HISTORY OF THE CHATTANOOGA MUSIC CLUB

The Start of the Chattanooga Music Club, a Center of the Musical Life of Chattanooga

The Scenic City’s Rich Cultural Heritage
Chattanooga is often referred to as "the best mid-size city in America." Along with the scenic beauty of its mountains, the river and the waterfront construction, Chattanooga has a rich cultural heritage dating back to pre Civil War times. The Chattanooga Music Club is one of those organizations that have played a leadership role in the city's fine arts for well over a century. The Club holds the distinction of being the oldest music club in Tennessee and has played a leadership role in Chattanooga’s fine arts for 125 years.

The Start of the Chattanooga Music Club - 1896
In the year 1896, a small group of musicians formed the Chattanooga Music Club, dedicating itself to the stimulation of interest in "the beauties of art" in Chattanooga. An early yearbook stated: "The Chattanooga Music Club has never had an ax to grind, a fad to popularize, or a faction to promote, but has had one interest alone-to keep alive in Chattanooga the love of good music by bringing to Chattanooga the very best artists and musical organizations obtainable."

The first president was Frank L. Case and was followed in 1899 by Howard Smith. Programs featuring two countries were given twice a month. Dues were $3; visitors: 15 cents. Through the efforts of the CMC, many other groups were organized: The Mutual Benefit Club, 1909; the St. Cecelia Chorus organized by CMC member Stella Weitzel; the MacDowell Club, organized by Mrs. Elizabeth Bettis, a pupil of Edward MacDowell; The Chattanooga Male Chorus; the Community Concert Association; the Cadek Choral Society, later named The Chattanooga Civic Chorus, formed under the direction of CMC member Dr. J. Oscar Miller.

The Arrival of Joseph Cadek - 1918
Professor Joseph O. Cadek, a talented and gifted violinist who came to America from Bohemia in 1893, became CMC president in 1918. He was president of the Southern Conservatory of music 1899-1903, resigning in 1903 to establish the Cadek Conservatory of Music the following year. Over a period of 27 years he was instrumental in bringing many of the world's greatest artists to Chattanooga. He organized and conducted orchestras such as The Cadek Orchestra, The Cadek Symphony, The Chattanooga Symphony and The Chattanooga Orchestral Club. With his death in 1927, Joseph Cadek's conservatory of music passed to his sons Harold and Ottokar, and daughter Lillian, all superb musicians and members of the CMC.

The Beginnings of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera - 1930 to 1949
In the early 1930s, a small group of talented musicians at the University of Chattanooga was organized. Stella Weitzel requested financial aid from the Chamber of Commerce in sustaining the group. A small contribution was made, and in 1936 the CMC gave financial assistance to the small group. Dr. Arthur Plettner was brought to Chattanooga by Dr. Alex Guerry at UC in 1937, in order to direct the group.  After a request for help from the CMC, the Jr. Chamber of Commerce added their support. Dr. Plettner developed the struggling nucleus into a symphony orchestra. Later, Chattanooga's own civic orchestra was formed, with Dr. Joseph Hawthorne conducting the first concert on November 7, 1949.

As a result of WWII, Dr. and Mrs. Werner (Emmy Land) Wolfe, who had won acclaim in the capitols of Europe, were forced to leave Nazi Germany. Upon coming to the U.S., they located in Athens, Tennessee, later coming to Chattanooga to join the UC faculty. There were occasional performances by the Metropolitan Opera Co., the Chicago Opera Co. and other lesser known companies in Chattanooga, but there was no sustained support of opera until the Chattanooga Opera Co. was founded in 1943. Their first production was Il Trovatore by the UC Opera Department on October 18, 1943. Dr. Wolff served as conductor, assisted by his wife Emmy Land as dramatic director.

Dr. Edwin S. Lindsay was elected chairman at the organizational meeting of the Opera Board and J. Kent Boyd the first president. The first performance (Carmen) was presented at the Frye Institute, where CMC member Weitzel was president and manager.  She asked Mr. E.Y. Chapin for aid in organizing an opera association. With his help and material assistance, the Opera Association was formed and Dr. Wolff became director.

The War Years and the Establishment of a Scholarship Program
During World Wars I and II, the philanthropic work of the CMC and its contributions to the war effort were many. Soldiers and WACS were entertained with programs at the USO Club in Ft. Oglethorpe, GA, a grand piano was presented to the USO, seasonal parties were given, musicals were given every month for the entire duration of the war, contributions were made to the Red Cross, and the CMC participated in the purchase of musical instruments for hospital ships. Five hundred soldiers attended a Christmas party given by the CMC at the Service Club in 1942. 

One of the most rewarding achievements of the CMC was the establishment of a scholarship program for students through competitive auditions. In 1946 the first Elizabeth Windsor Scholze Scholarship was awarded to Opal Rhea, who later went to New York to study and give concerts. Years later, when funding was no longer available, the CMC began raising money for the scholarships, and the name was changed to The Chattanooga Music Club Scholarships. As of September 2024, 216 students have received CMC scholarship awards, and 9 have received the Grace Moore Scholarship awards. Many of these have become professional vocalists, instrumentalists, private and classroom teachers, band and orchestra leaders, church musicians, theatrical productions musicians and scores of other professions related to music.

Following WWI, a memorial to Chattanooga's servicemen was recommended. The CMC was one of several civic groups that fully supported the project. The dedication of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium took place on February 22, 1924. In the dedication booklet, Mr. Chapin wrote: "The dedication of Memorial Auditorium marks ...the grateful appreciation in which Chattanooga holds her sons who offered their lives to the Nation's service in the great World War. We erect it for posterity, in commemoration of their patriotism, this hall in which mementoes of their achievements may rest; an auditorium in which great bodies of people may assemble for civic service; for the cultivation of the arts; for the promotion of a higher and broader citizenship .... The finer harmonies of great composers upon the lips and instruments of great artists, will animate the walls which we have reared in patriotic devotion." 

The Memorial Auditorium and the Austin Organ - 1925 and after
The CMC worked with other organizations in enlisting financial help for the building of Memorial Auditorium. Professor Joseph Cadek led in proposing the purchase and installation of a grand pipe organ, and this became the greatest project in which the CMC has been involved. The CMC resolved "that such an auditorium deserved a grand organ of adequate size and of quality second to none." A contract was signed with Austin Pipe Organ Co. of Hartford, CT, for $44,549 and would contain 114 stops, 81 ranks of pipes, and a total of 5,261 pipes. The organ was designated Opus 1206 (Work No. 1206). Built in 1924, the organ was formally dedicated on February 12, 1925, with the world renowned English organist/composer Edin H. Lemare presenting the concert. Mr. Lemare served for 5 years as municipal organist, with his salary being paid by Adolph Ochs.

The organ was used for many years for the enjoyment of thousands of people, but following WWII it became neglected and fell into the hands of vandals. Much of the treasured organ was damaged and stolen. In 1985, the CMC undertook the restoration of the organ. CMC members and other volunteers donated time, energy and expertise to the project. Contributions from members, friends, foundations, local businesses and banks provided funding for professional help from Austin Organs. In 1997, Milnar Organ Co. was engaged to take up the work until its completion in 2007. By the end of 2007, the Austin organ was again in operation, and many concerts featuring the organ have been given since then. See more about the history and struggles of the Austin organ at https://www.chattanoogamusicclub.org/austin-pipe-organ.

The CMC Gives a Concert Grand Piano to the Walker Theatre - 2013
On February 28, 2013, at the rededication of the Community Theatre (now known as the Walker Theatre) at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium, the CMC presented a Baldwin Concert Grand Piano to be used on the stage of the Theatre by all performing groups.

Two Great Theater Organs reach 90 Years of Age - 2014
The 2014 July patriotic concert, which marked the 90th birthday of the Austin organ, starred Frederick Hohman, who played music by the original organist of the Chattanooga Austin organ, Edwin Lemare, and presented a new CD he made on the Austin organ. A joint effort of the CMC and the Atlanta Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS) made possible a concert at the Tivoli Theatre on August 23, 2014, celibrating its Wurlitzer theatre organ’s 90th birthday with Ken Double, organist.

The Chattanooga Music Club’s Annual Activities 2015 to Present

The 2015-2016 Season
This season, planned by Progam Chair Margaret Ann Randolph and the Program Committee, began in September 2015 with a luncheon at Brainerd United Methodist Church featuring a program by Cricket and Snail. This was followed by a program in October 2015 by the CSO Ensemble at First Christian Church. The annual Holiday Spectacular, under the leadership of the CMC’s Organ Advisory Committee, featured the President and CEO of the ATOS of Atlanta Ken Double,the UTC Chamber Singers and the ever popular Metropolitan Bells. The Holiday Luncheon hosted at the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in December 2015 featured the Chattanooga Girls Choir.

The new year of 2016 began with the local women’s barbershop choir Scenic City Chorus, followed by a joint program of the CMC and its sister musical organization the MacDowell Club. After that, a performance by Michael McCallie, classical guitarist and native Chattanoogan, was given at the Miniature Museum of the Musical Life of Glenn Draper. Following the scholarship auditions, the CMC recognized the 2016 winners at the annual Scholarship Tea, where the winners presented an outstanding program and the new officers were installed by David Friberg. The scholarship winners of 2016 received a total of $15,000 in scholarships from the Club.

The 2016-2017 Season
Like the previous season, this season was once again filled with many activities for the CMC. The Kickoff Picnic in September at Brainerd United Methodist Church featured the East Lake Expression Engine, a group of lively young performers. David Dunn and Bryony Stroud-Watson entertained CMC members at the Granfalloon in October. The annual Holiday Spectacular held at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium started the Christmas season off in an exciting holiday spirit with organist Jeff Harbin on the Austin organ, along with the Metropolitan Bells and the Nashville Street Singers.

For the new year of 2017, the annual CMC/MacDowell Club performance in January was presented at the Second Presbyterian Church. The program in February at the First Christian Church featured Artisti Affamati. March and April were devoted to the scholarship auditions, and May closed the season with former scholarship recipients performing at First Centenary United Methodist Church.

The 10th anniversity of the Austin Organ restoration in July of 2017 featured Peter Richard Conte at the Austin Organ in the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium, who had played at the original Austin Organ rededication program in 2007. Conte’s highly entertaining concert of patriotic music was preceded by a spectacular presentation by the combined Armed Services Color Guard, with stirring tributes to the Fallen Five of Chattanooga and recognition of all Veterans by the mayors of Chattanooga and Hamilton County.

The 2017-2018 Season
Program activities for 2017-2018 were truly outstanding. The Kickoff Picnic was held at Chester Frost Park in Hixson and featured the Mountain Cove Bluegrass Band. In October, “Encores”, a program featuring performers of various talents, took place at the Walker Theatre at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium. In November, the Holiday Spectacular featured Luke Staisuinas at the mighty Austin Organ as well as the Mid-South Symphonic Band and the Chattanooga Christian School Concert Choir.

2018 featured the combined CMC/MacDowell Club concert at Second Presbyterian Church, and then the Scenic City Chorus performed at Christ Church Episcopal. During March and April, the scholarship auditions took place, and in May a special concert was given in honor of bluegrass fiddler Fletcher Bright and clarinetist Jay Craven. Maestro Bob Bernhardt shared remembrances of these two masters in his own inimitable way; this was followed by performances by the scholarship winners from prevous years. In June the annual Patriotic Concert was held at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium, featuring renowned theater and classical organist Richard Hills playing the Austin Organ.

The 2018-2019 Season
The 122nd season was ushered in with the Kickoff Picnic at Chester Frost Park on September 8, 2018. Entertainment was provided by the River City Red Hots. In October, Choro Das 3 presented a program of Brazilian music at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium. The Club returned to the Auditorium in November to observe the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Armistice Day with a program that included the Lee University Singers, the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera directed by Kayoko Dan, and Ken Double performing on the Austin Organ, along with soloist Daniel Mata. The Holiday Luncheon was held at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church on December 8, 2018, and the attendees were serenaded by the Scenic City Chorale (a very different group from the Scenic City Chorus noted above). Note: the Scenic City Chorale is now conducted by CMC member Jim Bailiff.

The annual program by the combined CMC/MacDowell Club ushered in the New Year of 2018, featuring performers from both groups at the Second Presbyterian Church. In February, InSpirit, a men’s chorus directed by Gerald Peel, presented a program at Christ Church Episcopal. Gerald Peel is also the music director at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church and founder and director of the Kinge’s Quire.

St. Patrick’s Day in March 2019 found the Club hosting the annual Scholarship Auditions at Brainerd United Methodist Church. Numerous seniors, including both instrumentalists and vocalists, competed for scholarships totaling more than $12,000. On April 7, the winners had been selected; they returned to perform for Club members and guests at Brainerd United Methodist Church. The installation of officers was also held then, with Margaret Ann Randolph assuming the CMC presidency. A marvelous concert of former scholarship winners was held on May 19 at the annual dinner at the Walden Club, and the year was brought to a close by the traditional Patriotic Concert on June 27, with Andrew Schaeffer at the mighty Austin Organ console, playing a delightful medley of music. Mr. Schaeffer then proceeded to accompany the silent film “Cops” starring Buster Keaton. This concert was dedicated to the memory of our beloved Evelyn Gibbs, who passed away in March 2019, and whose indefatigable efforts helped to restore the Austin Organ.

The 2019-2020 Season
The plans for our program year 2019-2020 were truly outstanding, beginning with the September Kick-Off Picnic held at the Heritage House in Jack Benson Park. Entertainment was provided by Logan Puryear and his Band. In October, the Chattanooga Flute Choir, under the direction of Nora Kile, presented a program at Christ Church Episcopal. The annual “Holiday Spectacular”, held November 19 at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium, featured organist Patrick Scott from the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta, along with the UTC Singers, the UTC Chamber Singers and UTC Orchestra under the direction of Dr. J. Kevin Ford and Sandy Morris. The Holiday Luncheon was held at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church with the program “Carols at the Keyboard”, performed by CMC member and First Cumberland’s church organist extraordinaire Bruce Clark and CMC member and Pilgrim Church organist Jim Bailiff (1) on First Cumberland’s Fratelli Ruffatti church pipe organ, refurbished in 2020 by the Allen Organ Company.

The “Chattanooga Music Club and MacDowell Music Club Together” was the January program, held at Second Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga. February’s program featured the Chattanooga Boys Choir, with Vincent Oakes as director, and the Chattanoga Choral Society for the Preservation of African-American Song, with Michael Mitchell as director; this program was held at the First Centenary United Methodist Church. A very large and enthusiastic audience enjoyed both choirs. On March 15, 2020, $11,000 was awarded in scholarships to seven winners of the CMC College Scholarship Competition. The following day on March 16, the Hamilton County public school system and most of the city of Chattanooga closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and all remaining scheduled events for the 2019-2020 CMC event year were cancelled.

The 2020-2021 Season
Fortunately the Covid-19 pandemic was not successful in completely eliminating all of the events for the 2020-2021 CMC season, although some alterations were made in venues, due to concern about the spread of the virus. The September 2020 Kick-Off picnic was held outdoors at the beautiful Chester Frost Park location, with entertainment provided by the River City Red Hots. In October, the Ashton-Francisco Ensemble delighted the audience with a superb chamber music concert. This was followed in November by a wonderful recital provided by the Luther/Stultz Family (featuring members David and Sigrid Luther and daughter Kelly Luther Stultz (2)). Both concerts were held at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Entertainment for the December program was provided by pianists Ricky Sharp and Bruce Clark. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, no holiday luncheon was served.

The February program featured the Voci Virili Men’s Consort, under the direction of Harv Wileman; this concert was held in the Memory of Tom Wolfe, who everyone in local musical circles recognised as a benefactor and appreciator of good music. The 2021 Scholarship competition was held by remote video, due to Covid-19 restrictions. Awards were made to seven college-bound students. Despite continued Covid-19 restrictions for some venues, a highlight of this season was the 125th Anniversary Celebration of the Chattanooga Music Club, held May 18, 2021 at the Walden Club. Linda Moss Mines, the award-winning Historian for Chattanooga and Hamilton County, was the featured speaker. Entertaininment for that evening was provided by members of the Club and by three of the recent scholarship winners for 2021. A wonderful display of memorabilia from past Club activities was admired by all in attendance.

The Club begins to offer the Grace Moore Scholarship
In 2021, Dr. James Harr accepted the chairmanship of the Grace Moore Scholarship Committee. Competition for these awards began for the CMC in the Spring of 2022, and will take place on a biennial basis after that. The Grace Moore Scholarships are offered in addition to the other CMC scholarships already on offer. The latter are offered on an annual basis, and are administered separately from the Grace Moore Scholarships. The Grace Moore Scholarships were established in 1947 by the Federation of Music Clubs, to honor Grace Moore, Chattanooga’s very own opera and music star. Previously held in Murfreesboro TN, the Grace Moore Scholarships were brought back to Chattanooga, where they originated 75 years ago.

The 2021-2022 Season
The kick-off event for this season was a barbeque held at Chester Frost Park with entertainment provided by the Ralph Miller Trio. In October the CMC presented a program featuring the Kinge’s Quire under the direction of Gerald Peel at the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. November’s program featured the Chattanooga Girls Choir under the direction of Josh Golden; along with Bruce Clark, organ master at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church; Janet Reeve, soprano; and the Deep Six Low Brass Ensemble.

The combined meeting of the Chattanooga Music Club and the MacDowell Music Club highlighted the talents of Chase Lowery, tenor; William Riddlesburger, pianist; Jim Martin with hand bells; Mary Margaret Neel, violinist; Alejandro Olson, classical guitarist; and Ethan McGrath on both piano and organ. February’s program was presented by the East Brainerd Community Theatre at Christ United Methodist Church. Attendees were treated to a wide-ranging Broadway Review. Presenters included Robert Bishop, Kendra Gross, Stephanie Pearson, Sarah Thomas, Gary Bynum, Andrew Chauncey and Jason Hobbs. In March, the 2022 the CMC Scholarship Competition was held and the winners were selected; in April the Scholarship Winners’ Recital and Tea was held at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In April, the auditions for the newly reinstituted Grace Moore Scholarships were held. In May, the CMC Annual Banquet was held at the Walden Club. The CMC Scholarship and Grace Moore Scholarship winners provided entertainment, and a selection of Club yearbooks from yesteryear and historical artifacts were presented. Emceeing the event was irrepressible Jimmy Cooley, and the featured speaker was Sandy Morris, the recently retired conductor of the Chattanooga Youth Symphony of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera.

The 2022-2023 Season
The 2022-23 Season began with the Kick-Off Picnic at Chester Frost Park with entertainment provided by the New Orleans Jazz Trio, featuring Jay Stanfill on the tuba, Scott Jenison on the banjo and Ralph Miller on the saxophone. October’s program “Opera’s Greatest Hits”, was presented by members of Opera Tennessee, featuring Bob Sauser, Kim Keck, Christine Hassevoort, Sara Snider Schone, Ted Long and E.J. Laird. Also in October, through collaboration between the CMC and the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera (CSO), the Halloween program “Monster Mash” featured Dr. Sarah Harr playing the Mighty Austin Organ at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditiorium. In November, the “Holiday Festivities” program included The Metropolitan Bells directed by Gary Bynum, vocalist Cara Standifer, the Choral Arts of Chattanooga directed by Darrin Hassevoort, and organist Jason DuRoy in a sing-along with a visit from Santa. December’s holiday program was presented by the Scenic City Bassoons, under the direction of Dr. Staci A. Spring.

The CMC has enjoyed many other outstanding concerts, programs, the annual St. Patrick's Purse fundraiser, picnics, Christmas luncheons and the annual MacDowell Club/CMC program, as well as the scholarship auditions and scholarship winners programs and socials. It continues to provide free music concerts to the public and to foster other music activities to members and guests.

Notes:
1) Jim Bailiff was selected as new music director of Scenic City Chorale in August 2023
2) Grandson David Stultz, organist, graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2023 with a Masters in Sacred Music and Organ