Bowdoin College - Bugle Yearbook (Brunswick, ME)

Page 20 text:

31 n Jfflemortam Edward Hames Wass, Mus. D. 874-1935 On November 12, 1935, Edward Hames Wass died of a heart disorder following upon a long period of failing health. For twenty-three years he was a member of this Faculty. He was the first to conduct at Bowdoin courses in the history, theory, and appreciation of music. His advent was Fart of an administrative plan to enlarge the opportunities of Bowdoin students for aesthetic insight, t was nearly coincident with the introduction of similar courses in the Fine Arts. In the years of his strength Professor Wass threw himself with zeal and beautiful development into his work both theoretical and practical. I le was tireless in working with student groups and conducting rehearsals. In choir and choral enterprises of the town he played an important part in maintaining a standard of fine musical taste. Summer after summer he would spend a considerable part of bis vacation in work with the organ as in other parts of his wide field. Always most modest, even to shyness, he depreciated his own substantial merits; and thereby, perhaps, as well as by his constant, friendly efforts on their behalf, endeared himself to a long succession of Bowdoin students. By them he was better known than by his colleagues. To these students of the less recent past the news of his death has brought vividly to mind pleasant hours spent under his tutelage in college days. For them he is a part of the Bowdoin to which they turn with happy regard. Mindful of all these things, the Faculty of Bowdoin College desires thus to record its recognition of faithful service done by an earnest and gentle colleague. By Professor Charles T. Burnett, from the minutes of the College faculty. '9