Hemmle, Gene 1973-11-13
Dr. Gene Hemmle, former chairman of the Texas Tech Department of Music, discusses the development of music programs at Tech.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Dr. Gene Hemmle
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: November 13, 1973
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: Jeff Townsend
Length: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Discusses family background,
Born in Missouri (April 23 1914),
Father was a pianist,
Later he became an executive of Metal Lamp
Company,
Undergraduate schooling described,
Gives account of professional training in New York and South America,
Enlisted in service as part of hospital corps,
Experiences in World War II noted,
Went to El Paso as head of music department at the University of Texas
El Paso,
Accepted position at Texas Tech as chairman of the music department,
Had good band program,
Founded Texas Tech Choir,
Early and current problems with Texas Tech music facilities explained.
Tape 1, Side 2: Orchestra beginnings remembered,
Lists type of curriculum changes needed,
Rivalry of groups within music department discussed,
Texas Tech employs dual use of student talent,
Speculates on future of music department at Tech,
Defines his idea of progress in the music field,
Talks about Artist Course origins and development.
Tape 2, Side 1: Artist Course development (continued),
Describes anecdotes of famous musicians,
Origins of scholarship funds discussed,
Talks about scholarship problems in the future,
Recalls summer band clinics,
Mentions development of music theater summer
clinic,
Notes growth in orchestra summer clinic,
Comments on Casa Manana failure.
Tape 2, Side 2: Blank
Range Dates: 1914-1973
Bulk Dates: 1914-1973
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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