"A good many years ago," writes a correspondent from the White Sulphur Springs of Virginia, "the statesman Henry Clay was here, enjoying a respite from his arduous government duties. Being present at a grand reception where dancing was in progress, Mr. Clay wished to have played the music for a 'Virginia Reel;' but, to his great surprise, he learned that the colored musicians present did not know the necessary tune. Not to be cheated out of an indulgence in this, his favorite dance, Mr. Clay took the band over to a corner of the room, and _whistled_ the music to them. In a very few minutes they 'caught' it perfectly; and, returning to their places, the enterprising statesman and his friends enjoyed themselves in dancing the 'Virginia Reel' just as though nothing unusual had occurred." At levees, at other public festive gatherings, and at the receptions given in the homes of the wealthy, these orchestras were nearly always present, adding to the enjoyments of the hour by discoursing the most delightful music. In short, they were to be found everywhere, always receiving that warm welcome with which a music-loving people ever greet the talented musician. But, besides the associations of which I have just been speaking,--associations composed in part of those who understood music as a science, and in part of those who did not,--there has always been a goodly number of other persons of the same race, who, in spite of obstacles that would seem to be insurmountable, have obtained a fair musical education, and who have exhibited an artistic skill and general aesthetic love and taste that would be creditable to many of those who have enjoyed far greater advantages for culture. I shall now proceed to mention the names of only a few of such persons residing in some of the principal towns and cities of the South. The list could be largely extended did time and space permit. Baltimore, Md., has quite a number of musical people well worthy of mention in this connection. The following are members of the choir of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, of which the Rev. C.B. Perry is rector:-- _Mr. H.C. Bishop_, general director; _Mr. W.H. Bishop_, precentor; _J. Hopkins Johns_ (who has a very pleasing voice); _Mr. J. Taylor_ (a fine basso, who has been a member of a meritorious concert-troupe); _Mr. C.A. Johnson_, organist; and _Mr. George Barrett_, tenor. Mr. Johnson has on several occasions been the director of excellent public concerts in Baltimore and its vicinity, and is deserving of much praise for his activity in promoting the music-loving spirit. The same may be said of Mr. George Barrett. _Mr. Joseph Ockmey_ is organist of the Bethel (Methodist) Church. The following are members of the Sharp-street Church choir:-- _Mr. Simpson_, leader; _Mr. Dongee_, organist; _Miss Mary F. Kelly_, soprano; _Miss Emma Burgess_, soprano. Baltimore has an association of musicians called "The Monumental Cornet Band," of which Mr. C.A. Johnson is the efficient leader.