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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN B'JilOi a yG J SE ONL> NOV 11 ' 1973 80V 5 7 1975 L161 — 0-1096 AMERICANIZATION THROUGH MUSIC BY KATHRYN HUGHES THESIS FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF MUSIC IN MUSIC SCHOOL OF MUSIC UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 1922 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS J_uns_ 2 . 1922 — THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE THESIS PREPARED UNDER MY SUPERVISION BY Z&X hryn _ Hughes ENTITLED AMERICANIZATION- -THROUGH- HUS.I C- IS APPROVED BY ME AS FULFILLING THIS PART OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE degree of ___Rache.lc.iL_.Qf _Jfcts.ic._lXL_Music. 4 9069 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015 https://archive.org/details/americanizationtOOhugh Americanization through Music The music of America has gone through a process of development like that of the government. Government and music have been put into the figurative "melting pot" and have come out in a truly American style. When one thinks of Americanism and music one must first consider the early settlers, such as the English, French, Spanish, and Dutch. The English first made extensive settlement in this country to obtain "freedom of religion." The church had been stripped of all forms of music because music was thought to be an implement of the devil. Even family singing and group singing were forbidden. Psalmody was the nearest approach to music. In 1800 an organ was installed in a church in Boston. This was considered a definite step toward ideas of a democratic country. From then on church singing developed and became a popular form of entertainment for social gatherings. Meetings at which business matters were considered, opened with prayer and song. The family circles, as well as the church, found it valuable. "Tune writers" and poets sprang up in every village in New England. To write a hymn that was strictly of the "new world" or American, was each aspiring person's ambition. Billings, the "Tanner-Musician," was one of the foremost leaders. He was capable of adjusting himself to the situation and times, therefore, a favorite with the writers of the much coveted art. Patriotic psalm singing developed becuase it was anti- . ■ ' . . . . . . - 2 - English. Anything anti-English was strictly American, and therefore utilized by the colonies. One short patriotic psalm that conveys the love for New England and Americanism is: ’’Let tyrants shake their iron rod. And every slavery clank her galling chain — We'll fear them not, we’ll trust in God, New England's God forever reign.” New England has always been the pedagogue, and unceasing laborer in furthering music. The French were also contributors to early American music. They brought their light, happy spirit to the southern states. Especially in Louisiana do we find traces of their early influence. They took the happiest folk tunes of New England and instilled in them the cavalier spirit of France. The comradeship of a new country was causing elements of Americanization to creep into the music. Fellow hardships and sufferings were expressed in terms of music. French-Amer icans became originators of music festivals. These festivals were gala days for the townspeople and were the outgrowth of community enthusiasm. In time the affairs developed into a civic affair. The festivities were given by local talent and supervised by the civil authorities. This was all a decided change from the more individual musical works of Europe. It resembled the village festivities of the various mother countries. Gradually Spanish and Dutch influence developed in their several localities, in like manner did the music of France and England aid in spreading influence. . . . . - 3 - As America became unified its music became nationalized. However, the north and south were as divided on the subjeot of music as on other subjects. Each section had its distinct attributes in music as different as they were when they were characteristic of their several mother countries. Even though the foreign settlers were nationalizing themselves through music, they little realized that they were civilizing the Indians by the same process. Up to the time of the arrival of the whites the Indians had had a form of music to express the ceremonies and play of the individual tribe. The music consisted of rhythm and the expression of emotion by means of rhythm. It was not a music like that of the French, English, or Dutch. Even the African chants had harmony but the Indians relied upon their dancing to supply their harmony and musical ideas. But the whites had a great influence on the Indian, — it was even noticeable in their music. The Indians were enchanted with the new ways of music. The tribes of the south and Canada gradually showed the characteristics of the French and Spanish, then the colony music in turn began to show its influence. They imitated the combination of French and New England music. Gradually, they formed a style of music decidedly individual and American, which still exists in the Indian songs of today. In the meantime they had absorbed some of the ideas of civilization and what was most essential the ideals of Americanism which were being ass imilated. Gradually all the foreign settlers were fused into one . . ■ . . ■ -4- throbbing country. And our true Americanism in music makes its first appearance in the time of the civil war. Until then musical strides had been made but none that expounded the views of the people as a whole. The Handel and Haydn Society had been established in Boston in 1815 to further the idea of "promulgation and diffusion of improved musical knowledge by means of the introduction of music into the youth of the land." The real magna charta of musical education was compiled in 1839. The Philharmonic Society was established in 1810. This furthered the organization of orchestral music. All these institutions were strictly American. They appealed to the general desire of the new country, the desire to express themselves in their "New World" freedom. After the first enthusiasm and period of construction there came a lull until 1861, or the beginning of the Civil War. Patriotism again brought forth the spirit of music and desire to express the pent up emotion. Sentiment was the so called key note of the new type of song. The ballad telling of the love and devotion of the mother for her departing son or the extreme affection of relatives, who were forced to fight against each other. Songs expressing the ever evident passion for freedom. The following quotation admirably expresses the attitude towards music before and immediately after the war: "I point out that the art of music is an arrangement or manipulation of sounds, which clearly reveals to us the fact that sound possesses all the properties of emotion and is for g§ ■ . . - 1 * - 5 - this reason, admirably calculated to provide it without true universal language ." 1 The most positive autocrat of the south could join with the most humble of the north by means of the music sentiment. "When music becomes a mixed art, that is to say when it is wedded to words and associated with definite ideas — when it is made to the accompaniment of scenes which in themselves are calculated to work powerfully for good or evil upon the emotions — then it is as easy to see hew music is a moral or an immoral agent as it is to decide upon the tendency of a picture or a poem." As an illustration, to what extent nat ionailz ing music has advanced, — Dr. Lowell Mason, founder of national music, called a convention. People were attracted from within a radius of many miles. One of the most prominent and influential at the meeting was a carpenter, who played a violin and melodecn, could sing, and was a capable teacher. In summer he worked at the carpenter's trade, but in winter he was a teacher of his various accomplishments. All of this slowly worked up until it culminated in the establishment of a curriculum in public school music. This gradually expanded until colleges and universities also were forced to affiliate themselves with the musical side of an education. Today we have the broad field which includes not only the educational side of it but involves the industrial ^ Musio and Morals , Thompson. .. ■ . . - 6 - field as well, er Americanizing of foreign employees. Music may be confined to the artistic side but really it has become more extensively a national factor or national- izing influence than perhaps any form used for civic betterment . For instance, a certain town between eight or ten thousand, was largely oomposed of a foreign element. The foreigners were largely confined to a certain district and refused to take any interest in any civic or American activities. Their old way was sufficiently good for them. This was the prevailing attitude. They attended to their work at the factory, where they were generally employed, women as well as men. The children attendeda public school but were segregated with the foreigners like themselves. So there was little opportunity for them to obtain any influence that would be imparted unconsciously to their parents. There came a time when something had to be done. Factory authorities consulted social workers. It proved a problem almost too severe for the most experienced. It was finally decided that it required something of a common interest to produce the desired situation. A little woman who lived near the foreign district came to the authorities and asked to be allovred to cope with the situation. Her first move was to establish a sewing school of which the foreign children were notified by means of the public school. The girls were to come on the following Saturday. About fifty came the first time. Before they were allowed to sew they were taught to sing "America" and a song about t . . . . - . . . - 7 - cleanliness. Then the significance of the two songs was discussed. General conversation was held about the cleanliness of the children's faces in the song, and the thoughts expressed in "America. " The children thoroughly enjoyed this new phase of singing. The next week twenty-five more were added to the class. Word had passed around that it was not only sewing they were learning, but other things of real value. In several weeks some of the mothers came with the children. Out of this one organization several of a musical nature have grown. It was through the first little club or class that the great situation was solved. And it was the music that was the attraction of the society because the sewing was scoffed at by the majority, saying they could learn that at home. Although it is hard to convince people who are hardened to music as a vital interest, that it was the songs that were carried home and made the appeal to the parents. The Beckwith Company, manufacturers of stoves and furnaces, Dowagiac, Michigan, which was the supporter of this organization, is the possessor of two bands and an orchestra. They are composed of the foreign employees although the other employees are welcome, but few have taken the opportunity. A building for practicing has been placed at their disposal, also opportunities have been given them to bring their organizations before the public. It is amazing how these organizations have been put to advantage in placing civics and nationalism before foreigners. It is possible to say tnat fifty per cent of the people in the - . w , . ' . • ' • . . • - 8 - three organizations have become naturalized since the bands and orchestras have been started. ^ The talent and ability displayed is remarkable in a musical way. We are not only making good Americans, but efficient musicians. America is noted for its large and interested concert audiences. Why not make it an intellectual audience as well as an interested one? Make it an audience of the masses rather than the classes. Why cannot America stand for democracy in music as well as in government? Oklahoma has taken a step that is worthy of mention. The state has appropriated a half million dollars for the musical education of girls, preferably girls of the working class, who have displayed some musical talent. In one of the large cities a woman is paid to investigate the factory workers and give advice to those she thinks the fund would benef it . Up until 1S22 only twenty girls have been aided, but the fund is still new and will no doubt be of greater benefit as time goes on. The recent war brought forth the community sing. Of course, the old stimulus of patriotism was part of the Americanizing force; but it was the common bond of music which brought the greater share of the populace together. Proof that patriotism was not the only bond is the continuance of the organizations even after the root cause has been removed. A book that has recently been published by G. Schirmer shows the necessity of a song book for the ’’community sing." ^Statistics of Beckwith Stove and Furnace Co., Dowagiac, Michigan. . ' /■ . ' ■ - 9 - "The Home and Community Song Book” is compiled from the best chorus material at hand. It also contains selections of the best American songs. The folksongs are given special attention because of the prominent part they have taken in American music. Then, always there is that element of appeal to the American's sense of patriotism or possessorsh ip that is the incentive for the use of folksong. This book was written by Doctor Davidson, of Harvard, and T. Whitney Burette, two men who have made investigations and understood the needs and limitations of the community service. It is a book that can be put into the hands of foreign organizations in the industrial world and serve as an Americanizing influence. The industrial field affords a great deal of musical activity, more than the usual community can produce. A considerable number of large manufacturing plants have solved the most efficient method of caring for their foreign population. Such plants as Studebakers, South Bend, Indiana, Dodge Brothers, Detroit, Michigan, Oliver Chill Plow, South Bend, Indiana, Ford Automobile Factory, Detroit, Michigan, Minneapolis Steel and Machinery Company, General Eleotric Company, West Lynn. Gary, Indiana, which is known as a "mushroom town" becuase of its sudden appearance as an important manufacturing town, has had a problem to cope with. Two thirds of the populations is foreign. By means of an efficient system it has been converted into a very liveable town. One of the first steps taken by authorities to perfect the city was to , . . ' - 10 - organ ize bands and singing schools among the foreigners. One bridge concern offered a building for the purpose. This later developed into a recreation hall and later two studios were added where violin and piano instruction could be secured for a small fee. The public schools in Gary possess a system which allows the child to choose his vocation when he is yet in the grades. Foreign children as a whole respond to musical stimuli much more than do American children. They have used the advantages placed at their disposal and have been benefited in many ways other than musical. This same plan was carried out in some of the schools in Pittsburgh and proved an exceptional success. For instance, one school on the east side of Pittsburgh was made up of foreign children. Nothing was taught there except the regular curriculum for the grades, iiusic, art, and the so called excesses of the school curriculum had been left out. The discipline of the school had gone beyond the control of the majority of teachers. At last a young teacher from the north side of Pittsburgh volunteered to go out there and teach for six months if she would be allowed free use of her own methods. She planed to use to the fullest extent the old saying, "Music hath the power to soothe the savage breast." She was given permission, so immediately took things in her own hands. Her first morning, there was a singing period of fifteen minutes instituted, as a part of the morning assembly. At first it was a source of amusement to the youngsters and an excuse for disturbance by some of the ringleaders. . . . . - 11 - Gradually though the music seemed to appeal to them. The teaoher told them that if they utilized the fifteen minutes as a period for music they could have it every morning. For a vreek the period was devoted to singing. In the meantime, the teacher had made personal investigation in the district and was acquainted with various phases and conditions of the community. In her search she discovered that some of the families were unusually good musicians and the majority of them exhibited an unusual love for music. Monday morning of Miss Brady's second week she asked for volunteers for an orchestra which she planned to start. At first there was no response, but by a little urging a few took the lead. An orchestra was organized. Soon some of the foreign parents took an interest and a musical spirit pervaded the community. At the end of six months the teacher had achieved her purpose, lius ic had again triumphed over the disregard for anything that was American. To return to the industrial world we find numerous manufacturing concerns attempting to make good citizens out of their employees by means of music. The Ford Automobile Plant has taken the foremost stand of any concern. They support bands, orchestras, choral societies, concerts, and opportunities for study. A bureau of Americanization is as much a part of the factory as the advertising department. The noon hour has proved the most advantageous time for the men, so at this time concerts and opportunities for general singing and entertainment is offered. . • . ■ . ' ; ■ l X ■ - 12 - The Minneapolis Steel and Machinery Company have concerts furnished by the company's glee club and orchestra. It is a part of the whole entertaining and it makes a common bond. At the Burroughs Adding Machine Company the same plan has been used and met with unlimited success. The Wagner Electric Company of St. Louis started out with a rather conservative plan of making a bond of interest between employer and employee. Music was the first step in their plan. Today they offer a conservatory of worth to their employees, a band leader to conduct their bands, and the chance to hear first class artists. Studebaker's band has toured the country and has proved itself to be a band of unusual quality. This band solved a situation in the Polish district of South Bend which for a time threatened the wits of the civic authorities. Industrial establishmemts employing this method of Americanizing are too numerous to mention individually, but it seems to have become a permanent method of handling the "foreign” situation. After all the whole situation can be based on economic conditions and it is through that we all are Amer icanized. A monthly letter from the National City Bank of New York City says, "Everyone is entitled to have his own opinion of the present industrial situation. A very influential labor leader has declared that labor must "res ist , res ist and resist to the last" every attempt to reduce wages, and this is the position which organised labor is understood to occupy. . . . . '