Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Grand Rapids Musical Life At The Turn Of The 20th Century: An Archival Study, Thomas J. Stutz

Student Summer Scholars Manuscripts

This project focuses on outlining the vibrant musical soundscape and traditions of Grand Rapids Michigan at the turn of the 20th century. At the forefront of this research is the contrast between men’s and women’s clubs at the time. Our analysis indicates that the foremost women’s club–the St. Cecilia’s Society–took a more nuanced and intellectual approach to musical programming and performance whereas their male counterparts were more focused on the social and public view of their club; this view is in line with the historical trend of women’s clubs holding a great deal of power in the arts at the …