New England Conservatory of Music - Neume Yearbook (Boston, MA)

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WALLACE GOODRICH Dean of the Faculty

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Wallace Goodrich Dean of the Faculty A MAN of versatile accomplishments and with the most thorough qualities in every undertaking is our Dean of the Faculty — Wallace Goodrich, lie was born in Newton. Mass., May 27, 1871. When old enough to show a preference, he decided to follow a musical career. When only fourteen, he was organist in a small church. At fifteen he began studying organ with Henry Dunham at the Conservatory, and after three years of serious and concentrated work, he was given the position of organist and director of Kliot Church in Newton. During this time he pursued his musical education in Harmony. Counterpoint and Composition with Mr. Chad wick. In 1S!)4 he began his European study at the Royal Conservatory in Munich under Joseph Rheinberger and LudwigAbel. At the end of one year ' s study. Mr. Goodrich conducted publicly a composition of his own. an . I ve Maria for chorus and orchestra, and was awarded a silver medal for Composition and organ playing. Soon after this he travelled in Italy and France, finally settling down in Paris lo work with Widor — the superb organ composer. At this time Mr. Goodrich met the best composers and conductors of the day and learned much from them. During his last year abroad, he successfully conducted the orchestra of the City Theater of Leipzig and directed an elaborate ballet. In 1897 he returned to Boston and joined the faculty of the New England Con- servatory to teach organ. Ten years later he became Dean. For five years he was organist of Trinity Church and at one time organist for the Boston Symphony Or- chestra, appearing several times as soloist. During this time he was equally active as a conductor. Besides being one of the regular conductors of the Boston Opera Company, he organized the Choral Art Society and the Cecilia Society, both of which he conducted in many brilliant performances. His versatility does not stop there, however. — he still has one more claim to fame. He is probably the leading authority on Plain Song in the Tinted States. Not only has he introduced it in English in America, but he has given many instruc- tive lectures on the subject. All in all. Mr. Goodrich ' s truly American personality and his splendid musician- ship have been a great inspiration to us. and we feel richer for having known him and been guided bv him.

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RALPH L. FLANDERS General Manager