Norton Chautauqua Orchestra and Band

              Norton Chautauqua Orchestra
 AND BAND



WILLIAM WELLINGTON NORTON, Conductor



Figure



AN IDEAL CHAUTAUQUA ATTRACTION
MALE, HORN and STRING QUARTETTES TEN SOLOISTS


Ten College Bred Men Capable of Appreciating the Chautauqua Idea and Ideals



EDUCATION - Primarily—ENTERTAINMENT - Secondarily—AMUSEMENT - Incidentally




WILLIAM WELLINGTON NORTON, Conductor



B
ECAUSE of his wide experience in Lyceum matters Mr. Norton in unusually well qualified to present a successful company for Chautauquas.  He is able to see the situation from every view point.  As an advance 
AGENT
 he represented the Slayton Lyceum Bureau for three years; as an 
ARTIST
 he has had six years lyceum experience and ten years chautauqua experience; as a 
LOCAL COMMITTEEMAN
 he has had five years experience.




As a Conductor he has directed many musical festivals which included such organizations as the Theodore Thomas Orchestra, and the Minneapolis Symphony.  He was for four years director of the University of Minnesota Glee Club.  At present he is Director of Music at the University of North Dakota; Conductor of the Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra, (40pieces); and Conductor of the Grand Forks Oratorio Society (125 voices).



Figure


Basso and Violinist



As a 
SOLOIST
 Mr. Norton has been successful for many years both in lyceum and recitals as well as in oratorio.  He was bass soloist three years at the Peoples Church, St. Paul, Minn.  His voice study includes seven years under the best teachers of this country, three years having been spent with William Nelson Burritt of New York.  His violin study was pursued under Favoreau of Oswego, N. Y., two years, and four years under Francois Boucher, now of Kansas City, Mo.



PRESS COMMENTS



In the recital given by Mr. Edward Strong, Mr. Wm. W. Norton, the assisting artist, was given a cordial reception and pleased the audience very much, both with his violin and vocal selections.—


Northfield (Minn.) Independent.




Mr. Norton has an excellent bass voice which won the favor of the audience, and his violin solo was such as is seldom heard in our city.  The audience was disappointed in only getting the one violin number.—


Seymour (Ind.) Daily Democrat.
 1905.




The quality of the singer's voice was rich and resonant, and the interpretation of the songs splendid, Mr. Norton losing himself entirely and becoming a part of the song.  A striking personality, combined with ease and abandon, fascinated the audience from beginning to end.—


Superior (Wis.) Telegram.
 1909.




Mr. Norton, who is the possessor of a splendidly trained bass voice, sang an enjoyable setting of 
Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind,
 and in response to a vigorous encore, gave a dainty little number entitled 
Would You?
—


Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada.
 1907.





FOURTEEN FEATURES

Most Versatile Company Offered Chautauquas

TEN COLLEGE BRED MEN



Wm. W. Norton, A. M.
(
Director of Music, University of North Dakota
)
Univ. of Minn.


James S. Mikesh, A. B.
(
Instructor, University of Minnesota
)
Univ. of Minn.


Glenn Gullickson, A. B.


Univ. of Minn.



Paul E. Fairchild


Beloit, Wis.




Edward Norelius


Minneapolis



Elmer W. Bunce, D. D. S.


Univ. of Minn.



C. Arnett Sumner


Wabash College



Joseph M. Hall, B. S.


Univ. of Minn.



Edward X. Anderson
(
Instructor, University of Iowa
)
M. S. Minn; Ph. D. Iowa



Martin A. Mikesh, M. E.


Univ. of Minn.




TEN PIECE BAND





Elmer W. Bunce


Solo Cornet




Glenn Gullickson


Solo Cornet




James Stephen Mikesh


Baritone




Charles Arnett Sumner


Trombone




Edward Norelius


Tuba




Martin August Mikesh


Melophone




William Wellington Norton


Melophone




Joseph Moffett Hall


Clarinet




Paul E. Fairchild


Piccolo




Edward X. Anderson


Bass and Snare Drums






STRING QUARTETTE



J. S. Mikesh, 1st Violin


G. Gullickson, 2nd Violin


W. W. Norton, Viola


P. E. Fairchild, 'Cello




TEN-PIECE ORCHESTRA





William Wellington Norton


First Violin




James Stephen Mikesh


First Violin




Glenn Gullickson


Second Violin




Paul Edward Fairchild


'Cello




Edward Norelius


Bass Viol




Elmer W. Bunce


Cornet




Joseph Moffett Hall


Clarinet




Charles Arnett Sumner


Trombone




Edward X. Anderson


Tympani, traps, etc.




Martin August Mikesh


Piano






TEN SOLOISTS





W. W. Norton


Vocal and Violin




E. W. Bunce


Cornet




C. A. Sumner


Trombone




E. X. Anderson


Bones and Xylophone




P. E. Fairchild


'Cello and Whistling




J. S. Mikesh


Baritone Horn




J. M. Hall


Bag-pipes






MALE QUARTETTE



C. A. Sumner, 1st Tenor


M. A. Mikesh, 2nd Tenor


J. S. Mikesh, Baritone


W. W. Norton, Basso




HORN QUARTETTE



E. W. Bunce, 1st Cornet


G. Gullickson, 2nd Cornet


J. S. Mikesh, Melophone


C. A. Sumner, Trombone




PRESS COMMENT



Mr. Norton was most agreeable and his audience liked his violin playing immensely.—


Detroit (Mich.) Journal.
 1905.




He was recalled three times.—


Grand Island (Nebr.) Daily Independent.
  1908.




The fine violin playing of Mr. Norton was greatly enjoyed.  He plays with skilful execution and beautiful expression.—


Oswego (N. Y.) Times.




Wm. Norton, the violinist, made a most pleasing impression.—


Minneapolis (Minn.) Journal.




The violinist with Sibyl Sammis was Mr. Wm. W. Norton, who gave Beethoven's 
Cavatine
 with deep feeling and won well merited applause.—


Sioux Falls (S. D.) Argus-Leader.




Mr. Norton, as bass soloist, showed a deep rich voice, used intelligently.—


Lincoln (Nebr.) State Journal.




Mr. Norton, the eminent basso, sang at the Trinity Baptist last Sunday.—


Minneapolis (Minn.) Journal.




Mr. W. W. Norton, as violin soloist, was compelled to respond to an encore.—


Minneapolis (Minn.) Tribune.




Mr. Norton sang in a deep bass 
The Turnkey's Song,
 from 
Rob Roy,
 by DeKoven.  The number was sung in fine voice and an artistic manner.  As an encore, 
Ah, 'Tis a Dream,
 by Hawley, was given.—


Duluth (Minn.) Evening Herald.




Mr. Norton, who was fortunately secured on short notice for an appearance here, made a distinct impression by the vocalization i his splendid deep bass of Osgood's 
My Little Woman.
  In the selection from the 
Messiah
 his voice was heard to great advantage.  Many in the audience were in doubt as to which of his musical accomplishments, vocal or instrumental, was superior.  Mr. Norton's violin numbers were more than pleasing.  They were distinctly artistic.  The introduction to Cedar Rapids audiences in this way of such artists, assisted by local talent, would be a step in the direction of musical advancement in the city.—


Cedar Rapids (Ia.) Republican.
  March 23, 1904.




Mr. Norton's numbers evidenced the possession of a well rounded bass voice.  His phrasing was good and his vocalization of the most acceptable character.—


Lincoln (Ill.) Daily Courier.




Mr. Norton has a voice of great range and power and his tone shading was superb.  His violin playing shows artistic sympathy and masterly technique.—


Auburn (Neb.) Herald.




The audience had the pleasure of hearing a bass solo by Mr. Wm. W. Norton.  The purity of tone and excellence of expression were very pleasing.
—
Fargo, N. D.




Mr. Norton possesses a full rich bass voice and rendered his selections with an exceedingly clear enunciation.
—
R. L. Cushing, Sec'y Y. M. C. A., St. Louis, Mo.




Mr. Norton has had much experience in oratorio.  He has a splendid style and delivery, and a voice of great promise.—


St. Paul (Minn.) Dispatch.
  March 6, 1910.




Mr. Norton is a violinist of marked ability and a vocalist of uncommon merit.  His vocal numbers were of a high order and they awakened the most sincere applause in an audience used to good singing.—


Warrensburg (Mo.) Daily Star.
  July 21, 1910.



Figure
JAMES S. MIKESH
Baritone Horn Soloist


TEN SOLOISTS



Mr. James Stevens Mikesh, of Bohemian parentage, has had a wide experience as baritone horn soloist.  His numbers form a popular feature with the band.



In their last program they proved all claims which have been previously made for them.  It is a rare opportunity which the appearance of this musical organization affords.  College men know the value of doing the very best which it is possible for them to accomplish.—


Creston (Ia.) Morning American.
  August 9, 1911.




This is an aggregation of college men who betrayed at once genuine refinement and culture and high ideals.  They are, moreover, real musicians, every man a soloist, and fully able to take a large part in their program.  This was composed of a variety of selections calculated to appeal to every mood and temperament, to furnish clean and uplifting entertainment, and to stimulate high ethical sentiment.  Their performance was high class in every way.—


Charles City (Ia.) Daily Press.
  July 31, 1912.




No musical organization ever appearing on the chautauqua platform in this city came so near pleasing all as this one and it was the big hit of the assembly.—


Storm Lake (Ia.) Pilot Tribune.
  August 2, 1912.




Those who came in an indifferent mood left the tent highly enthusiastic over the merits of this cultured group of musicians.  Every member of the company is a soloist, hence the audience was treated to a variety of efforts very seldom heard in one program.  The Nortons were given an ovation several times during the evening.—


Charles City (Ia.) Daily Intelligencer.
  July 31, 1912.




Norton's ten piece orchestra 
has proved the most popular musical feature of the chautauqua.
—


Paris (Ill.) Daily News.
  August 10, 1912.




The Grand Orchestral treat by the Nortons was a fitting finale.  Despite the late hour, they held the audience spell bound for a solid hour and a half with both classical music and specialties.—


Paris (Ill.) Daily News.
  August 13, 1912.




This organization was here two years ago and was given a hearty welcome on their return by all those who were fortunate enough to hear them.—


Redfield (S. D.)
 _____.  July 11, 1912.




The Chautauqua spirit was given an impetus at the very beginning when Norton's Band played and put everybody in excellent mood.—


Paris (Ill.) Daily Beacon.
  August 10, 1912.




One of the most popular features of the company are the bone solos by Edward X. Anderson, revealing 
syncopation
 in all its varieties.  He has been with the company six years.




Mr. Anderson is the personification of graceful action.  His handling of a very primitive instrument is the poetry of motion and he makes his work a finished and fascinating art.—


Warrensburg (Mo.) Daily Star.
  July 21, 1910.




The bone solo made a decided hit, and he was compelled to answer to two encores.—


Shelbyville (Ill.) Union.
  August 15, 1912.




The bone solo was enthusiastically encored.—


Boone (Ia.) News-Republican.




Special demonstration was given Mr. Anderson on the bones.—


Bedford (Ia.) Free Press.
  August 6, 1910.




Their concert constituted a thoroughly delightful windup of the session.—


Clinton (Ill.) Morning Journal.
  August 26, 1912.




They made such music as ravishes the ear, and lingers in the mind and heart.  Personality has much to do with one's success on or off the stage and Norton's Orchestra and Band won favor the first clip.—


Shenandoah (Ia.) Sentinel-Post.
  August 30, 1912.




The audience unanimously decided that the Norton's would furnish the orchestra music for next year.  This company is an aggregation of college men who place the educational idea foremost in their programs but does not lack in entertaining qualities on that account.  The solo work is excellent and having so many good soloists enables them to give a more varied program than is possible for most organizations.—


Shenandoah (Ia.) World.
  August 30, 1912.

Figure
EDWARD X. ANDERSON Xylophone and Bone Soloist



Figure
PAUL E. FAIRCHILD
Whistling and Cello Soloist

As a whistling soloist he is excellent and he was called back for several encores.—


Cameron (Mo.) Daily News.
  July 29, 1912.




The whistler rendered 
The Nightingale
 with which his listeners were so well pleased that he was compelled to respond to their enthusiastic encore.—


Pana (Ill.) Palladium.




The audience refused to let the whistler go, until finally order was secured with the promise that Mr. Fairchild would appear both Saturday and Sunday.—


Paris (Ill.) Daily Beacon.
  August 10, 1912.




The whistling solos brought ringing applause.  His ability is wonderful.—


Creston (Ia.) Advertiser-Gazette.




One of the most interesting features which has yet appeared.  In order to stop the deafening applause he was compelled to respond with two encores.—


Creston (Ia.) Morning American.
  August 9, 1911.




When it comes to whistling, Mr. Fairchild beats the canary birds themselves.  His ability in that direction is simply marvelous.—


Warrensburg (Mo.) Daily Star.
  July 21, 1910.




One of the popular numbers was the solo by the whistler, who was forced to respond to frequent encores.—


Beloit (Kan.) Call.
  July 25, 1910.



BIG DAY MONDAY AT CHAUTAUQUA



They gave a magnificent program which was enthusiastically received.  They were supposed to have played from seven to eight, but the audience kept them at it until 8:30.  Each member received two or three encores.  The only regret the Chautauquans have is that the orchestra did not come sooner and stay longer.  It was a great feast.—


Madison, S. D., Chautauqua.
  1906.




The cornet solo was heartily received, the soloist being forced to respond with two extra selections.—


Grand Island (Nebr.) Daily Independent.
  1908.




The Norton Orchestra gave its closing concert Sunday evening.  This organization has continued to grow in favor until it has become one of the most popular musical features heard here in several years.  The director, Mr. Norton, has received many well-deserved compliments on his work as a leader and player.—


Madison (S. D.) Daily Sentinel.
  1907.




In its first selection, the Norton Orchestra at once displayed the fact that it possesses few equals in the United States as a versatile musical company.  
It is the greatest musical feature of the entire Chautauqua.
—


Huron (S. D.) Huronite.
  July 11, 1910.




The Norton Orchestra and Band drew a big house, having the program entirely to themselves.  They proved to be well able to do all the entertaining and furnished the 
best music of the Chautauqua.
—


Brookings (S. D.) Register.
  July 14, 1910.




Everything they do pleases their audiences.  They are wide awake every minute of the time and giving something new.  Their music is the kind of music that charms and makes you want more of it.  They seemed even better this year than two years ago.—


Daily Chautauquan, Rockwell City, Ia.
  June 30, 1910.




Chautauqua goers yesterday were very much pleased with the work by Norton's Orchestra and Band.  Their repertoire is much varied, going from the popular to the classical and including a number of specialties, all of which shows the best of artistic taste and temperament.—


Waterloo (Ia.) Evening Courier.
  June 28, 1910.




SECOND ONLY TO KRYL



This organization, if we believe the remarks of many who attended, 
was the best musical organization on the program this year
 and it is the opinion of many that they are second only to Kryl's Band which was here last year, during the six years of the Chautauqua here.  After giving four concerts they were as popular as on their first appearance.—


Sac County (Ia.) Bulletin.
  July 13, 1910.


Figure
DR. ELMER W. BUNCE Cornet Soloist

Figure
C. ARNETT SUMNER Trombone Soloist


The trombone solos were especially enjoyed.—


Rockport (Mo.) Mail.
  August 19, 1910.




They received a big ovation at the conclusion of the concert.  These wide-awake young fellows give their audiences something new every minute.—


Boone (Ia.) News-Republican.
  July 19, 1912.




The Nortons are a little the cleanest, nicest bunch of all around musicians we have ever had here.  Their music was well received and vigorously applauded.—


Malvern (Ia.) Leader.
  July 25, 1912.




Better instrumentation than they have could not be selected and the right number to give a pleasing concert.—


Cameron (Mo.) Daily News.
  July 29, 1912.




The Norton Orchestra and Band is certainly the favorite feature of the Chautaqua.—


Pana (Ill.) Palladium.
  August 17, 1912.




Of the musical organizations that have delighted the Weldon Springs visitors none that have come from a distance have pleased more than the Norton's Orchestra and Band.—


Clinton (Ill.) Daily Public.
  August 26, 1912.




They made a distinct hit.  This is one of the best musical organizations heard here during the five years of the home chautauqua.—


Ida Grove (Ia.) Pioneer.
  August 22, 1912.




This is the fourth appearance of the Norton Orchestra in Huron and each year it grows better, which is not saying that it was not good to start with.—


Huron (S. D.) Huronite.
  July 13, 1912.




Norton's Orchestra made a big hit.  Their musical program last evening was pronounced the best ever heard on the grounds.—


Litchfield (Ill.) Daily Herald.
  August 7, 1912.




Those who attended chautauqua yesterday listened to one of the best musical programs that has been given here.—


Litchfield (Ill.) Daily News.
  August 7, 1912.




Fully a thousand people were delighted with one of the greatest treats ever received in this part of the country.—


Essex (Ia.) Independent.
  July 26, 1912




They are well seasoned musicians and made a decided hit.  Of all the attractions presented at the chautauqua there was not one which elicited the praise and applause that was showered upon the Norton Orchestra.  We sincerely hope they will return next year.—


Fairmount (Minn.) Daily Sentinel.
  July 6, 1912.




Each number was received with hearty applause.—


Shelbyville (Ill.) Union.
  August 15, 1912.




Our people have been educated up to the best music, and the Norton combination is filling the bill to the satisfaction of all.—


Cameron (Mo.) Daily Observer.
  July 29, 1912.




Norton's Orchestra was popular from the very first number.  
Without doubt the organization is the best heard here.
  The people are strong for the Nortons.  Every note worth hearing.  The Nortons are good because they have talent and industry.  They rehearse every morning.—


Hiawatha (Kan.) Daily World.
  July 25, 1911.




Norton Orchestra proved to be the best musical attraction of the session.  First and foremost they know how.  They know good music and play it well.  Their playing is both inspiring and elevating and they are indeed fine men.—


Hiawatha (Kan.) News-Democrat.
  July 27, 1911.




The first program was a concert by Nortons and they made good.  It pleased all.—


Spencer (Ia.) Reporter.
  August 16, 1911.




Norton's Orchestra gave exceptionally fine satisfaction, 
and was regarded as one of the finest attractions of the entire series.
—


Madison (S. D.) Outlook.
  July 13, 1911.




Their very appearance bespeaks for them their talent and musical ability.  This is one of the most pleasing organizations which has appeared in Creston for years.—


Creston (Ia.) Morning American.
  August 8, 1911.




Norton Orchestra and Band comes nearer pleasing all the people than any musical organization that has ever visited Creston.  Every member is a finished musician of the highest type, and their work shows that they have prepared themselves for going out on the road and making good.—


Creston (Ia.) Advertiser-Gazette.
  August 8, 1911.




Norton's Orchestra drew two capacity houses yesterday and proved their artistic ability and versatility by their varied programs.—


Huron (S. D.) Huronite.
  July 10, 1911.




They struck a popular chord at their first appearance and are attracting great throngs.—


Worthington (Minn.) Chautauqua Herald.




The concert in the evening by the Norton Orchestra and Band was fine.—


Hawarden (Ia.) Chronicle.
  July 20, 1911.




Norton's Orchestra is the best ever heard here.—


Ida Grove (Ia.) Record-Era.
  August 22, 1912.




Norton's Orchestra is a favorite here.—


Pocahontas (Ia.) Record.
  July 25, 1912.


Figure
JOSEPH M. HALL Bagpipe Soloist


Figure
HORN QUARTETTE


The horn quartette was fine and received hearty encores.—


Bedford (Ia.) Free Press.
  August 6, 1910.




This organization is composed of ten cultured gentlemen and they gave fine concerts.  This alone was more than worth the price of a season ticket.—


Council Grove (Kan.) Guard.
  July 29, 1910.




Norton's Band was here last year and made a hit.  It was expected they would have a warm reception, and they did.  It was a most friendly and enthusiastic audience.  Norton's Band is a remarkable organization.  Its members are young men of education, refinement and gentlemanly address.  Every one is an accomplished musician—some of them experts with more than one instrument.  The entire program was most enjoyable.  The orchestra playing was superb—such unity of movement, such precision, and such fine effect.  Norton's Band was the attraction again Wednesday night, when the triumph of the afternoon was repeated before another fine audience.—


Warrensburg (Mo.) Daily Star.
  July 21, 1910.




The male quartette especially pleased.—


Brookings (S. D.) Register.
  1910.




The male quartette work was simply fine and was a wonderfully pleasing feature as were the other quartettes in the band and orchestra.—


Creston (Ia) Morning American.
  August 9, 1911.




The male quartette selections were encored most enthusiastically, being compelled to refuse to respond to the continued applause.—


Huron (S. D.) Daily Huronite.
  July 12, 1910.




On Sunday came Norton's Band and Orchestra and the people were glad because these excellent young men have become favorites of the Windsor people in their two past years with us.  They are music makers and the fact that they are with us 
six
 days this year is a delight to everyone.—


Windsor (Mo.) Review.
  August 11, 1910.




Tuesday afternoon Norton and his band of excellent musicians made a decided hit with the splendid audience assembled.  They are a group of high-class musicians, and gentlemen in every appearance.  They were here last year and the very announcement of their return brought applause this year.—


Kahoka (Mo.) Gazette-Herald.
  August 26, 1910.




That justly celebrated and popular organization appeared in grand concert and was more enthusiastically received, if possible, than last year.—


Sweet Springs (Mo.) Herald.
  July 29, 1910.




The String Quartette played the Adagio Cantabile of Tschaikowski and did it beautifully.—


Grand Island (Nebr.) Daily Independent.
  1908.


Figure
MALE QUARTETTE

Figure
STRING QUARTETTE



The String Quartette appeared in a Chamber Concert at the I. L. A. 1911 with Madame Grace Riheldaffer, soprano, Autumn Hall, violiniste, and Mr. McDonald, baritone.




The Norton orchestra, which will conclude its engagement tomorrow, is a splendid musical organization.—


St. Joe (Mo.) Gazette.
  August 15, 1910.




Many pronounce it the best collection of musicians, the most entertaining orchestra that ever visited our city.—


Clarence (Mo.) Courier.
  August 10, 1910.




The Norton Orchestra was a fitting climax for this special music day.  They delighted the largest evening audience yet, unstinted applause being showered upon the musicians.—


Fort Dodge (Ia.) Chronicle.
  August 20, 1910.




The Norton Band and Orchestra, with us for the third year, has increased in favor.—


Rockport (Mo.) Mail.
  August 19, 1910.





SOME PERSONAL COMMENTS



I desire to say the most approving things about Mr. W. W. Norton and his orchestra and band.  They were with us at Lake Madison Chautauqua for 
one week,
 where I was musical director and platform superintendent, giving me ample opportunity to study the personnel of the orchestra, and their work.  Mr. Norton is a thorough musician, with a high appreciation of what music ought to be, and a man of lofty ideals.  The work of the orchestra is superb, the numbers well chosen and tastefully rendered.  I was especially impressed with the moral character of these men.  They were all gentlemen of the highest order, and very obliging ones, too.  Any request for extra work was always graciously performed, with a spirit that challenged my admiration.  They were there—first to please and not as is too often the case when you ask for extra favors, 
How much is there in it?




If you can secure this organization, do so by all means, for they will greatly enhance your musical program.




Very cordially,

LEE G. KRATZ
, Omaha.


While lecturing this summer at Chautauquas where W. W. Norton and his orchestra had been I heard nothing but the most enthusiastic praise concerning them.  They fairly captivated the people, both by their skillful playing and by their gentlemanly conduct at all times.  When I had the privilege of hearing them for myself, I was delighted, as every one else had been.  As a leader and as a soloist Mr. Norton is a success.
—
Allan A. Tanner, Alton, Ill.




While the several musical features of our chautauqua program were more than satisfactory, your company won first laurels.  I am pleased to concede that in accomplishment your company well deserves this tribute, and permit me to add that the high character and quality of the culture of your assistants exert a refining influence in the community.  We are counting on your sure return to us next year.
—
W. O. Palmer, Secretary, Adrian, Mich.
  1909.




The Norton Orchestra and Band captured every one here.  The high excellence, variety, freshness and spirit of their performances made their programs one of the most attractive features of our Chautauqua.  But, in addition to musical finesse and versatility as entertainers, these were also a splendid group of young men whose going was regretted because of their intrinsic worth.
—
Leon L. Tyler, Manager, Three Rivers, Mich.
  1909.




Norton's Orchestra and Band 
was the very best musical attraction we had on our chautauqua program
 this summer We will certainly be glad to have them again next year for the whole ten days if we can get them, and if not for the whole time, certainly as many days as possible.
—
Superintendent Nate McCutchan, Windsor, Mo.
  1908.




We have had many requests for your return next year.
—
President G. W. Case, Watertown, S. D.
  1980.




The Norton Orchestra and Band was pronounced the best feature of the 1908 Chautauqua at Bloomfield and there is a universal demand for their return in 1909.  No other musical organization employed during the four assemblies of this chautaqua gave as good satisfaction to the public as the Nortons.
—
President S. F. McConnell, Bloomfield, Ia.
  1908.




I am not given to flattery, but your program was not only the best, but your company is so far superior to anything we have had in the musical line that you distinctly belong to a class by yourself.  Give us a return date and our people will turn out en masse to welcome you.
—
Manager R. D. Moritz, Red Cloud, Neb.
  1980.




Dear Sir:  Permit me to say a word of appreciation regarding the excellence of the music your Chautauqua Band and Orchestra furnished for our assembly.  The four days you were with us brough to the management, I think I am safe in saying, more favorable comments regarding the musical program than any other days of our assembly.  The young men who form your company are gentlemen, and were a credit not only to you, but to the Chautauqua while you were here.  Wishing you success in your good work, I am




Yours truly,
R. J. 
HICKS
, Sec'y. Big Stone, S. D., Chautauqua, 1907.



We have had two very pleasing programs by Wm. W. Norton's Orchestra.  Their music covers a wide range in classical and popular selections.  Shall be glad to secure them again for our assembly.
—July 10, 1906.  
Madison, S. D., H. P. Smith, Mgr.




The best musical attraction on our Chautauqua.
—
Manhattan, Kansas.
  1908.




A nice clean lot of fellows and good musicians.
—
Mediapolis, Iowa.
  1908.




It was the best thing in music in years.
—
R. J. Barr, Supt. of Schools, Grand Island, Neb.
  1908.




The best musical number on the program and well received.
—
Burlington Junction, Mo.
  1980.





PRESS NOTICES



The closing evening was a treat in every way.  The grand concert by Norton's great band and orchestra was 
such a high class entertainment
 and yet so varied that it kept the audience not only pleased, but 
on tip toe with expectation.
  Often applause was given in the midst of a selection and all numbers were heartily encored.  All the boys seemed to be inventive and could think of more things to do of a musically entertaining order than we have ever heard of.  Norton's great band of young men can come to Pella any time and know they will be welcomed.—


Pella, Ia., Chronicle.
  1908.




DELIGHTFUL GROUP OF ENTERTAINERS




Mr. Norton and his orchestra were given an ovation when the curtain rose, and inspired by this kindly reception, rendered the opening overture with splendid effect, the audience insisting upon two encores.—


Sioux Falls, S. D. Argus-Leader.
  1907.




The biggest crowd that has yet filled the chautauqua tent turned out last night in response to the announcement that the superb Norton Company would render a program.  The music was up to the high standard established last year by the Norton players and rounds of applause greeted every effort.—


Norfolk (Neb.) Daily News.
  1909.




Norton's Orchestra appeared in a full program in the evening and they are one of 
the best musical organizations that ever appeared on a local chautauqua platform.
  Their programs are so varied that they please all.  They play the classic numbers with the same ease that they handle the popular music and their solo work is of the very highest class.  Every member is an artist and they have already made good with their Columbus audience, and have some to go on.—


Columbus Jct. (Iowa) Safeguard.
  1909.




Warrensburg takes off its hat to Mr. Norton and the good looking gentlemen with him who have proved themselves the 
best musical organization which has visited Warrensburg for some time.
  Their ensemble playing is remarkable, and the solo work is of a high order.  Never was a band and orchestra shown greater appreciation than has been manifested toward Mr. Norton and his associates.  The success of the young leader is remarkable and he bears his honors modestly, which serves but to more securely establish him in the esteem of the public.

Perhaps the largest crowd of all was that which assembled Sunday evening.  It was a great assemblage and was taken as a tribute to the Norton orchestra.  The Norton band certainly made an immense hit.—

Warrensburg (Mo.) Daily Star.
  1909.




Ask the Chautauquas Where the Company Has Appeared



IOWA



Albia


Algona


Atlantic


Ames (two times)


Bedford


Bloomfield (three times)


Boone


Charles City


Columbus Junction


Conrad


Creston


Des Moines


Eagle Grove


Essex


Fort Dodge


Glidden


Goldfield


Hawarden


Humboldt


Ida Grove


Indianola (two times)


Iowa Falls (three times)


Jefferson


Lake Mills


Lamoni (two times)


Madrid (twice)


Malvern


Mediapolis


Oakland


Pella (twice)


Pleasantville


Pocahontas (twice)


Primghar


Rockwell City (twice)


Sac City


Shenandoah


Spencer


State Center (twice)


Storm Lake


Waterloo (three times)


Washington (twice)


Webster City





ILLINOIS



Clinton


Litchfield-Hillsboro


Pana


Paris


Paxton


Sandwich


Shelbyville





KANSAS



Beloit


Bonner Springs (twice)


Council Grove (twice)


Hiawatha


Holton (twice)


Mannhattan (twice)


Minneapolis (twice)


Oberlin


Paola


Peabody (twice)


Topeka


Wathena





MINNESOTA



Blue Earth


Dawson


Fairmont


Lake Crystal


Lyle (twice)


Montevideo


Minneapolis, Groveland Park


Pipestone (three times)


Redwood Falls (twice)


Rochester


Waseca


Worthington





MICHIGAN



Adrian


Cadillac


Owosso


Three Rivers





MISSOURI



Boonville


Burlington Junction


Cameron


Clarence


Monroe City


Oregon (twice)


Paris


Rockport (twice)


Sweet Springs (twice)


Unionville


Warrensburg (twice)


Windsor (three times)





NEBRASKA



Ashland


Albion (twice)


Cambridge


Falls City


Grand Island (three times)


Hebron


Norfolk (twice)


Red Cloud


Tekamah





SOUTH DAKOTA



Big Stone


Brookings (three times)


Forestburg


Groton


Huron (four times)


Madison (three times)


Redfield (two times)


Watertown (three times)


Wessington Springs


Yankton






INDIANA



Winona Lake (
Ten Days
 1911 International Lyceum Assn.)





PRESS COMMENT



VERSATILE



Norton's Orchestra was the whole show and revealed a strong combination of skillful and versatile performers equally at home in the rendering of orchestra or band selections.  Norton's Orchestra certainly made good in Beloit.—


Beloit (Kan.) Daily Call.
  July 25, 1910.




The music was just the kind for the opening day to stir the admiration of the people and make them feel that a Chautauqua is at its best with the best music.  The half hour of music passed all too rapidly to those present.—


Albia (Ia.) Union.
  August 11, 1911.




The fine afternoon prelude was the cause of a large evening audience for their concert which pleased and captivated the audience.  Every performer put his individuality into his work and the result was grand and beautiful.  All the instruments known to the musical world seem to be used.  They play the classical with the same ease that they play the popular airs.  Their last program was a fitting climax of the good work already shown.  It was certainly a feast of good things.—


Humboldt (Ia.) Independent.
  August 3, 1911.




The climax of the ten days was a grand concert given by the Nortons.  
They are without doubt one of the very best attractions we ever had.
  During their stay they played 
twelve
 programs.  They had a repertoire sufficient for the entire time, and something new and pleasing at every appearance.—


Sandwich (Ill.) Free Press.




The only unpleasant feature of their last concert was the thought that it was their last appearance at least for this season.  It was a rich treat.  It is certain that there are few bands if any that can give a more varied program.  The Nortons are as good in their vocal and band music as they are in their orchestral work.—


Creston (Ia.) Advertizer-Gazette.
  August 7, 1911.




This splendid organization was the best musical attraction last year and they made many new friends this week.—


Brookings (S. D.) Register.




This organization is well prepared to entertain.  Its offerings cover a wide range without descending to the commonplace.  The organization early established itself as a favorite and its popularity grew to the end of its engagement.—


Jefferson (Ia.) Bee.
  August 23, 1911.




Norton's famous orchestra made a big hit.  This is one of the best organizations on the road.—


Paxton (Ill.) Daily Record.
  August 26, 1911.




Nortons who made the hit here two years ago are back again.  There does not seem to be a weak spot in their organization, and all the numbers were up to the highest standard required by a critical audience.—


Washington (Id.) Evening Journal.
  August 22, 1911.








WRITE OR WIRE
WILLIAM W. NORTON, Director of Music UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA

Wellingtonian Orchestra under same management.

GRAND FORKS, N. DAK.