Minerva High School - Annual Yearbook (Minerva, KY)

Page 31 text:

James F. Bless Music Studio Page twenty-nine 1

Page 30 text:

JAMES F. BLESS pearance of mature manhood, and Strong mental attainments. Born in Minerva, Kentucky, in the year 1837, he spent his boyhood days in this vicinity and early manhood until 1860, when he removed to Newark, State of New J ersey, where he engaged in the manu- facturing business. He attended school at Minerva, and in fact received his education in this institution of learning, never having taken a course of training in any other school, except the great college of experience. He has never, 50 to speak, separated himself from Minerva and its people Always in conversation he referred to it as one of the dearest spots on earth to him. This doubtless is true of the majority of mankind. The places and people associated With our years of tenderness and first impressions make of the people celestial, and the place holy ground. The school of Minerva had a period of depression and ad- versity, in which it was little better, if any, than the most ordi- nary of common schools. At about this time, Mr. James M. Hieatt died and willed his modest fortune to the institution. The school then began to breathe again, to take on new life, to lift its head and come to the front. Mr. Bless, it seems, all the time was keeping up with his old Alma Mater, and when told that our musical apparatus was below par, offered to furnish us with the needed instruments, provided we would build the room. So, in contracting for the new High School, the James F. Bless Studio was added. In order to get an idea. of what he has done, it becomes necessary for you to visit the school and note the splendid piano, furniture, Persian rugs, pictures, portiers, and in fact everything needed for an up-to-the-hour music room. 0111' prayer 38, uLm'lg' may he live, his last days his best days. l: Page twenty-eith

Page 32 text:

MISS ANNA T. COOKE ....................... Piano MISS LOUISE SMALL ......................... Vocal HE musical spirit at Minerva is essentially progressive. The methods that are used not only insist upon the practical work of execution, but awaken the attention and the reheative power of the pupil as well. They learn to appreciate the aesthetic value of music, its inhuence for mental exaltation and refine- ment and the irresistible appeal to all that is highest and best. AMLMLQM U u u u n H II -- ?len l l l gig! l II II M T116 Minerva $011001 Of MUSiC : n: The general plan of the studies follows the lines of the best American conservatories, with such modifi- cations as are necessary for general education. It forms a complete and harmonious system, com- prising lessons in piano playing, courses in violin and other stringed instruments, voice culture, and classes in theory and harmony. The accomplished Director of Vocal Music has been marvelously successful. The pupils sing With ease and feeling, with a just perceptive sense of tone value and shading, and with simplicity and spontaneity in part songs, choruses and other pieces of ensemble. t Page thirtyl