Cecile Vashaw facts for kids

Cecile L. Vashaw (born August 23, 1909 – died January 1, 1985) was an American composer, conductor, and music teacher. She is best known for her books that teach people how to play string instruments and for starting the Toledo Youth Symphony.

Early Life and Education

Cecile Vashaw was born in Toledo, Ohio. She loved music and studied at the Toledo Conservatory of Music. Later, she earned a master's degree from New York University. This advanced education helped her become a skilled musician and teacher.

Working with Julia Smith

While in New York, Cecile Vashaw met another talented composer named Julia Frances Smith. They became good friends and worked together on many music projects. Even though Julia Smith stayed in New York and Cecile Vashaw returned to Toledo, they continued to collaborate using phone calls and mail.

Together, they created several musical pieces:

• Remember the Alamo: This was a special musical story for a band, chorus, and a narrator. It was asked for by the U.S. Navy Band director.
• Sails Aloft: Overture for Band: An overture is a piece of music often played at the beginning of a performance.
• The Work and Play String Method: This was a very important series of books. They helped students learn to play violin, viola, cello, and bass. These books are still remembered today for helping many young musicians.

Their music was published by a company called Theodore Presser Company.

Music in Toledo

After her studies, Cecile Vashaw returned to her hometown of Toledo, Ohio. She played the violin in the Toledo Symphony Orchestra and was the second concertmistress, which is an important role in an orchestra.

In 1939, she became the director of the chorus, band, and orchestra at Waite High School. She also oversaw the string instrument program for all the public schools in Toledo.

Founding the Toledo Youth Symphony

One of Cecile Vashaw's biggest achievements was founding the Toledo Youth Symphony in 1950. She led this youth orchestra as its conductor until 1965. This gave many young musicians a chance to play in a full orchestra and develop their skills.

After leading the Youth Symphony, she became the director of music for the entire Toledo public school system. She also wrote an article called Solving the String Study Problem in Toledo, Ohio for Etude magazine. Cecile Vashaw helped many generations of students learn and love music in Toledo.