Annual Appeal to restore historic music buildings
Music has been an intrinsic part of the heritage of Avondale College of Higher Education since its founding in 1897. From the orchestral ensembles of the 1910s to choral works like Messiah to the interstate and overseas tours, music is ingrained in Avondale’s culture.
It formed part of the curriculum from the beginning. Herbert Lacey served as the inaugural music teacher, offering private tuition in piano, organ and voice for £1 1s per quarter.
Music Hall
As the popularity of music increased, so did the need for a designated building. That building, Music Hall, opened in 1925, the first on campus to be built of brick.
The music program continued to grow. George Greer, head of music from 1947 to 1952, transformed the image of music at Avondale. He organised a 70-member a cappella choir, which toured extensively. Greer also expanded the program, lobbying for students to use music electives to satisfy degree requirements in other programs. By 1949, the music program enrolled 200 students. By the time Greer left in 1952, the choir had gained national recognition for excellence.
Alan Thrift
Alan Thrift, called to head the then Music Department in 1957, says this recognition has been a major form of public relations. “From the 1970s, the concert tours, radio broadcasts and TV appearances of the Avondale Symphonic Choir and later the Avondale Singers were what the college was best known for,” says Alan, whose tenure lasted 41 years. These performances not only formed an image of Avondale, but they also solidified the role of music as part of the Avondale experience.
“Music has been central to our ethos,” says the new lecturer in music, Aleta King. “So many people—Greer, Clapham, Thrift, Clark—have been through those Music Hall doors.”
Annual Appeal
The Annual Appeal acknowledges this heritage. The money you give will help restore Music Hall and Greer Hall. The historic buildings need a facelift.
Alan urges those with a heart for music to donate. “The academic opportunities are of high standard but the facilities are located in old and inadequate buildings in urgent need of upgrading.”
Some of the restoration work planned for later this year includes: re-coating roofs; repainting exteriors and interiors; replacing broken windows, guttering and rotten timber beams; repointing mortar between bricks; and re-plastering ceilings. “It will enhance the learning and teaching spaces for students and staff members,” says director of advancement Colin Crabtree.
Aleta concludes: “Music is able to transcend the normality of life—to take us to a place closer to God. You may not remember the classes you sat in, but you remember the amazing concerts you were a part of. They’re the experiences that captivated you.”
Thank you for helping improve the Avondale experience for today’s music students.
Give to the Avondale Annual AppealAuthor
