Books › The official blue book of the Jamestown Ter-centennial Exposition, A.D. 1907. The only authorized history of the celebration. Illustrated, 1909 › scan 780
Scan 780
The official blue book of the Jamestown Ter-centennial Exposition, A.D. 1907. The only authorized history of the celebration. Illustrated, 1909
20 lines. Read by computer on 29 August 2026. Printed page 766. See the scan on archive.org.
1The Jamestown Ter-Centennial Exposition.
3Through a contract with the Austin Organ Company of Hartford, Conn., a magnificent organ was built in the Auditorium and many of the greatest organists in America played on the instrument. With very few exceptions these artists played gratuitously, the Exposition only paying their transportation and a per diem for expenses. The organ recitals were well attended as a rule and provided entertainment of a character which elicited much favorable comment from the public generally.
5One of the most perplexing problems mentioned by Mr. Sexton in his report was that of providing music by the national concert bands. One hundred and sixty-four applications were listed, and notwithstanding the importance of booking these bands in good season, the Chief of the Department of Special Events states that it was not possible to obtain action by the Board of Governors for months after the matter had been brought to their attention. About three weeks before the opening the Board authorized the Chairman to contract with three of the leading bands. A contract was made with Phinney's United States Band to play from May 13 to July 4, with Innes' Orchestral Band from July 4 for four weeks, and with Liberatti's Italian Band for four weeks during September. No provision had been made at that time for music at the opening of the Exposition, because the Chairman of the Board of Governors felt confident that he could secure the services of the United States Marine Band from Washington. One week before the Exposition opened it was ascertained that this band would not be available. By direction of the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr. Sexton telegraphed to Captain Frederick Phinney, of Phinney's United States Band, to come to Norfolk. When he arrived it was found that previous arrangements would prevent his regular band from appearing, but through his assistance the Lynn Brass Band of Boston was provided and arrived in Norfolk on the twenty-fifth of April.
7An interesting musical feature was a contest which took place during the first week in May between the visiting marine bands on board the United States warships. This contest was a success in every particular, the winners being the bands from the battleship "Ohio" and the receiving ship "Franklin."
9BANDS
11On May 13, Phinney's Band began its six weeks engagement, which was followed by Innes' Band, which played four weeks. On July 5, through the courtesy of the President of the Republic of Mexico and the efforts of the Mexican Military Commission, the Mexican National Band arrived and provided music until the first day of October. This magnificent corps was furnished by the Mexican Government as an evidence of good will. It served without remuneration and its excellent music was greatly appreciated. One week before the close of Innes' engagement Phinney's Band was brought back to the Exposition and their engagement lasted until the fifteenth of November. Mr. Sexton reports: "It was deemed expedient by this Department and Mr. Barr, Director General, to provide two large concert bands, giving two daily concerts each, at all times. It was also deemed advisable to provide a small band of twenty pieces for general utility work. This band was found to be one of the most useful musical organizations at the Exposition. Often more than three special events were scheduled within the different periods of a day. A major portion of the music was furnished at the opening of exercises by this band."
13Liberatti's Band was scheduled to appear on October 10, but instead of playing four weeks it stayed at the Exposition only nine days. After the Mexican National Band left, arrangements were made with the Royal Artillery Band of Baltimore to play one week. Ellery's Italian Band of forty-eight men followed Phinney's Band. While this band was at the Exposition there was some trouble with the American Federation of Music concerning the compensation which was paid to musicians. Under the authority of the Board of Governors, and later the Director General, the Department of Congresses and Special Events was permitted to spend a sum equal to fifty per cent of the sale of reserved seats in the Auditorium for the payment of musicians and other artists who appeared in the hall. Contracts were made with organists, violinists, Fisk Jubilee Singers, the Philippine Orchestra and singers to appear from time to time in the Auditorium. The revenue from this source was of little consequence, by reason of the small attendance. While a great deal of music was provided in this manner, few engagements were made with artists of wide reputation because of the failure of those who came to derive any material benefit from their concerts.
15Among the most attractive musical events given during the Exposition was the rendition of special musical numbers by a combination of bands and the great pipe organ. Another special feature was the playing each night of "The Star Spangled Banner" just as the lights were slowly turned on. There were few more beautiful Exposition features than this leisurely illumination at the Ter-Centennial, and the accompaniment of the patriotic air made it even more impressive.
17The Möller Organ Company of Hagerstown, Md., provided a magnificent organ for Convention Hall.
19Mr. Whiddit, reporting as Superintendent of Music, states that the Bureau was organized in March, 1907, prior to which time a considerable correspondence had been carried on with organizations and individuals desiring to give recitals, both vocal and instrumental. Sydney Lloyd Wrightson, the Director of the Washington College of Music, was selected as Honorary Director, and his duties were to correspond with artists, to arrange for concerts by a symphony orchestra and song recitals and to give the oratorio of "The Messiah" on the evening of opening day by the chorus known as the Washington Choral Society. The concert, which was to have been given in Convention Hall, was necessarily postponed because the building was not finished and it was the only one on the grounds large enough to seat the chorus and provide ample room for the audience. The date for the concert was changed to May 13, and it was then found necessary for some reason again to postpone
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