Finding Their Voices - Amherst College

“‘Beauty’s’ Immense Octoquinquartocuplexal Philharmonic Orchestrian Combination.” 18
In some years these groups were particularly active and successful, as in 1872-1873 and
1876-1877. In others, as in 1874-1875, they were relatively inactive. From 1877-1879
the orchestra was formed entirely out of members of the class of ’79, leading to the
dissolution of the group after their graduation. The repertoire and instrumentation
remained largely the same as that of 1861 throughout the decade.
Founding Members (1870 orchestra):
Elisha P. Bartholomew ‘72
George W. Edmond ’73 (nongrad)
Andrew J. Hirschl ’73 (Secretary and Treasurer)
Loranus E. Hitchcock ‘72
Charles W. Mallory ‘71
Raymond D. Mallary ‘72
Samuel P. Butler ‘71
Henry H. Sawyer ’71 (Leader)
James A. Barnes ’71 (nongrad)
c. 1888-1890
A relatively short-lived, but moderately successful group. Its largest employment
was to play music for dances. It also served as the orchestra for minstrel entertainments.
Founding Members:
Thomas W. Jackson ’91 (leader)
Rufus M. Bagg ‘91
Herbert Lewis ‘91
George H. Lounsbery ‘92
Giles W. Howland ‘90
High ’91 [either Frank Grant High or John Lincoln High. Only last name
mentioned]
Arthur B. Ingalls ‘90
Ralph W. Crockett ‘91
Smith ’91 [unknown]
George L. Degener ‘92
Donizetti Glee Club
Years active: c. 1862 – 1865 (Spring)
Founder: David O. Mears ‘1865
An early vocal group, founded by David O. Mears sometime in 1862. Its
namesake was Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848), an Italian composer most famous for his
light operas, which were in vogue at the time in Boston and New York. It began as a
quintet, all but one member in the class of 1865. By the 1864-65 academic year the
group had expanded to eight members, including one dedicated flute player and a pianist.
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18 This linguistic abomination, probably recorded in jest, can be found in the 1873-1874 Olio (Sept. 1873).
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