1925 Glens Falls area music — Local composers

Richard A. Moss, conductor of Glens Falls High School Orchestra, composed the “Glens Falls High School March” and “Performance of Lillies,” a waltz.

The two original pieces were among selections the orchestra performed at its concert in the Glens Falls Junior High School auditorium, The Glens Falls Times reported on Feb. 21, 1895.

“The evening was a great success from the standpoint of musical attainment, and it is sincerely hoped that the orchestra will arrange another such concert in the near future.”

Moss was among several local composers.

Florence Jewell of Gansevoort, a sophomore at Skidmore College, composed the music for the winning entry in the college’s original song contest, The Post-Star reported on March 14.

Hudson Falls Symphony Director L. A. Fontaine composed the processional Community Council,”which was performed at the orchestra closing concert of the season March 31.

The piece was composed in honor of the Hudson Falls Women’s Community Council.

In other 1925 local music news collected from historic newspapers of the region:

• “(Baritone soloist) Oscar Seagle, who has been teaching in New York for the past few months, left yesterday for Lincoln, Neb., where he will give a recital,” The Glens Falls Times reported on Feb. 10.
• “William J. McCune resigned as organist at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Glens Falls, a position he had held since 1906, The Glens Falls Times reported on March 9.

“Mr. McCune plans to continue his work with the organ at the Rialto Theatre and also to continue his teaching work.”

• South Glens Falls High School students were preparing to present the operetta “The Isle of Chance,” The Glens Falls Times reported on March 10.

“Music will be furnished by the high school orchestra while the singing and acting will be done by the students.”

• “The volume and harmony of the new organ at Notre Dame church has been greatly improved by the addition of sixty-eight new pipes,” the Whitehall correspondent reported in The Post-Star on March 13.
• “There will be no (Girl Scouts) sing today as there seems to be no hall or room with a piano available for use,” The Post-Star reported on March 23. “Perhaps by next week one will be found. We need room for about 100 girls.”
• The Glens Falls Boy Scout Band would present its annual concert April 30 at the Episcopal Parish House, The Glens Falls Times reported on April 1.

“The band now numbers more than 50 players and students and has more than $5,000 (the equivalent of $90,172 in 2025 dollars) investment in instruments, music, etc.”

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