UIHistories Project: A History of the University of Illinois by Kalev Leetaru
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Repository: UIHistories Project: Illio - 1895 [PAGE 133]

Caption: Illio - 1895
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Music ^Department • • •

CLARA MAI

KIM HALL.

^ P H E musical department of the University, embrvotic though it may be, deserves, at least, a casual glance of recognition; but needs far more to develop it into something that shall be, at no distant date, a credit to the institution which fosters it and toward which many a musical pilgrim shall turn his willing feet. At no time in the history of the University has music constituted a part of any course of studies. It has been and still is simply an adjunct—a possibility to the diligent seeker after musical truths; but the equipment of the department has not been such as to hold out flattering inducements to many not otherwise attracted to the institution. A music school controlled by one person whose time is divided between voice and piano teaching obviously cannot make any extensive claims. It has been the chapel music chiefly for which the instructor has been engaged, with the expectation t h a t his time, aside from that work, be devoted to private instruction, should such instruction be solicited. During the past three or four years the demand has been greater than one person could supply, and it was sincerely hoped by the person in charge t h a t other teachers might be engaged—founding a genuine School of Music, where competent instruction could be had in all the branches. Not

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only voice and piano, but violin, cello, the lighter stringed instruments as well as harmony and theory should have a fair representation. The time, however, seems not yet to be ripe for the advancement; but we live with hope for the future. Among others who have had charge of the music in times past, several are making enviable reputations for themselves. Miss Jennie Mahan —Mrs. P . W. Plank—of Lincoln, Nebraska, has continued her piano work constantly since her marriage, and has become widely known throughout the state by her brilliant piano Tecitals. Miss Kittie Baker—Mrs. Wadsworth — has perfected herself in her operatic work, and all who have heard her recently can testify to the charm of her beautiful singing. Miss Kimball has occupied the position of Instructor of Music since the fall of *86, with the exception of two years. She was a student in the Literature and Science course in the University for two years, and then took up the study of music as a specialty, graduating from the New England Con, servatory of Music at Boston in the class of 88. Last year was spent in study abroad, where she enjoyed her work to the utmost. She is very earnestly and deeply interested in this phase of University work and hopes some day to see t h e department resting on an entirely different basis.