Orchestra.
W illy Ferrero, 13, who leads 100-piece orchestras in
selections of Wagner, Beethoven, Rossini, Grieg and
others, is an American and was born in Portland, Me. The
child has attracted the attention of Europe since he was
4 years old, but it was only recently that his American
birth was revealed by his parents, who are Italians.
The lad was taken to Italy whither his parents were
returning to take up their residence in their old home in
Turin. When W illy was 4 he began his musical career,
leading an orchestra in the Folies Bergere in Paris. A
year later he appeared in the Costanza Theatre, Rome,
where for the first time he led an orchestra of 100 pieces.-
The child took his orchestra before Emperor Nicholas
in 1913 and conducted two concerts for the .monarch. In
the same year his orchestra was filling an engagement in
London, and he was commanded to appear before Queen
Alexandra at Marlborough House. He appeared before
Pope Benedict X V in 1916. In April, 1915, just before
Italy’s declaration of war, W illy was presented with the
gold medal by the Italian minister of education after he
had made a successful appearance in the Augusteum,
where he had conducted an orchestra and chorus aggre­
gating 500 participants.
20

MISS BELLE O’ NEIL
Music Teacher, Los Angeles
TE A C H E R DOING W O N D E R F U L W O R K
Miss Bell O’Neil, a music instructor of Los Angeles,
California, deserves great credit for her work. Having
built one of the largest musical separate classes in the
country. She has also rendered valuable assistance to the
Master Musician, by placing it on sale in the West.
IS IT NECESSARY TO STUDY MUSIC?
This question could be asked at any interval and I think
a musician could try to seek some way to find out some
of these questions that might confront him in his travels
as a musician. A musical crank might ask you some day
these questions, and you not being armed with the proper
amount of information and practical study, would have
to use Mum as an answer:
QUESTIONS
What is music?
What comprises music?
How many different notes are there in a scale?
What is a note?
What is a staff?
How many voices comprises four-part harmony?
What is harmony?
What is an interval?
What is the smallest appreciable part of a tone?
What is the difference between A flat and G sharp?
(Continued Page 22.)
(Continued from Page 17.)
The Polonaire Versus the One-Step.
Perhaps some constructive element may gradually rise
out of all this present chaos of “shimmies” and what-not.
It doesn’t seem very hopeful, but something may. One
point is assured. A nation cannot dance without music.
Lastingly fine music has accompanied the dances of
Europe.
But those European dances have always been more
strict and formal and orderly than our overnight im­
provisations. To be sure, it can be retorted that all the
trend of modern art is toward ignoring form, and bearing
down heavily on mood and atmosphere. Yet it is hard
to conceive of development without some sort of skele­
ton to build on ; and the skeletons of our present-day
American dances are simple, to put the case but mildly.
The rhythms are not only primitive, they are unvaried,
monotonous.— Philadelphia Record.
E D IT O R IA LS— Continued.
(Jazz Music.)
with most all branches of the study, I wish to make this
statement.
Jazz Music requires the proper annexation of chords, the
regular and irregular compilements of suspended and
retarded syncopations; also the familiar rhythmatic or
dianamic expressions that spells the compositions of any
other grade of music.
The average dancing master opposes it because the col­
ored musician is the author. The white dancing public
loves this so-called “Jazz” because it puts vim into them.
The Negro musician can play it because it is born in him.
The colored musician has always carried this type of
music, whether or not he executed the same. The white
musician has to acquire the knowledge of using jazz.
Musicians are born not made. If one could attend a
musical conservatory and witness the works and studies
of each and every scholar this statement would pass 100
per cent, inspection, so let us conceive the idea that this
statement can be true.
Long years ago the Negro used to make a Jew’s harp,
place it between his teeth and hum with the accompani­
ment of a banjo. Jazz was rendered to its fullest capac­
ity. As to the origin of Jazz music I can’t say, because
as far as I have read into the history of the past genera­
tions, the music termed Jazz has always been effective.
When Christopher Columbus discovered America he
found the Indians playing jazz on the hides of animals
stretched over wooden and reed hoops. It seems as
though the origin of this must have been of the darker
races. I witnessed a concert by Sousa’s Band a day or so
ago and he played Semeremidi Overture, encoring with
“ Jazz Baby,” a jazz number. I don’t want to give the
impression that the overture wasn’t well rendered, but I
do say that “ Jazz Baby” reached the hearts of the people
with its spiritualistic influence. So, dancing masters, will
you give Jazz its real worth and consideration?
T H E CHILD AND MUSIC.
It is, or rather it should be, today the first thought or
action of the parents or guardians of young children to
start them on their first laps of life by giving them an
education as soon as they attain the aged of six years. It
has been proven time and time again the benefits derived
from the early training by men and women who have
attained position in the world. This being true, will bring
us into a new phase of education; one which has no equal
in rounding out, and brinnging into play, the finer and
keener make up of characters or lives. It is music.
It might be that scientists have made a mistake in speak­
ing of the five senses, for, independent of hearing and
feeling, music is the sense of execution— a new term, but
practical. This is especially noticeable in the young, with
whom this article deals.
To train and cultivate the higher qualities in young
receptive minds one must first be endowed with a certain
magentism. This failing, the cause is most likely to fail;
then there comes to the assistance, Music, with its physi-
oligical effect upon the young, and if made a portion of
a daily routine will open and clear away thorough an
evenly balanced and rested mind for other subjects.
The mind of the average young child is far greater in
scope than those of a mature age; being properly exer­
cised will register to better advantage the most surpris­
ingly difficylt subjects than older minds.
This medium of music instilled into a child at an early
age has undoubtedly an unmarked effect upon the chil­
dren and nature in later years. It is positive that as the
child matures, its ambitions are higher than the child
( Continued on Page 22, first column.)
21
 LIEUT. JAMES REESE EUROPE AND HIS H ELL FIGHTERS BAND

The above photograph is one of the last taken 'of the famous Hell-Fighters’ Band.

(Continued from Page 21.) C H IC A G O

“ Questions.”
John H. Wickliffe’s Orchestra is creating a sensation
What is the relative timber of your instrument, in com­ around Chicago, so we hear at the “ Master Musician”
parison with the other instruments you play? office.
What is a tone?
What is a half-tone? E. M. W yers’ Orchestra is still at the States Theatre.
How many ways can you name the tones of a scale?
What is the difference in each scale you play? Erskins Tate’s Symphony Orchestra sounds, in accord­
If you are a singer, what voice do you sing? ance with the public, as good as the large pipe organ that
How do you know that you sing this voice? is installed in the Vendome Theatre.
Do you know how to prevent bad articulation?
Do you know from what source to deliver a tone? Clarence Jones always makes good, and the people say
How long will you have to study or practice? so when they, hear his Owl Theatre Orchestra.
Hw much weaker are you than your brother musician?
W hy are you weaker than he is? Clarence H. Black’s Symphony Orchestra plays pic­
Can a man really criticize you, when he don’t know tures, too, and we are well informed of the same
any of the musical rudiments?
W ho is the best musician? W e would like to know the name of the Atlas Theatre
W hy is he the best musician? Orchestra leader. The “ Master Musician” representative
If one can answer all of these questions, then read next says their music is fine.
month’s Master Musician and find a few more questions,
that will make you start to study again. This magazine Elgar’s Orchestra, from the Municipal Pier, opens Sep­
is a teacher, but it can find a teacher for you, and if he tember 5, at Palais De Danse our reporter tells us.
can’t answer these questions write this magazine and we
Miss Marion Anderson, Philadelphia’s own leading con­
will find you another good teacher.
tralto, has left for home. She left a wonderful reputation-
in Chicago.
(Jazz M usic— Continued from Page 21)
without this training. It increases the love of nature and The “ Master Musician” would like to hear from the
life and the understanding of death and storm. Orchestra leader of the N. O. Jazz Band at the Royal
It is true that every parent does not care to raise their Gardens.
children as musicians, neither is it expected or said that
they should. Still, in order to produce the best in life Tony Langston, Dramatic Editor of the Chicago “ De­
there must be a foundation to build upon. Is there any­ fender,” was in Atlantic City, N. J., taking pictures of
thing in the world which covers everything known in the
the Elks’ parade for the “ Defender.”
course of life so completely as music? At the beginning,
with music as part of a routine, a life is built that is pro­
ductive of most any course directed, and without this fea­
ture is a life highly shunted, without the power of inter­
pretation of living. SPECIAL FEATU RE
Give the young the benefit of music, allow them to hear
it frequently, create in them a desire to seek its meaning,
and you will be surprised by the many riddles of life they An interesting article on Negro Spirituals will appear
will solve and the dangers they will avoid. in the November issue of the “ Master Musician.”
22
 PH ILADELPH IA NOTES
The members of Ricketts’ Jazz have opened their
fourth season with the famous Philadelphia dancing- mas­
ter John Dawson, and he employs them in the largest
dancing school in Delaware.
The Master Musician invites all traveling musicians to
their office when in the city of Philadelphia.
Joseph W. Robinson is back from France and is once
more filling engagements with his trombone.
Frank Washington, Joe. Joiner, Harry Davis and sev­
eral other Philadelphia leading musicians are about to
close a well-played summer engagement in Atlantic City.
F. Grant Gilmore, author of the famous Problem
Drama, is constructing a musical comedy for the nearer
future.
W e are proud to have with us our Western representa­
tive, Jesse C. Hutchison, of Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Hutchi­
son is a real live wire.
W. Benton Overstreet has finished his latest number
for the American Music Company, and it is really a num­
ber worth while hearing to. He is also leader of the
famous Standard Theatre Orchestra and you can imagine
how busy he can be.
The Keystone Band is really in Philadelphia and one
will know the same when they hear them play the
marches that they tackle when marching in the street.
The Master Musician thanks the musicians for their
liberal patronage in the line of subscription and it makes
us feel proud to know that you are with us in our new
venture.
The quota of subscriptions in and about Philadelphia
alone now represents more than 5400, so we know you
are interested in this magazine. The Master Musician
again and again thanks you.
The death of John Truit is mentioned in this edition,
and we wish to say here that Philadelphia will greatly
mourn his loss.
Jerome T. Mosby, Philadelphia’s greatest colored danc­
ing master, marks a record for hiring the largest amount
of musicians ever used in a dance hall in this city, and
owns the best school in the State.
It has been rumored that Sam Gordan will lead the new
Dunbar Theatre Orchestra. Good luck, Sam.
„ , , . , ,« ... ^r, i
Everybody in Philadelphia knows that Nettie Taylor
and Edith Brent can play. You ought to hear them
nightly. This is really some team.
P. A. Venable, former assistant leader of the 368th In-
fantry Band, is back in Philadelphia, resuming his work
with his various scholars.
NEW TH EATRE FOR PHILADELPHIA.
The Dunbar Theatre, which is nearly completed, at the
southwest corner of Broad and Lombard streets, Phila­
delphia, will be another stride in the success of this city.
It is expected that it will be opened to the public some­
time in October. This theatre will be fully equipped to
cater to the largest of road shows and will have a seating
capacity of sixteen hundred.
This undoubtedly will be a great success, as this city
has an enormous Negro population, and there are enough
colored persons here alone to keep five theatres of this
size running continually. This is only one theatre in the
chain of houses that is being operated by a famous syn­
dicate throughout the country, under direction of Mr. E.
C. Brown, of Brown & Stevens, Bankers of Philadelphia
and New York.
The Smarter Set Company Opens With New Show.
On September 15 the Smarter Set Company under
Salem Tutt Whitney and J. Homer Tutt, opened their
season with a new show, “The Children of the Sun,”
which played to a crowded house at each performance.
The book was written by Salem Tutt Whitney and J.
Homer Tutt. The music by James J. Vaughn, new music
director, with interpolated number by Benton Overstreet.
The show has been magnificently staged and presented by
John T. Gibson, of Philadelphia, who has left no stone
unturned to give the public the greatest traveling Negro
show of the day.
The costuming of the company, especially in the second
act, is the most gorgeous ever seen. The lay of the show
calls for numerous changes, making the entire show a
wonderful scheme of color.
As usual, Whitney and Tutt made their usual hit.
Carrie King is also deserving of great praise for her
work. She has all the qualifications necessary to send
her over the top: Her special number in the company
with Homer Hubbard, “ Land of Love,” carried over, also
“Harem Jazz” featured Whitney and Tutt, and a beauty
chorus succeeded in pulling numerous encores. It is
enough to say that it is the greatest of colored shows, and
we trust that they shall meet with the same success,
en tour as was theirs in Philadelphia.
General Pershing and “Jazz” Music.
What jazz music did for the troops in France. A sec­
retary of the Knights of Columbus made a statement in
which he said that at the time General Pershing made a
speech at a reception given in honor of himself, the Gen­
eral protested against classical numbers that an orchestra
was playing and asked for jazz music. The General later
explained that he wanted syncopated music because it
had inspired enthusiasm and did its part in keeping up
the morale of the troops and winning victories.
It Looks as Though “ Shimmie” Was Doomed.
The American National Association of Dancing Mas-
ters at their second annual convention has decided that
the “ Shimmie-sha-Wabble” dance must go.- A committee
has been formed to make up rules and charts to determine
what is within the bounds of decent dancing, but it is the
opinion of all that the Shimmie must go.
23
 THE

AMERICAN
MUSIC ''•CARNIVAL
To Be Held In

Philadelphia Pa.

DEC. 30TH. 1919.

W atch for Particulars in the following
issues of the

M aster M u sician
The Master Musician will be glad to hear front all Musicians.
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., . '

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