Mrs. Phebe Reddick, possessing a clear, ringing soprano-voice, adds much to the singing of the Twelfth Baptist Church choir.
Mr. Francis P. Cleary, Mr. James L. Edwards, and Mr. George W. Sharper, all band-directors, deserve mention here for their efforts while connected with such organizations.
Of the musical bodies who play upon instruments of
"Sonorous metal, blowing martial sounds,"
I mention the "Excelsior Brass Band;" an ambitious title, it is true, but one which the future may show to be well taken. This band contains a number of young men who seem to be in earnest, and studious; and some of them possess noticeable talent. Their leader, Mr. George W. Sharper, is painstaking, and ambitious to have the band succeed.
Whenever in filling engagements it is necessary to add to the regular force of the "Excelsiors," no difficulty is experienced in securing the services of a number of fine musicians of the other race,—a fact which shows the power of music to destroy the distinctions of caste.
Mr. Joseph W. Hendricks has exhibited a commendable ambition in his efforts to acquire a knowledge of music, devoting several hours each day to practice on the piano-forte.
Mr. Joseph Thompson is an assiduous student of, and fair performer on, the B♭-tenor and the flute. He is a member of the "Excelsior Brass Band."
I have thus mentioned briefly the best-known artists of Boston. As I have indicated, most of them have musical abilities of a high order, entitling them to a much fuller notice than can here be given. There are, of course, others of fine musical attainments who adorn private circles.
Boston contains two or three musical societies, and several vocal quartets. The Auber Quartet have attracted much attention by their very pleasing rendering of some of the best popular music of the day. The names of its members appear hereafter.