Edgar B. Gordon

MENC President 1925-1926

Born March 22, 1875, Frankfort, Indiana

Died July 2, 1961, Madison, Wisconsin.

Education:

Graduate, Winfield High School, 1893

Chicago Musical College, 1893 - did not graduate

Columbia University, 1915 - did not graduate

B. L Degree, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1895

M. L. Degree, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1896

Vocal study with Franz Arens, New York, 1903-1904

Music theory study with Frank Shepard, Institute of Musical Art, New York, 1904-1905

Music theory study with Edgar Stillman Kelly, Berlin, Germany, 1911-1912

Ear training and composition Study at Juilliard School, 1912-1913

Work:

Department head, public school music, University of Wisconsin

Director, First Congregational Church choir, Madison

School teacher, Kansas State Normal, Emporia, Kansas

Violin, theory, harmony and ensemble teacher, Winfield College of Music, Kansas

Director, Muskogee, Oklahoma, high school choir

Music director, Chicago Commons Settlement House

Music teacher, Southwestern College of Winfield

Developed the National High School Orchestra

Developed large and small community music groups.

Duel interest in music and social work

Significant Publications:

Regularly published in the Music Supervisors Journal

Active with the music education research council.

Professional Accomplishments:

Chairman, Wisconsin State Education Council

Chairman, MSNC committee, Music Education Through Radio

Chairman, advisory committee, Walter Damrosch’s music appreciation programs for NBC.

Director of the first National High School Orchestra

Developed the first instrumental clinic sessions and accreditation for high school music courses

President, Round Tale in Music, Kansas State Teachers Association, 1915-1916

35 year member, Rotary Club, Wisconsin

Treasurer, Wisconsin Conference of Social Work

Edgar B. Gordan was an import force in the experimentation in radio music education. He opened the way for mass media music education. He therefore, directly influenced the music education of large numbers of young people. He was a violinist, cornet and trombone player. He became very successful at leading community music and drama programs and achieved nation-wide attention. He became friends with prominent colleagues Frank A. ‘Beach and Peter W. Dykema. Gordon promoted music making and music education wherever he went. He conducted a music series under the title “Let’s Sing” where children learned to sing little songs and later used them in learning rote to note music. He later changed the name of the series to “on Wings of Songs.” As music supervisor, he was concerned with the needs for a greatly enriched program of extra-curricular music. He was active in the MENC, but purposely receded from the foreground. He retired from the University of Wisconsin in 1945 but continued his radio music education programs until 1955. His most notable achievement came during his year as president. During that time, he united the conference members through a membership drive and he conceived the National High School Orchestra. He was a unique person who influenced lard numbers of people through music education, leadership in professional groups, church choir directing, community activities, social work, journal articles and innovative ideas.

Personal Biography:

He and his family played in an ensemble every Sunday night at home. Edgar played first violin, Virginia piano, Edna viola, Edgar S. cello, and Roderick was the librarian.

Quotes:

“Music Educators should bridge the gap between music taught and the better popular music, by making youth conscious that art constantly reflects change, and that an interest in popular music is both natural and desirable. Music educators should use the increased musical understanding developed by radio and movies to their advantage”

Angevine, Brian G. , “”Dear Pop,” a biography of Edgar B. Gordon [microform].” PH.D. diss., University of Kansas. (1985): 152

Sources Used:

Angevine, Brian G. , “”Dear Pop,” a biography of Edgar B. Gordon [microform].” PH.D. diss., Univeristy of Kansas, 1985.

Birge, Edward B. History of Public School Music in the United States, new and expanded

ed. Reston, VA: Music Educators National Conference, 1966.

Keene, James A. A History of Music Education in the United States. Hanover, NH:

University Press of New England, 1982.

Mark, Michael L., and Charles L. Gary. A History of American Music Education, 2d

ed. Reston, VA: MENC-The National Association for Music Education, 1999.

For more information, consult the following source:

Arneson, Jon. The Music Educators Journal Cumulative Index 1914-1987. Stevens Point,

WI: Index House, 1987.

Journal of Proceedings/Yearbooks, Music Supervisors’ National Conference, 1910-1940

Papers and Proceedings, Music Teachers National Association, 1908-1940.

School Music Monthly, 1907-1932. Arneson, Jon. The Music Educators Journal Cumulative Index 1914-1987. Stevens Point,WI: Index House, 1987.

Submitted by Rob Hunter, November 2002