Name/Title
AU Harris, James Lowell - 1930-10-01 letter to Richard Lambert HarrisEntry/Object ID
1989.1.11Context
THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
OF BALTIMORE
CENTRAL BUILDING
Franklin and Cathedral Streets
BALTIMORE, MD.,
October 1, 1930.
Dear Dick:-
This week I am merely "learning the ropes" of my job here at the Y, so I have some time to write letters.
Things seemed very strange here at first, but now that I am beginning to learn a few names and faces, it seems more homelike. This is a very good YMCA.
The Peabody Conservatory is certainly a most marvelous place. I never saw such an elaborate building for such a purpose. There are large marble-tiled hall ways with many studios. Rare original paintings by famous artists hang on the walls, and statuary is placed here and there which makes it very artistic. Right out in front of the Conservatory there is a huge high monument to the memory of Washington, and there are many beautiful fountains and pools here and there.
I spent some time in the reading room and library this morning. The library has over 120,000 volumes and is six stories in height within the building. In the reading room they have the death mask of Beethoven, original manuscripts of some of his symphonies, besides numerous precious relics of other composers. They also have on file, copies of practically every famous symphony.
My work including vocal will include about 15 hours at the Conservatory consisting of Voice, advanced history, Acoustics, ear training, a course in public school methods, appreciation, elements of music, besides the Friday afternoon recitals and other concerts.
Yesterday I received notice through the placement bureau of the Conservatory that a church was needing a baritone for its quartet, so I went out and tried out. Eleven other baritones from the Conservatory had tried out before me, so of course I had some competition. After my audition I was told to sing in the quartet Sunday morning and also to prepare a special solo which I will do Sunday. The music committee will be there and will pass final judgement. It will mean about $7.00 a Sunday to me if I should get it.
Dad came over with me and staid till last night and we surely had a fine time together. I am going to room here at the YMCA as I have a nice room on the 7th floor.
This afternoon I went out to Johns-Hopkins University. It was a very beautiful place. I am not sure whether I will take some work there or not, at least not until next week.
Well, write and tell me how things are doing, and what you are doing, as letters will be doubly appreciated here. I have my first audition tomorrow morning with Mr. Bibb who will probably be my vocal teacher, so I must get to bed.
Your brother,
Jimmy.
P.S. I get quite a kick out of riding these big two storied double-deckered busses here.
My address:
Central YMCA
Franklin & Cathedral Sts.
Baltimore, Md.
