The Bloomington town band and Indiana University band 1818-1898: how community music informed the development of university music

Middleton, Polly K.

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Description

Title

The Bloomington town band and Indiana University band 1818-1898: how community music informed the development of university music

Author(s)

Middleton, Polly K.

Issue Date

2013-02-03T19:16:39Z

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

DeNardo, Gregory F.

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

DeNardo, Gregory F.

Committee Member(s)

• Moore, Mark
• Rumbelow, Robert
• Nichols, Jeananne B.

Department of Study

Music

Discipline

Music Education

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ed.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Abstract

This dissertation explores the relationship between music in the community of Bloomington, Indiana and music at Indiana University from 1818-1898. Bloomington, Indiana had a rich tradition of band activity from the first settlement in 1818 through the present. The community musicians not only played for University functions, but also helped to shape the musical development at Indiana University. Additionally, the movement from music as a function to music as entertainment is apparent throughout the time period. Using archival sources, historical newspapers, and correspondence, this study examines the function of music in Bloomington, Indiana beginning in its settlement in 1818. Music was first enjoyed in solo performances for entertainment purposes. In the 1820s, bands were used in community patriotic celebrations and processions. Community musicians performed for University exams and scholarly exhibitions in the 1830s. Literary societies at the University were popular in the 1840s and hired a band to perform at their events. Bands were frequently utilized to play at Commencement exercises. Beginning in the 1860s, musical concerts became more popular and provided the community an opportunity to enjoy music. Orchestras and vocal ensembles developed towards the end of the 1880s and 1890s. Vocal ensembles performed in chapel services for the University, and orchestras were beginning to appear on commencement programs. These ensembles were not nearly as popular as the band for functional performances in the 1800s. The teaching and learning of music is a theme addressed throughout the study. Music instruction was typically informal, and was a by-product of collaborative music making. Few opportunities for formal lessons and education in music were available in Bloomington, Indiana during the 1800s.

Graduation Semester

2012-12

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/42129

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2012 Polly K. Middleton

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