Ernest Mead
Encyclopedia
Ernest Campbell Mead, Jr. (born 1918 in Richmond, VA) is professor emeritus of music at the University of Virginia
.
Mead graduated from the University of Virginia in 1940 with a major in German language and literature. While a student at the University, he was a member of the Virginia Glee Club
. He went on to Harvard University to earn his Ph.D. He returned to the University in 1953 as a professor.
Mead's musical research focused on instrumental ensembles; his doctoral dissertation focused on the instrumental works of Girolamo Frescobaldi
.
As chairman of the McIntire School of Music in the University of Virginia College of Arts and Sciences, Mead was instrumental in securing donations to establish the U.Va. Music Library. He also worked with University professor Walter Ross to re-establish a University orchestra in 1967, now called the Charlottesville and University Symphony Orchestra. His office in the University's Old Cabell Hall
was famous for its position "beneath the truth," that is, under the words "the truth" in the carving on the pediment, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." He retired from active teaching in 1996.
Since 1972 Mead has taught a liberal arts seminar at the University, continuing into his retirement. Friends of Mead established the Mead Endowment to "continue his legacy of faculty-student interaction" He is a recipient of numerous University awards, including the faculty awards of the IMP Society
, Z Society
, and Raven Society
; the Gilbert J. Sullivan
Distinguished Service Award from the Virginia Glee Club
Alumni & Friends Association; and the University's Thomas Jefferson Award "for advancing, through his character, work, and personal example, the ideals and objectives for which Jefferson founded the University."
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, founded by Thomas Jefferson...
.
Mead graduated from the University of Virginia in 1940 with a major in German language and literature. While a student at the University, he was a member of the Virginia Glee Club
Virginia Glee Club
The Virginia Glee Club is a critically acclaimed men's chorus based at the University of Virginia. It performs both traditional and contemporary vocal works, typically in TTBB arrangements. Founded in 1871, the Glee Club is the University's oldest musical organization and one of the oldest all-male...
. He went on to Harvard University to earn his Ph.D. He returned to the University in 1953 as a professor.
Mead's musical research focused on instrumental ensembles; his doctoral dissertation focused on the instrumental works of Girolamo Frescobaldi
Girolamo Frescobaldi
Girolamo Frescobaldi was a musician from Ferrara, one of the most important composers of keyboard music in the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. A child prodigy, Frescobaldi studied under Luzzasco Luzzaschi in Ferrara, but was influenced by a large number of composers, including Ascanio...
.
As chairman of the McIntire School of Music in the University of Virginia College of Arts and Sciences, Mead was instrumental in securing donations to establish the U.Va. Music Library. He also worked with University professor Walter Ross to re-establish a University orchestra in 1967, now called the Charlottesville and University Symphony Orchestra. His office in the University's Old Cabell Hall
The Lawn
The Lawn is a large, terraced grassy court at the historic center of Jefferson's academic community at the University of Virginia. The design shows Jefferson's mastery of Palladian architecture...
was famous for its position "beneath the truth," that is, under the words "the truth" in the carving on the pediment, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." He retired from active teaching in 1996.
Since 1972 Mead has taught a liberal arts seminar at the University, continuing into his retirement. Friends of Mead established the Mead Endowment to "continue his legacy of faculty-student interaction" He is a recipient of numerous University awards, including the faculty awards of the IMP Society
IMP Society
The IMP Society is a secret society at the University of Virginia that is notable for combining philanthropy and public mischief.Originally founded in 1902 as a society called the Hot Feet, the society was known primarily for its public ceremonies in which it crowned the society's "king." The Hot...
, Z Society
Z Society
The Z Society is a philanthropic organization that was founded at the University of Virginia in 1892. It comprises outstanding student leaders who give time, talent, and financial contributions to groups and individuals that exemplify the spirit of the society and uphold the ideals of the university...
, and Raven Society
Raven Society
The Raven Society is the University of Virginia's oldest honorary society. Founded in 1904 by University student William McCully James, and named in honor of the famous poem by Edgar Allan Poe .According to its constitution, one of the Raven Society's main goals is "to bring together the best men...
; the Gilbert J. Sullivan
Gilbert J. Sullivan
Gilbert J. "Gilly" Sullivan was the longtime director of the University of Virginia Alumni Association for 35 years. Appointed to the position in 1958 after the retirement of J. Malcolm "Mack" Luck, Sullivan remained in the position until his retirement in 1993...
Distinguished Service Award from the Virginia Glee Club
Virginia Glee Club
The Virginia Glee Club is a critically acclaimed men's chorus based at the University of Virginia. It performs both traditional and contemporary vocal works, typically in TTBB arrangements. Founded in 1871, the Glee Club is the University's oldest musical organization and one of the oldest all-male...
Alumni & Friends Association; and the University's Thomas Jefferson Award "for advancing, through his character, work, and personal example, the ideals and objectives for which Jefferson founded the University."