Finding Their Voices - Amherst College

Cinyrea
Years active: c. 1856? – 1857
One of the earliest recorded secular singing groups at Amherst. Its first explicit
appearance in writing comes in the 1856-57 Olio, where it was listed under the heading
“Glee Clubs” along with the “Calliopea.” It may have existed for at least a year
beforehand, for, unlike the Calliopea (which was composed mostly of Freshmen), the
Cinyrea was composed mostly of Juniors. The name of the group refers to Cinyra, a king
of Cyprus in Greek mythology who was said to have been the inventor of art and musical
instruments. He eventually angered the god Apollo, who killed Cinyra after he lost to
Apollo in a contest of musical skill.
Known members:
Sylvanus C. Priest '58
Jesse Fuller '58
Gardner P. Stickney '58
Rufus A. Morrison '59
College Band (for 1824–1836 organization, see Paean Band)
Years Active: 1888–1889
Following a suggestion in The Student for the formation of a brass band in
February 1888, sixteen students came together to form the Amherst College Band. 12 The
group appears to have been organized to play pep-songs for student parades in the
upcoming presidential election. Brass bands were forming explicitly for this purpose
throughout the nation, even in such remote locations as Williams College. 13 The
Amherst College Band gave several open-air concerts and asked for donations to help
pay for instrument purchases before dissolving early in 1889 due to lack of student
interest. 14
College Choir 15
Years Active: 1833–1967
The oldest continuous musical organization at Amherst until its dissolution in
1967, its mantle as longest-running musical society was displaced by the Glee Club only
in 2002. The group was in charge of rehearsing and performing sacred music, to be sung
at Amherst’s many religious services. The group was subsidized by the college for much
of its existence, receiving a small sum to pay for the services of its leader and purchase
sundry musical supplies. For much of its early existence the group was the butt of many
student jokes, primarily concerning its perceived lack of skill. In the mid 1880s it came
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12 Original suggestion: The Amherst Student (15 February 1888): 134; actual formation: The Amherst
Student (25 April 1888): 191.
13 The Amherst Student (29 February 1888): 151.
14 Concerts: The Amherst Student (6 June 1888): 240; Dissolution: The Amherst Student (23 February
1889): 141.
15 A copy of their founding constitution can be found in the Amherst College Early History Manuscripts
and Pamphlets Collection, 1820-1843 (Box 1, Folder 45, ACASC). For further information on later
activities, see Music at Amherst College Collection (Box 1, folder 7, ACASC).
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