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Musical Progress In Education?
Circa 1920
High River, Alberta, Canada

Musical Progress In Education?

"Many expressions of approval are heard among parents in connection with the teaching of music in our schools, and it is pleasing to observe the great interest manifested by the children. In one of the wards there is no instrument, but the pupils quickly acquire the fundamentals. Phonographs are being employed and in this way it is possible to make the study of music universal and bring to the children the latest in grand opera. The phonograph is breaking down the barrier that exists between the city boys and girls and their country cousins. It makes it possible for the smallest and poorest equipped school to stay abreast of the growth of musical art. The time is coming when all teachers will be required to pass examinations in music, along with other subjects."

- High River Times, February 5, 1920

"I remember so well the day the boys put the gramophone in the old air register and played 'Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer do, I'm half crazy all for the love of you!'

and this blasted all over the school, of course, during school hours!"

- Lillian Knupp

Credits:
The Best Of Times, Vol 3, Published by Century Books, High River
Lillian Knupp, Museum of the Highwood Reference Files

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Graphaphone and cylinders
Circa 1900
Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood

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Mr. Music
Jack Pickersgill Sr. was born in Ardsley, Yorkshire. He started his musical career during the era of brass bands in the mining district of Northern England. He studied music, and won many awards at competitions, with bands and solo on his instrument of choice - the euphonium. By 1926 he was employed by one of the country's two leading bands.

In 1928 Elk's lodge bandsman Art Smith and his brother Ernie extolled the praises of their former instructor Pickersgill. As a result, High River dentist and musician Dr. H.E. Bedingfield and fellow bandsman Ed Thornton, after successful negotiation, met Jack Pickersgill Sr. in Calgary and escorted High River's future "Mr. Music" home to stay.

Subsequently he organized and led bands at No. 5 E.F.T.S Flight Training School, Air Cadets, Army and area schools. He was active with local church choirs, assisted with Teen Town, barbershop quartettes, operettas and annual Home and School talent nights.

However, it was in the school classrooms where his influence has made the most lasting impact. In 1930 he began teaching in schools. In all weather, and traveling in a rickety Model T Ford, he spent one day a week with the students of High River, Cayley, Nanton, Blackie and Little Bow schools. For 35 years Jack Pickersgill taught two generations of High River area students.

Mr. Pickersgill taught music privately to many students and was active with various bands in High River and district - including The Elks Band, and the Okotoks and High River bands. He also conducted the boy's band sponsored by the Oddfellows and later the reserve army band and the air cadets. He also conducted the United Church choir and was a member of the Calgary Philharmonic orchestra for eight years.

In April 1952, Mr. Piickersgill and his family were honoured with a banquet at the Memorial Centre, and were presented with a "brand new automobile" as a mark of the esteem in which they were held by the community. Also, the Jack Pickersgill Memorial Scholarship for Music was established at this time.

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Jack Pickersgill Sr.
Circa 1950s
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood Archives 990-007-008

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Celia Penman talks about Jack Pickersgill Sr.
1950s
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood

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Bill Holmes talks about Jack Pickersgill Sr.
1950's
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood

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Kathleen Couey talks about her dad, Jack Pickersgill Sr.
1930s - 1940s
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood

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Jack Pickersgill Sr. practicing outside his home
Circa 1955
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood Archives. Courtesy of Kathleen Couey

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Jack Pickersgill Sr. in his home
Circa 1955
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood Archives. Courtesy of Kathleen Couey.

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Peter Pickersgill remembers learning to play music
1940s
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood

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Mrs. Brown - Music Teacher

Many pioneers believed that music was an important part of their children's education. Children were encouraged to sing and went to dances with their parents. Instruments were aquired and good music teachers were in demand.

Mrs. D.O. Brown arrived in High River in 1902. She taught voice and piano for sixty-six years, retiring on her 84th birthday! In 1927 she had 45 pupils. One of her pupils was to become the well-known opera singer Odette de Foras. Mrs. Brown would accompany Odette during many of her local preformances.

Mrs. Brown was also the organist at High River Baptist Church and was delighted one year to receive a letter from a one of her former students. He told her that he had finally fullfilled a lifetime ambition and had played the pipe organ in one of England's great cathedrals.

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Here are some piano players hard at work. Mrs. Brown would be proud!

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Mrs. Nightingale playing the piano
Circa 1970
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood Archives 001-004-715

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Ormond Mitchell and Barb Way playing a piano duet
Circa 1961
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood Archives 001-004-169