Antoinette Garnes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Antoinette Garnes
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Antoinette Garnes, from a 1919 publication.
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| Born | about 1887 |
| Died | July 2, 1938 Cape Girardeau, Missouri
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Soprano singer, music educator |
Antoinette Smythe Garnes (born around 1887 – died July 2, 1938) was an amazing American singer. She was a soprano, which means she sang in a high voice. Antoinette was very active in the 1920s. She was also a dedicated music teacher.
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Learning and Achievements
Antoinette Smythe Garnes was born in Detroit around 1887. She loved music from a young age. She went to several schools to study music.
Her Musical Journey
Antoinette attended Detroit Central High School. She also studied at the Detroit Conservatory of Music. Later, she went to Howard University. Her studies continued at Chicago Musical College.
A Special Award
At Chicago Musical College, she studied with Edoardo Sacerdote. She earned her bachelor's degree in music in 1919. Antoinette was the first Black student to win the Alexander Revell diamond medal there. This was a very important award! She also played the violin and piano. In 1920, she earned her master's degree in music.
Her Singing Career
Antoinette Garnes was a talented singer. She performed in many places. People loved her beautiful voice.
Opera and Performances
In 1923, Antoinette made history. She was the only African American member of the Chicago Grand Opera Company. She was also part of the Chicago Opera Association. She sang at a meeting for the NAACP in Chicago in 1919. A music critic named Agnes Beldon praised her. She said Antoinette had "sterling vocal ability and fine training."
Helping Others Through Music
Antoinette often gave solo concerts. Local Black women's clubs helped organize these shows. The money raised went to help charities. For example, she helped the Phyllis Wheatley Orphan's Home. She also performed with Naida McCullough in California in 1932.
Teaching and Recording
Besides singing, Antoinette was a dedicated teacher. She taught voice at several universities. These included Lincoln University, Wilberforce University, and Hampton Institute. She also made recordings for Harry Pace's Black Swan Records. Her recordings of two opera songs were special. They were promoted as the first grand opera records by a Black singer. In 1923, she became an honorary member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
Her Life
Antoinette Smythe Garnes was married twice. Her first husband was Rev. T. J. Smythe. She became a widow when he passed away in Chicago. Later, she married Harry W. Garnes, who was a dentist. Antoinette passed away in 1938 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Discography
Here are some of the songs Antoinette Garnes recorded:
- "Caro Nome" (1923) Black Swan Records 7101
- "Ah, F'ors 'E Lui" (1923) Black Swan Records 7102
- "My Mother Bids Me Bind My Hair" Black Swan Records
