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By Elizabeth Scott
Collection Overview
Title: Departments. Fine Arts, 1904-2008
Predominant Dates:1960-2008
ID: SMC 15/SMC 15.2
Extent: 14.0 Linear Feet
Arrangement: Material is arranged in five series: General, Pep Band, Plays, Music Scripts, Sheet music
Collection Historical Note
Although the student body had the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular drama, chorale, and music ensembles since the early years of its existence, formal training was only rarely an option with the exception of the drama school offered between 1947-1950 in association with the Summer Playhouse. When William Tortolano was hired as music professor in 1960, he was the first full time instructor dedicated to teaching solely in the fine arts. In 1962 he was joined by Cy Sloane, a painter, and Donald Rathgeb in drama. The professors were a part of the Humanities Department until 1966, when the Fine Arts department was created. Significant growth in the stature of the department occurred with the building of the McCarthy Arts Center in 1975. Over the years, additional professors expanded the opportunities available to students, with multiple professors in the areas of drama, music, and art. Art history classes are also available, as are dance classes. A number of students major or minor in one of the sub-fields and some major in Art education. A minor is also available in art history.
Administrative Information
Repository:
Saint Michael's College Archives & Special Collections
Related Materials:
Saint Michael's College Summer Playhouse
Other Note:
Due to the overlap between staff and space, some SMC Summer Playhouse material is found within this collection. The bulk of the Playhouse collection is found in the SMC Summer Playhouse record group, particularly materials related to plays.
Box and Folder Listing
Browse by Series:
[
Series 1: General, 1904-2002],
[
Series 2: Pep Band Music, n.d.],
[
Series 3: Plays, 1917-2008],
[Series 4: Scripts, 1963-1992],
[
Series 5: Sheet Music],
[
All]
- Series 4: Scripts, 1963-1992
- Scripts of plays, some written by Saint Michael’s students and professors, other from plays performed at Saint Michael’s.
