Performances

An initiative that began in 2017, the University Archives has begun to digitize items from the Historical Audio Recordings collection and other collections. We have sorted these recordings into four categories: Lectures and Presentations, Oral Histories, Performances and Speeches. Most of the recordings in the performance category are performances by Eastern Michigan University faculty, staff, and students although there are some performances by nationally and internationally known performers recorded when visiting the campus.

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Sally Donegal, "One Fine Day," from Madame Butterfly, 1954

Sally Donegal

The University of Michigan Studio Sampler was a television show spotlighting various local talents, and aired from the University of Michigan campus. The show was written by Don Hall and Bill Rabe, presented by the UoM Department of Speech and PAD T.V. This clip from Studio Sampler features Michigan State Normal College senior and soprano vocalist Sally Donegal, as she performs One Fine Day from Madame Butterfly.
Michigan State Normal College Choral Ensemble, "Faiths of Our Fathers," 1949

John Elwell

Michigan State Normal College Alum John S. Elwell leads the MSNC Choir and present spectators in the singing of “Faiths of Our Fathers,” at the Centennial Celebration of Michigan State Normal College.
Michigan State Normal College Brass Ensemble, Wagner’s “King’s Prayer,” 1949

Brass Ensemble

During a musical interlude in the dedication of Pierce Hall at the Michigan State Normal College, the MSNC plays Richard Wagner’s “King’s Prayer,” from the opera Lohengrin.
Frederick Alexander Memorial Organ Dedicatory Recital, 1961

Russell Gee

In his will, longtime Michigan State Normal College music professor left $85,000 to Eastern Michigan University for the purpose of installing a pipe organ in Pease Auditorium. This recording captures the inaugural recital of that organ after its completion. Also in his will, Alexander requested specific musicians and pieces of music to be performed at this recital. All of his wishes were honored, and here several pieces of music are performed by former Alexander student Russell Gee of Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Pieces of music performed include: Basse et Dessus de Trompette by Louis-Nicolas Clerambault; Prelude, Fugue and Chaconne by Detrich Buxtehude; Chorale Preludes by Johannes Brahams; and Ronde Francaise by Leon Boellman.
Erich Goldschmidt, "Bach's Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now," 1966

Erich Goldschmidt

Erich Goldschmidt was a professor of music at Eastern Michigan University, and consultant ex-officio for the Frederick Alexander Memorial Organ in Pease Auditorium. Goldschmidt also served as organ builder in residence at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Here, Goldschmidt performs "Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now" by J.S. Bach on the Frederick Alexander Memorial Organ in Pease Auditorium.
Erich Goldschmidt, John Kennedy Memorial, 1963

Erich Goldschmidt

Erich Goldschmidt was a professor of music at Eastern Michigan University, and consultant ex-officio for the Frederick Alexander Memorial Organ in Pease Auditorium. Goldschmidt also served as organ builder in residence at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. In this memorial service for slain president John F Kennedy, Goldschmidt plays a selection of sacred music on the Alexander Memorial Organ.
Faculty Performance, Mozart's Non mi dir, 1974

Joseph Gurt and Glenda Kirkland

Having received her Masters at Eastern Michigan University in Voice Performance in 1971, Glenda Kirkland then joined the faculty of EMU in 1973 as professor of Applied Music. Joseph Gurt, having received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Julliard School of Music, served as Professor of Music at Eastern Michigan from 1967 until his retirement in 2000. Included in this recording are two pieces, Giacomo Puccini’s “Senza Mamma,” and Mozart’s “Non Mi Dir,” from his opera, Don Giovanni. These pieces were included in a larger event, the 1974 Fall Faculty Luncheon, the primary focus of which being an address by Ralph Gilden, who was then acting as interim president of the university.
Faculty Performance, Puccini's "Senza Mamma," 1974

Glenda Kirkland

Having received her Masters at Eastern Michigan University in Voice Performance in 1971, Glenda Kirkland then joined the faculty of EMU in 1973 as professor of Applied Music. Joseph Gurt, having received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Julliard School of Music, served as Professor of Music at Eastern Michigan from 1967 until his retirement in 2000. Included in this recording are two pieces, Giacomo Puccini’s “Senza Mamma,” and Mozart’s “Non Mi Dir,” from his opera, Don Giovanni. These pieces were included in a larger event, the 1974 Fall Faculty Luncheon, the primary focus of which being an address by Ralph Gilden, who was then acting as interim president of the university.
Eastern Michigan University Marching Band, "Eastern Michigan Fight Song," 1965

Marching Band

The marching band of Michigan State Normal College plays the school fight song on this undated recording.
Drama/Theatre for the Young, Let's Go!, McKenny Union, ca. 1975

Thelma McDaniel

The Drama/Theatre for the Young graduate program was founded at Eastern Michigan University in the early 1960s. This performance of "Let's Go!" performed in Eastern Michigan University's McKenny Student Union, is an example of the program's focus on drama and theatre in terms of developmental purposes, community engagement, theatre for young participants, and theatre for intergenerational audiences. Students in the program work with local schools, and are involved with traveling productions, as well as main stage performances. Many students end up directing their own productions, or even writing their own scripts as part of their theses or final projects.
Drama/Theatre for the Young, Magic to Do, 1979

Thelma McDaniel

The Drama and Theatre for the Young graduate program was founded at Eastern Michigan University in the early 1960s. This performance of "Magic to Do" is an example of the program's focus on drama and theatre in terms of developmental purposes, community engagement, theatre for young participants, and theatre for intergenerational audiences. Students in the program work with local schools, and are involved with traveling productions, as well as main stage performances. Many students end up directing their own productions, or even writing their own scripts as part of their theses or final projects.
Drama/Theatre for the Young, Rain, Wind & Sun Tales, ca. 1975

Thelma McDaniel

The Drama/Theatre for the Young graduate program was founded at Eastern Michigan University in the early 1960s. This performance of "Rain, Wind & Sun Tales" is an example of the program's focus on drama and theatre in terms of developmental purposes, community engagement, theatre for young participants, and theatre for intergenerational audiences. Students in the program work with local schools, and are involved with traveling productions, as well as main stage performances. Many students end up directing their own productions, or even writing their own scripts as part of their theses or final projects.
Anne Sexton, Poetry Reading, 1963

Anne Sexton

Anne Sexton (November 9, 1928 – October 4, 1974) was an American poet, known for her highly personal, confessional verse. She won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry in 1967 for her book Live or Die. Her poetry details her long battle with depression, suicidal tendencies, and various intimate details from her private life, including her relationships with her husband and children. This recording is comprised of a poetry reading given by Sexton on the campus of Eastern Michigan University. The original magnetic reel for this recording is severely damaged and fragile, resulting in periodic stoppage.
William Stafford, Poetry Reading, 1964

William Stafford

William Edgar Stafford (January 17, 1914 – August 28, 1993) was an American poet and pacifist, and the father of poet and essayist Kim Stafford. He was appointed the twentieth Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress in 1970. In this audio recording from Eastern Michigan University’s visiting authors series, Stafford speaks about his creative process, the mechanics of his poetry, and reads several selections from his vast body of work.
Harlous Wilson, "Hills of Home," by Oscar Fox, 1954

Harlous Wilson

The University of Michigan Studio Sampler was a television show spotlighting various local talents, and aired from the University of Michigan campus. The show was written by Don Hall and Bill Rabe, presented by the UoM Department of Speech and PAD T.V. In this clip from the show, Michigan State Normal College senior and baritone vocalist Harous Wilson performs “Hills of Home,” by Oscar Fox.
Bill Woodworth, "Second Movement of Trombone Concerto," by Rimsky Korsakov, 1954

Bill Woodworth

The University of Michigan Studio Sampler was a television show spotlighting various local talents, and aired from the University of Michigan campus. The show was written by Don Hall and Bill Rabe, presented by the UoM Department of Speech and PAD T.V. In this clip from the show, Michigan State Normal College senior Bill Woodworth performs the 2nd Movement from “Trombone Concerto” by Rimsky Korsakov.