The Musical Coterie of Little Rock
By Mrs. W. Hicks, Secretary
Arkansas celebrates her one hundredth birthday. The Musical Coterie has
but recently celebrated her twenty-fifth, and the club has progressed
with the State.
In the twenty-five years of its existence the Musical Coterie has done
much to stimulate musical culture not only in Little Rock but throughout
the State, having become a mother club, many other clubs have taken her
name.
The name Coterie, by definition a select set, is no longer really
applicable, having swelled the membership until over one hundred members
now constitute the club.
In the twenty-five years the club has brought many artists to Little
Rock and the musical taste has been developed. Perhaps many can remember
that Remenyl a noted violinist, played to an audience of seventeen
people about fifteen years ago, while today the large advance sale of
seats for the Chicago Grand Opera Company shows Arkansas; advancement in
music.
The Coterie has branched out in many lines of community interests,
philanthropic and civic. Concerts are given at the various institutions,
the Ada Thompson Memorial Home, Boys' Industrial Home, Soldiers' Home,
the State Hospital, and the different Orphan Asylums. For the past two
years programs have been given each Wednesday evening at Camp Pike at
the different Orphan Asylums. For the past two years programs have been
given each Wednesday evening at Camp Pike at the different Y. buildings,
the K.C. and the Jewish Hut, the Red Cross Convalescent Home enjoyed a
program each month.
Many programs by professional artists have been less artistically
rendered than some given by our own local musicians. The weekly chairman
made these programs a success and through the hearty co-operation of the
Rotary Club transportation was furnished to and from Camp Pike.
The Coterie was the originator of the Sunday concerts at the theaters
and assisted the War Community Service in their works also. Community
Sings have been successfully carried out through the energy of the
Coterie members.
Recognition at Washington has been given our Club for the valued service
rendered.
Of the original membership only two are living, but the spirit which
this small band of music lovers inspired, moves on.
Mrs. Elizabeth Pierce Lyman, one of the founders and the Clubs Honorary
President, is one of the best known musicians of the State. She is the
daughter of First Episcopal Bishop of Arkansas, a distinguished poet and
author of the south. Mrs. Lyman is also an author and composer. She
acquired her musical education in New York, London, Paris, and Italy.
She is now organist and choir director at Trinity Church and spends most
of her time teaching and writing.
Much of the success and broad outlook of the Club as been due to our
last President, Mrs. Harry Howard Foster. As the first President of the
Arkansas Federation of Music Clubs, Mrs. Foster did such noteworthy work
that she was made district president of the Southern States in the
National Federation of Music Clubs, and was also chairman of the
National Publicity Board.
Mrs. Foster is now chairman of the program exchange of the national
board, and honorary president of the Arkansas Federation.
It is with a deep sense of loss that the Musical Coterie accepted the
resignation of Mrs. Foster as president. Such splendid things have been
accomplished under Mrs. Fosters leadership and her clear insight into
local conditions, her deep interest in the force of music as a means of
civic betterment, her realization of its value in the culture of our
young people and her generosity in giving to the cause, makes her place
one hard to fill.
Following a beautiful and touching address by the President, Mrs. Foster
at the meeting of the Coterie, Wednesday morning, Mrs. R.F. Darnell was
elected president, and Mrs. Emil Trebing Vice-president to fill the
vacancy caused by the resignation of Mrs. Theo Abeles. Mrs. W. Hicks
Mallory is recording secretary, and Mrs. David Bee was elected
corresponding secretary to take the place of Miss Anna Louise Keller,
who resigned because of contemplated absence from the city the coming
season. Miss Ann Colgan and Mrs. Tate were elected members of the
executive board, which also includes Mrs. Effie Cline Fones and the new
officers of the Coterie.
The tentative program outlined for the year's work of the Coterie by
Mrs. Foster during the summer follows. Plans are not yet complete, but
will be made public shortly, when it is hoped that announcement can be
made of the artists' recital personnel.
The officers for the year 1919:
President, Mrs. H.F. Darnall;
Vice-President, Mrs. Emil Trebing; Recording Secretary, Mrs. W. Hicks Mallory;
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. David Bee; Treasurer, Mrs. Morris Jessu;
Librarian, Miss Lovelie Capplemen
Executive Committee:
Mrs. Effie Cline
Fones, Mrs. R.A. Tate, Miss Alma Colgan
