POTSDAM, NY (06/24/2011)(readMedia)-- SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music honored the 88th anniversary of its founder's death with a memorial service for Julia Ettie Crane on June 11, held in conjunction with the 125th anniversary of the School.

The memorial service was held at Julia's grave in Potsdam's Bayside Cemetery. A small gathering of 10 people remembered the remarkable woman who founded The Crane School of Music and revitalized education for music teachers in America.

Seating for the ceremony was provided by Seymour Funeral Home. The flowers, by Bailey's Florist of Potsdam, were a gift from the Crane Alumni Association, and were lovely as they encircled a photo of Julia Ettie Crane. After the ceremony, they were taken to Crane to be appreciated there.

The original funeral service was researched by Assistant Professor of Music Education Dr. Caron Collins, and recreated by the help of Paula Jenson-Moulton of the First Church of Christ Scientist of Potsdam; there were also readings by Barry Torres, of the same church. Kickie Britt, executive director of the Crane Institute of Music Business, offered a tribute of her thoughts and readings.

Dressed in period clothing, Collins read selections of the original condolences and sermons delivered at Crane's funeral in 1923. The service closed with everyone singing Julia's favorite song, "Annie Laurie," along with a recording of the 1990 New York State Honors Choir performing the piece.

This year's remembrance was especially meaningful, as the College marks the 125th anniversary of The Crane School, which Julia founded in 1886 as the Crane Normal Institute for Music at Potsdam Normal School. She died on June 11, 1923.

To find out more about Crane's 125th anniversary celebration, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/Crane/125years/index.cfm.

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Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is the State University of New York's only All-Steinway institution, and is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2011.

-www.potsdam.edu/crane-

Posted Friday June 24, 2011 at 02:33 pm by SUNY Potsdam
Last Updated Monday June 27, 2011 at 01:34 pm