Dr. Henry Southwick Perkins
(March 20, 1833 – January 20, 1914)
The subject of this sketch, Henry Southwick Perkins, was born March 20, 1833, in Stockbridge, Vermont. He inherited his musical talent from his parents, his father being a noted singing teacher and his mother an excellent vocalist. His first musical instruction was received from his father. He attended some of the best literary schools in his youthful days. His regular course of study in music for a profession was commenced in 1857, at which time he entered the Boston Music School, graduating in 1861. His specialties as a student were voice, harmony, theory and composition, yet he gave considerable attention to the piano, violin and other instruments.
Being especially fitted by nature and study for conducting and instructing large bodies of singers. Dr. Perkins devoted considerable of the time for over twenty years to conducting musical festivals and conventions throughout the country from Maine to California — several hundred — and in the teaching of normal music schools, which were held in the states of New York, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Colorado, Kansas and Texas. In 1867-1869 he was Professor of Music in the University of Iowa, and was principal of the Iowa Academy of Music at Iowa City for five consecutive years, also of the Kansas Normal Music School for five consecutive summers. Several years ago he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Music. As a composer of vocal music for the choir, the Sunday school, the class, the public school, the choral society, convention and festival, Dr. Perkins has been conspicuous for many years, having edited many books, composed songs, quartets, etc., which have become popular and met with a large sale.
Among Dr. Perkins’ most popular choir, class and convention books are the following : ” The Church Bell,” ” The Advance,” ” The New Century,” ” Glee and Chorus Book,” “Graded Music Reader, Numbers 1, 2 and 3,” ” Perkins’ Class and Choir,” ” Perkins’ Graded Anthems,” ” Model Class Book,” ” Festival Choruses,’ ” The Climax,” ” The Song Indicator,” etc. His works especially designed for the Sunday-school are : ” Sabbath School Trumpet,” ” The River of Life,” ” The Sunnyside,” ” The Shining River,” ” The Glorious Tidings,” ” Palms of Victory,” and ” Soul Songs.”
Among his many popular gospel songs may be mentioned “Whiter Than Snow,” which has been published in many languages and effectively used by all evangelists. ” Waiting, Only Waiting,” is another very effective and useful song.
Dr. Perkins was one of the organizers of the Music Teachers’ National Association in 1876, read an essay upon ” The Object of Musical Association,” has served in nearly every official capacity and as secretary for ten years since 1887. He also organized the Illinois Music Teachers’ Association in 1886, was chosen president, and has been reelected each year for ten consecutive years. He is regarded as one of the most practical business men in the musical profession.
Dr. Perkins has been a prominent resident of Chicago since 1872. He has been conspicuous as a musical critic, having been connected with the Chicago press for several years, and a correspondent of papers in other large cities. He traveled extensively in Europe ; studied the methods of instruction pursued in schools and conservatories and delivered many lectures upon his travels and subjects connected with the music teaching profession. In 1891 he established the Chicago National College of Music, in Chicago, in which those who are preparing for teachers, or for artists in any branch of the profession secure a practical course of training. The college has a large and well-equipped faculty and its success has been such as to entitle it to a place among the best in the country.
Socially and musically Dr. Perkins stands among the first in the profession, a man of energy, talent and efficiency. He has accomplished a great work in the “vineyard of song.”