Felix Weir facts for kids

Felix Weir (born in 1884, died in 1978) was an amazing African-American violinist from the early 1900s. He was known for being a very talented performer, even winning awards when he was young. He studied music at the Chicago Musical College and also in Germany at a famous school now called the University of Music and Theatre Leipzig.

Early Life and Music Studies

Felix Weir was born on October 8, 1884, in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were Charles L. and Frances Fowler Weir.

He went to public schools in Chicago. He also studied music at the Chicago Conservatory of Music. He was so good that he won the Diamond medal when he finished his studies there.

In 1904, Felix traveled all the way to Germany to study music even more. He planned to stay for up to three years. But his uncle, David Weir, who owned a food business in Chicago, sadly passed away in 1905. Because of this, his family asked Felix to come back home.

A Life of Performance

Felix Weir kept performing music throughout his life. He was especially busy in the 1920s and 1930s. During this time, he played with the Clef Club orchestras. He also performed in many Broadway theatre musicals, which are big stage shows in New York City.

Felix was well-known for working with other musicians. He often played with cellist Leonard Jeter. Later, he also played with Leonard's sister, Olyve, who was a pianist.

Forming Music Groups

Around 1914, Felix Weir and Leonard Jeter started a group called the American String Quartet. A string quartet is a small group of musicians who play string instruments like violins and cellos.

Then, in 1920, Felix started another group called the Negro String Quartet. In this group, Felix and Arthur Boyd played the first and second violins. Hall Johnson played the viola, and Marion Combo played the cello. This quartet played in many places around New York City. They performed together until 1933.

Teaching and Later Years

Besides performing, Felix Weir was also a dedicated teacher. He taught music and led orchestras in public schools in Washington, D.C.

He retired from Cardozo High School in Washington, D.C., in 1942. After retiring, he lived with his son, Dr. Reginald Weir, and his son's family in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. Reginald Weir was also famous as a tennis player and a doctor.