Joseph Janisch's Bowling Green State University (BGSU) Men’s Chorus collection
Collection Overview
Abstract
Joseph Janisch's Bowling Green State University (BGSU) Men’s Chorus collection consists of Joseph Janisch’s MA thesis, interviews and transcripts, and chorus programs ranging from 1974 to 1995.
Dates
- Creation: 1974-1994
Extent
.46 Cubic Feet (1 legal sized box)
Scope and Contents
The Joseph Janisch's Bowling Green State University (BGSU) Men’s Chorus Collection offers a look at the BGSU Men’s Chorus from 1974 to 1995. The collection features Janisch’s 1995 MA Thesis, “America’s Finest Singing Machine: A History of the Bowling Green State University Men’s Chorus under the Direction of Richard D. Mathey. Supporting his thesis, Janisch donated his interview tapes and transcripts for his interviews with several Music College faculty members includin Dr. Richard D. Mathey, who reestablished the Men's Chorus in 1971, and University President Paul J. Olscamp. The Janisch Collection also includes member and alumni questionnaires giving a personal view into the choir’s song choices, rehearsal experiences, and musical philosophy. Researchers may also find the BGSU Men’s Chorus 1994 Constitution and chorus programs from 1974 to 1994.
Biographical / Historical
The Bowling Green State University (BGSU) Men’s Chorus is currently an auditioned large ensemble open to all tenor and bass singers on campus. The ensemble encompasses students across all majors, representing all seven colleges at the University; over half of the members are non-music majors. The chorus strives to create an atmosphere of brotherly camaraderie and exemplary musicianship.
Men’s Chorus has undergone a number of name changes over the years. In 1914, Ernest G. Hesser established the Treble Clef Club [Girl’s Glee Club], the May Festival Chorus, and the Philharmonic Club. Six years later, Hesser left the university, discontinuing the May Festival Chorus and the Philharmonic Club. Richard Morton Tunnicliffe succeeded Hesser in 1920 and established the Men’s Glee Club and Male Quartet. In 1927, Tunnicliffe established the Mixed Chorus and an A Cappella Choir. The Men’s Glee Club and Male Quartet ceased to exist in 1928. In 1931, Leon E. Fauley reestablished the Men’s Glee Club and Male Quartet; Male Quartet became known as the Varsity Quartet in 1938.
The Men’s Glee Club and Varsity Quartet collapsed during World War II and the Treble Clef Club stopped touring. Following the end of the war in 1945 and under the new leadership of James Paul Kennedy, the Mixed Chorus was reestablished as an A Cappella Choir. In 1957, Merrill McEwen passed away and the Men’s Glee Club and Treble Clef Club were discontinued. Kennedy then established the Collegiate Chorale the following year. The Men’s Glee club was reestablished in 1971 by Richard D. Mathey as Men’s Chorus and the Treble Clef Club was reestablished as Women’s Chorus in 1985. Both groups are active today as course offerings at the University.
Conditions Governing Access
No known access restrictions.
Conditions Governing Use
Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.
Language of Materials
English
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The collection was donated to the Center for Archival collections on August 4, 1995 by Joseph Janisch.
- Title
- Guide to the Joseph Janisch's Bowling Green State Univesty (BGSU) Men’s Chorus collection
- Author
- Kasandra Fager
- Date
- September 2021
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Box: 1 (Mixed Materials)