Mount Holyoke College - Llamarada Yearbook (South Hadley, MA)

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Y '-1 L-- ' lomeir , A- The Seminary acquired its first Music Building three years later. The old Dwight homestead, purchased in 1882, was used chiefly for studios and music rooms. A growing need for private instruction was met by teachers who had studied in conservatories in this country and in Germany. In I8Q2 a Department of Music was formally established under the direction of Dr. Benjamin C. Blodgett of Northampton. As Dr. Blodgett came to us from the Smith College School of Music it was impossible for him to devote much of his time to our college. He played for singing on the occasional public holidays, at recitals and concerts, but was not able to give his personal attention to the students. In 1894 the Music Department passed into the hands of Professor Alfred M. Fletcher. Under his direction a college choir was organized to sing anthems and choruses on Founder's and Commencement Days, and at occasional vesper services which were held during the next five years. Concerts were given by cele- brated quartettes, sextettes and individual musicians, and recitals by Professor Hammond, on invitation to his church, in Holyoke. In 1897 the chapel organ was given by Mr. Whiting. ln 1899 Professor Hammond was made head of the Music Department. The rapid growth begun under Professor Fletcher has continued under Professor Hammond until now the department has a modern, well-equipped Music Building and a competent staff of ten members, offering numerous courses in theory and practice. The influence of the department is felt in Professor Hammond's organ recitals and his half hour after Vespersg in the Junior and Vesper Choirs, the musical clubs and student recitalsg and in valuable lectures and concerts. But we have not wholly achieved, there is yet something for which to work,-to convince the faculty that, since success in music means earnest application and good hard work, a major in music should be allowed. O 0 n n ' ' T- ' Iiavfaflf- :SQ . af - 16.595 n' Us OP 'f'lh':3a,5q9'Q'i ay, 'f hi' X f gufo' .1ffQ., ogy Qssgbio s. 1, :i 9.85: ogg! 5.15-gg! ig A M l 55 up I 41 I -Q. X f l rs' 'S f. ' f' ' C 1.4.4 . ' is ,f .T-. T '71- YWHM 'gl 'ini' 6-iiiildfr XJ ll lst. I' , 1, I 1, 7