Bertha Des Verney facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bertha Des Verney
Bertha Des Verney, from a 1942 publication.
Born	Bertha Wheeler October 5, 1890 Dallas, Texas
Died	January 1, 1975 New York City
Nationality	American
Other names	Bertha Desverney, Bertha DesVerney
Occupation	pianist, choir and drama director, music educator, composer
Known for	over forty years as music director at Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

Bertha Des Verney (born October 5, 1890 – died January 1, 1975) was a talented American musician. She was a pianist, composer, music teacher, singer, and even wrote plays. For over 40 years, she was the music and drama director at the Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Harlem, New York. She also led the Washington Music School in Albany, New York. Bertha Des Verney helped create the Ministers of Music and Drama League. She was an active member of the National Association of Negro Musicians.

Bertha's Early Life

Bertha Wheeler was born in Dallas, Texas. Her mother, Sarah J. Spence Wheeler, was a music teacher. Bertha showed musical talent from a young age. As a child, she won a gold medal for singing at the State Fair of Texas.

Her Education

Bertha studied to become a teacher at Prairie View State Normal and Industrial College. She also learned music at the A. Smythe Music Conservatory in Oak Cliff, Texas. After moving to New York in 1912, she continued her studies. She took classes at the City College of New York.

Bertha's Amazing Career

Bertha Des Verney (her last name is sometimes spelled Desverney or DesVerney) had a very busy and important career. She was the choir director at Mother AME Zion Church in Harlem for over four decades. This means she led the church's music for more than 40 years!

She also directed the Washington Music School in Albany, New York. Bertha helped start the Ministers of Music and Drama League. This group brought together people who led music and drama in churches. She also taught music to children at the Utopia Children's House.

Community Involvement

Bertha was involved in many community groups. She worked with the New York Charity Bureau and the Volunteer Club. She was also part of the Women's Professional and Business Club.

Her students performed music on the Chautauqua platform. They also sang on radio programs. Bertha wrote and produced special concerts and historical plays. These events helped raise money for her church. One of her plays was called "Great Women of the World Speak" (1958). She was a very active member of the National Association of Negro Musicians.

Broadway and Compositions

In 1929, Bertha Des Verney was a jubilee singer. She performed in the original Broadway show Show Boat. This was a very famous musical.

She also wrote her own music. She composed a spiritual song called "De Ole Sheep Done Know de Road" (1956). Bertha wrote longer musical works too. These included The Life of Harriet Tubman (1965) and Elastic Fingers (1970).

In 1959, a special event honored Bertha Des Verney. People called her "one of Harlem's most versatile citizens." Famous people like Marian Anderson, Philippa Schuyler, and Leigh Whipper were there to celebrate her.

Bertha's Personal Life

Bertha Wheeler married Broughum C. Des Verney in 1915. He was also a musician. Bertha Des Verney passed away in 1975. She was 84 years old. Her important papers and works are kept at the New York Public Library.