This page is a part of the Falls County, TXGenWeb project and all of the information here is FREE for you to use.
If you are being charged to view or use any of this information, please contact Lindsay Hale Boyd.
 
 

Submitted by:

Kay Cunningham

MUSIC IN THE SCHOOLS

     “MUSIC A SPIRIT." Before schools started teaching music, young people studied under "music teachers" and their talents and skills infiltrated Marlin's schools. Although singing is practically universal, it was a long time before music- minded people fully understood the importance of studying and practicing singing. Value of accompaniment to singing was discerned and "music lessons" on pianos and organs (most early ones foot-pumped) came into practice. Vocal music with piano or organ accompaniment featured the first graduation exercises in Marlin in 1892-and students furnished most of it. While vocal music-and piano and organ- received first recognition, bands and instrumental music gained ascendancy Marlin and Marlin's school bands of 1960-61 are famous over a wide area. Choral clubs and vocal music, while gaining in importance, are less famous.

     BANDS. There are differences of opinion as to when Marlin school bands originated, but it was agreed by band members of the turn of the last century, that a musical organization was started about 1900 by Professor Anton Ernst, early teacher of music and band director. Whether his "bands" were truly constituted bands, or simple musical organizations, are matters of personal opinion. 

     A brief note in THE BULLDOG, student publication of May, 1935, sets forth the reasons for and benefits of school bands, "-the first school band-organized by Professor An- ton Ernst in 1908-. The first important work of the hand is to develop initiative, talents and mentality of the individual. Co-ordination between the most subtle reactions of the mind and their interpretation of music is stressed-tends to bring out the cultural and aesthetic sides of nature (of children)- fitting the child for a happy existence - (band) gives its students interests and associations that are entirely remote from that of other courses of study-.

    

     "The value of the band to school life lies in the fact that it balances the curriculum, has a great value in keeping up standards and morale, tones up the atmosphere and makes life more interesting for the student body as a whole-forms a connecting link between the humdrum of school work and the cultural, beautiful life that lies at the end of the path of development."

    

     Early students of Professor Ernst were convinced that a school musical organization-quartette, orchestra or band- existed as early as 1903. Walter S. (Red) Hunnicutt of EI Paso, graduate of Marlin High School and its band director in the 1930s, wrote that he started taking music lessons on the cornet from Mr. Ernst about 1900 and Ernest H. Donohoo of Marlin said he started about 1901 or 1902 in the band.

    

     Both Mr. Hunnicutt and Mr. Donohoo were (are) sure that Professor Ernst conducted a musical organization in 1903. Mr. Hunnicutt recalled he called the group the "Young Men's Musical Association," but not long afterwards re-named it the "Marlin Juvenile Band." Practices and rehearsals were held in a small, inconspicuous wooden building, west of the school property, on it or adjacent to it. Both said the "band" played periodically for visitors and citizens at Marlin's hot well pavilion and frequently, when called, at dances. Mr. Hunnicutt recalled that the band was composed of sixteen or eighteen members, sometimes more, and among them were Fonzie Robertson, Chesley Snell, Ernest and Bert Donohoo (brothers), Gray and Brooks Moore (brothers), Frank Reed, himself and others. He and Mr. Robertson agreed that Frank Greer, Clyde Anding, Herbert Haug and a son of Mr. Ernst were in early bands.

    

     Since records are meager, it is not known the exact date, Professor Ernst started teaching instrumental music and directing bands in Marlin; or whether or not he received pay from school funds. Probably his remuneration, at first, came from individual fees of students.

    

     Information in the minutes of the board of education pertaining to bands is limited, too. An entry of September, 1916, indicated that the school recognized the importance of music for it "allowed one-quarter of a unit (credit) per year to students of music and choral work."

     

     During World War I, interest and. activities in music in Marlin's schools came almost to a standstill. It revived quickly thereafter. Even during the war, the schools gave music token support and interest. In 1923, Wilson T. Betts, graduate of the schools and its principal at the time, had been directing school bands since his return from the war. Some believed James E. King assisted him. Minutes of the board of education show that Mr. King was elected music teacher in August of that year. Whether or not he had been teacher previously is not shown. Some recalled that Mr. King was director of a Wortham school band and commuted from school to school. Mr. Hunnicutt, who became band director in the late 1920’s said burdens of Mr. Betts' work as principal and teacher probably prompted him to ask for assistance and Mr. King was selected.

    

     Mr. Hunnicutt succeeded Mr. Betts (or Mr. King) and served as band director until he and his family moved to EI Paso in 1933. He recalled that he had "a splendid group of boys and girls" in the band, which won first place in contests in Temple one year and second place in two other years.

    

     Minutes of the school board show that in May, 1931, A. S. Kelly was employed "to have charge of the junior band," but other information about junior bands, or Mr. Kelly, is lacking.

    

     In a brief history of Marlin High School Band and its aims, contributed by Forrest H. (Hal) Spencer, Marlin's band director of 1959-60, are these excerpts: "The Marlin High School Band in years is quite an old organization for this section of the country-. In its first organization, the band did not have a direct connection with the school and the leader of the band and its organizer received little, if any, pay for his work from school funds-.

    

     "In 1934, -the school board appropriated a small salary to be paid to a band director and teacher and the teacher- director was expected to make other monies, other than the small salary, from private teaching on the various instruments. -With the coming of a band director and teacher who devoted all of his time-interest began to center around the band. A Band Mothers' Club was organized-raised money to uniform the band of forty pieces-. Since that time this organization, later known as the Band Parents' Club, has been functioning in closest cooperation-band increased-a junior band was organized as a 'feeder' band - (band is) striving to get closer to the idea of building musically-minded students who in later years will appreciate a type of music-. We are proud of our band, its personnel and its potential ability-.”

    

     Newspapers of February, 1934, recorded, "Something new in orchestra is appearing in the elementary school. A primary orchestra, or rhythm band, was organized about two weeks ago and from what we gather these youngsters are going to put out some 'hot' music. The orchestra is composed of any primary children who may care to join, provided they can stay each day from 2 to 3 o'clock to practice. Toy instruments, of course, are being used; and some would be surprised to hear the delightful melodies these children play. Miss (Eunice) Higgins is leading the youngsters in this activity."

    

     In July, 1934, Carl M. Cochran became band director and another important era in school bands in Marlin got under way. Previously, with the assistance of the board of trustees, faculty members and mothers-and the Mothers' Club and band directors-the band had been firmly established and giving an excellent account of itself. First uniforms had been acquired in 1928 when Mr. King was director. They consisted of white shirts and purple ties, white duck trousers, white shoes and purple over-seas type caps, trimmed in gold braid. Minutes of the school board reveal that from time to time modest allowances were made for buying uniforms. An entry of November 5, 1935, probably applied to new uniforms referred to above.

    

     A February 27,1935, edition of THE BULLDOG, student publication, contained the following (excerpts) pertaining to new uniforms for the 42-piece band of that year. The Parent Teacher Association was accredited with taking the lead in purchasing them-and selecting their colors and styles: "-single-breasted, high lapel coat of gold cloth, ornamented with purple-trousers to match-black Sam Brown belts - caps of gold with wide purple band around the crown-band insignia-. -band sweetheart, Hannah McKay, will have an unique costume of style all her own-directors uniform of white wool serge with purple and gold stripes on the sleeves to match stripes on the sleeves of band members; drum majors uniform will be modeled along the lines of the cadets' full-dress uniform used at West Point-majorettes will sport a frock tail coat, a hat with lots of feathers and many other ornaments equally pleasing to the eye-."

    

     In April of the same year THE BULLDOG reported, "Band in new uniforms, which arrived a few days previously, went to Hearne and Caldwell as envoys of goodwill from the high school and Marlin."

    

     Forrest H. (Hal) Spencer, former member of the band, succeeded Miss Pauline Chilton as band director. Miss Chilton, graduate of the school and former band member, was director about two years after Mr. Cochran resigned. Now Mrs. Robert Coquart of Encinal, Texas, she said she directed a wonderful group of boys and girls and "we never missed a football game and parading at half-time."

    

     With the assistance of the school faculty and public, Mr. Spencer set in motion important changes in band procedures and approaches to students, which have increased interest and support of school bands. In the first year, he arranged for a band major and majorettes selected from membership of the band and chosen by selected band directors of a college or university. He organized a "feeder band" to prepare students for high school qualifications. He organized a beginners' group, or band, composed of students of the seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth grades, depending upon their band and musical experiences. Boys and girls of these groups are taught music, trained in band techniques and inspired to aspire to membership in the High School Band and higher honors. As a result, for the 1960-61 school year, over 250 students were enrolled in the three bands.

    

     Mr. Spencer also arranged and conducted a smaller band, or orchestra, which is popular for selected and smaller gatherings, and events, including dances.

    

     MUSIC OF CHORAL (GLEE) CLUBS. Since vocal music is universal, it may be presumed that singing was engaged in, directly and indirectly, in the earliest Marlin schools. It is known that in the 1890s young people studied under "music teachers" and used their talents in the schools. A movable, hand-pumped organ furnished entertainment and accompaniment for singing in Marlin's schools of the 1890s.

    

     About 1900, Miss Eva Nettles, Marlin teacher, who became Mrs. J. A. Loughridge, directed a glee club, accompanied by a hand-pumped organ. Exact date is not known, but glee clubs and units of vocal music were in wide use at the turn of the century. At that time, glee clubs, solos, and duets, trios and so on entertained on numerous occasions. In 1892 music and singing featured the schools' first commencement, or graduation, exercises in the Opera House, located in the King building at the northeast intersection of Live Oak and Winter streets.

    

     First recorded organization of a school-sponsored glee club in Marlin was in 1910 when Miss Pearl Blow was employed to teach music and home economics in the schools. She continued her work through the spring of 1914, having married B. B. Harris, another Marlin teacher in 1914.

     THE STUDENTS VOICE, students' publication of December, 1912, in possession of Mrs. Henry Church, nee Marjorie Rogers, of Marlin, contained a brief history of the glee club at that time. It recorded that in October, 1911, "the glee club resumed work" with a membership of fifteen girls and its name was changed to 'Marlin High School Glee Club.' This indicated Miss Blow, elected before the 1910-11 school session, was prompt in getting notable results.

     Mrs. Mildred Bowdon, nee Mildred Peterson, said that in the spring of 1912, the glee club under Miss Blow's direction presented an operetta, "Sinbad the Sailor," of which she was a member. Mrs. H. H. Robertson, nee Allene Freeman, recalled that a quartette, Hawthorne Kyser, Harry Robertson, Lilbourne Peterson and Wilson Betts, referred to hereafter, was an added feature of the presentation.

    

     THE STUDENTS VOICE also reported in December, 1912, that the glee club had a membership of twenty-five and Miss Blow was its director. The club officers were: Pauline Cheeves, president; Fleta Mae Curry, vice-president; Eugenia Welborn, secretary-treasurer; and Katie Barrow, librarian.

    

     In 1951, Mrs. Harris of Denton, Texas, (Miss Blow) said that Professor Anton Ernst was associated closely with her in music and his assistance was most valuable. "We worked together and each spring the two of us put on a musical pro- gram that we deemed worthy of Marlin High School and the talented boys and girls under our direction." She added, "Of course, the glee club sang on many occasions during each school year and the orchestra (Mr. Ernst's) performed, too. The success of the glee club was due in no small measure to our very talented pianist, Allene Freeman (now Mrs. Harry H. Robertson) - Four high school boys, who had good voices, Hawthorne Kyser, Harry Robertson, Lilbourne Peterson and Wilson Betts, wanted to sing as a quartette and asked me to direct them. This, I was happy to do. They did splendid work and appeared on many programs during the years they were in school."

    

     THE STUDENTS VOICE of December, 1913, recorded that "the (glee) club was at work-making progress" and a month later, a committee, Kathleen Bowman, Mable Bunch and Irene Garrett, submitted a constitution and by-laws, which the club adopted a few weeks later. A December, 1915, edition of the same publication gave notice that "-Marlin High School Glee Club decided to have a social meeting every Saturday afternoon." The first of these meetings was held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harris with all members present and entertainment with musical numbers by Frances Carter, Marguerite Keesee, Murrel Keeling, Allene Freeman, Mary Louise Lamb, Mary Louise Allen and Alma Ernst.

    

     Recorded information about musical organizations and music seems limited. Again, indulgence is asked for errors and omissions herein. The following information was obtained with the assistance of Mrs. Walton Jones, nee Mary Frances Robinson; Mrs. Cullen Rogers, nee Doris Barganier; Mrs. Joel I. McGregor, nee Mary Emily McKnight; Mrs. Harry H. Robertson, nee Allene Freeman, and others.

    

     Several choral club directors followed Mrs. Harris, among whom were: Miss Alma Ernst, Miss Mable Bunch, Miss Margaret Richardson, Miss Katie Winfrey and Miss Dorothy Langrand. When Miss Langrand gave up her work because of pressing illness, Mrs. W. S. Bowdon, nee Mildred Peterson, and Miss Emily Allen carried on. Achievements in vocal music were accelerated when Miss Hallie Byrd Little was elected full-time music teacher in August, 1928. Before she assumed her duties-for the 1928-29 school year-she was married to B. M. Kendrick, becoming more widely known as "Mrs. Kendrick," or "Mrs. Hallie Byrd Kendrick." She continued a successful career in music until March, 1944, when she was forced to resign because of an illness which claimed her life shortly afterwards.

     Under Mrs. Kendrick's direction and that of succeeding directors it is generally conceded that vocal music and choral clubs in Marlin's school reached their highest peak of importance and popularity in the schools' existence. Choral clubs, solos, trios and other units appeared before student assemblies, civic and service clubs, publicly and in other cities over a wide area. Many recalled that the first trio under Mrs. Kendrick's direction was composed of Pauline Chilton, Dorothy Holmes and Mary Elizabeth Robertson; the second, Margaret Watkins, Elizabeth Taylor and Dorothy Lill Cobb; and the third, Bettye Rose Robinson, Virginia Barber and Gladys Taylor. When Dorothy Holmes lost her life in an accident, Louise Baeuchle took her place and the same trio later entered Baylor University of Waco and became well- known there. In 1936, the first trio sang in a broadcast over Radio Station WF AA of Dallas, Texas, on a musical program for Texas' observance of its centennial of Independence in 1936.

    

     Among highly-acclaimed operettas presented by choral clubs were: "Betty Lou," "Feast of the Red Corn," "Sunny of Sunnyside," and "Ask the Professor." On two successive nights, the choral club participated in a gala performance, "Marlin High School Minstrel and Musical Review," in the schools' first auditorium "upstairs."

    

     In 1935-37, Mrs. Kendrick conducted three choral clubs, according to MARLIN HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL of 1937. The groups were: Senior High School Choral Club, Boys' Glee Club and Intermediate Choral Club. The same student publication contained this dedication: "Those who have associated with and worked with Mr. Cochran (band director) and Mrs. Kendrick can easily understand why our school has excelled in music. Each has done his and her part to make 'music a spirit' in Marlin High School. As a tribute to these beloved directors, we dedicate this section of the ANNUAL."

    

     In 1936, Mrs. Kendrick organized a choral club of boys and girls ("mixed" choral club) and, following successful local appearances, including "Rose of the Danube," an operetta, the club went to San Antonio, Texas, probably in 1939, to participate in a 600-voice choir of the Southwestern Musical Education Conference there. During the 1930s the club won first division rating several times in state choral con- tests in Waco and elsewhere. It gave concerts in Bryan and Mexia and at Baylor University and Waco High School of Waco. In 1940, it went to Mineral Wells, Texas, to participate in a choral clinic, conducted by Noble Cain of the South- western Musical Education Conference.

    

     Dream of the faculty, parents and students came true in 1942, when a teacher of music for the elementary school was employed and Miss Mary Frances Robinson of Marlin, former choral club member and graduate of Marlin High School, was selected for the position. Miss Robinson immediately set in motion training an elementary school choral club and varied vocal musical units. It was then Marlin's school boasted of three high school choral clubs, two elementary school choral clubs and a band. In the spring of 1942, or 1943, these groups joined in presenting a gala concert in the auditorium- gymnasium, proceeds going to the purchase of War Bonds or some other meritorious cause.

    

     When Mrs. Kendrick resigned in March, 1944, Miss Robin- son was elected to direct the high school choral club and the tempo of musical progress continued. School musical organizations-from clubs to solos and other units-were entertaining the student body and all community gatherings when called upon. On one occasion, the High School choral club under Miss Robinson's direction gave a performance at the annual garden party of the First Presbyterian Church of Marlin on its lawn.

    

     At this time, as a result of Marlin choral clubs winning numerous trophies, plaques and awards, the music room in the south end of the auditorium-gymnasium, now site of the cafeteria, was notably decorated with evidences of musical achievement. It was not known in 1960 where the trophies were, or how many were displayed.

    

     With the assistance of former members and directors of choral clubs, the following directors followed Miss Robinson: Miss Mary Dodge Hodges, Miss Patty Crenshaw, Mrs. Conard Moore, Mrs. Ruth Ann (Davison) Torgerson, Mrs. Emily (McKnight) McGregor, Miss Willie May Heldburg and Mrs. Maydelle (Barganier) Foster. Some served as directors of high school choral clubs and some of elementary school clubs.

    

     About 1930, choral members wore unbleached domestic dresses with black musical notes on a musical staff around the bottom of the skirt. Later, uniforms consisted of white shirts, white turtleneck sweaters, bedecked with a gold "M," set in a purple disc emblem. Underneath the "M" were stars, their numbers representing the number of years the wearers had been in the club. Embroidered on the "M" was the office, if the member held office, and a treble clef sign was above the "M." Sometime afterwards, members wore black shirts with white vestments.

    

     All choral clubs were organized, having their own presidents, vice-presidents, secretaries and treasurers and sometimes a librarian and a reporter. A much cherished and sought-after honor was that of being elected club favorite, or sweetheart, at the end of the year. In 1944, Florence Marie ("Sister") Dollahite was elected club mascot, the club at that time having seventy members.