“Without a doubt the best man who has taken up residence in Philadelphia during the past forty years. This opinion is shared by the older of our orchestral musicians; also by men who have recently played under his conducting. It has been fully demonstrated, first, that Mr. Scheel has wonderful ability in handling musicians—amateur as well as professional—and drawing from them their best work; second, that there is in Philadelphia—which I have maintained for twenty-five years—the nucleus for a good orchestra. The great need has been the proper man to bring together conflicting elements. (The movement) has, indeed, my heartiest support.” * * * * * From Dr. Hugh A. Clarke, Professor of Music, University of Pennsylvania: “I believe Mr. Scheel to be a leader of first-rate ability in every respect. His work during the past winter gives ample evidence of his high standing as a musician and a conductor. The movement for the establishment of an orchestra in Philadelphia has my most cordial support, as I am convinced that it has now taken the right shape and is in the hands of the right people.” * * * * * From Mr. W. W. Gilchrist, Principal of the Central Conservatory of Music, Leader of the Mendelssohn Club, Leader of the Harrisburg Oratorio Society, etc.: “Those in whose judgment I have confidence speak very highly of him. The movement has my cordial support.” * * * * * From Dr. Alfred C. Lambdin, Musical Editor, of “The Philadelphia Times.” “To the broad musical knowledge, the imaginative perception, the technical accomplishment that makes up the interpretive artist of high rank, he seems to add those peculiar personal qualities, the power of expressing his musical ideas through the medium of others, that differentiate the real ‘conductor.’ The value of such a man in any musical community is measured only by his opportunity. The great value of Mr. Scheel’s work this winter has been in the fresh and full artistic authority, which he has brought to bear upon our disorganized musical forces here. The two concerts at the Academy abundantly demonstrated what can be done under such leadership and how it can be done. The movement, therefore, to continue that work, and develop it on the lines already laid down, commands my most cordial support.” * * * * * From Mr. D. D. Wood, Organist of St. Stephen’s Church, Instructor at Philadelphia Musical Academy, Teacher of Harmony, Counterpoint, etc.: “Mr. Scheel is possessed of all those rare qualifications which go to make up a great leader.