Erik Kibelsbeck, 10/31/2008 · 0 comments
Talented composers from Ithaca College and elsewhere around the country will compete for a new annual music prize, thanks to a gift in memory of music educator Richard K. Joseph '48, M.S. '53. In alternating years, the Richard K. Joseph '48, M.S. '53 Composition Prize will honor outstanding compositions for the saxophone or the piano.
"We created this award because my husband said his education at Ithaca generated an interest to teach as well as perform," said Helen Joseph, who chose to honor her husband's memory by establishing the endowed fund that supports the annual award. "After my husband's passing, I received a letter from one of his first students, who said, 'Mr. Joseph was my music hero, and I fondly recall our sax and piano jazz sessions.' "
The competition will be announced each year on the School of Music website, and awards will be made at the end of the academic year.
Other endowed funds that benefit music students include the Eger Family Endowed Fund for Multicultural Music and the Professor Joseph E. Tague Endowed Fund. The Eger fund, established by Marsha Eger '70, provides support for Ithaca's multicultural music program. Eger, who is the executive director of alumni programs at IC, created the fund to support multicultural music as an avenue to world peace.
"When I was considering my gift, I wanted it to be of value to our students and the College and reflective of my particular passion for world music and chant," Eger said. "As the universal language, music has the power to unite, uplift, and connect us to one another. It can be an avenue to peace. This endowment was established to celebrate the unique music styles emanating from cultures around the world, to honor both the diversity of all people and my own family, and to support the work of Dr. Baruch Whitehead and others in the School of Music around multicultural music."
The Professor Joseph E. Tague Endowed Fund was established in honor of a favorite piano professor. Helen Engle Halligan '63 created the endowment to provide annual support for the piano faculty in meeting their classroom needs.
"Having attended the downtown campus in its final years, I can remember what a joy it was to see the wonderful facilities that were provided on the South Hill campus," Halligan said. 'I'm sure over the years many needs will arise, and I hope this fund will provide assistance in maintaining top-rate faculty and students at Ithaca College, as well as memorialize Professor Joseph E. Tague, who was so totally committed to music, Ithaca College, and his students."
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