J. Lilian Vandevere facts for kids

J. Lillian Vandevere (born July 1885 – died May 1957) was an American writer, music composer, and teacher. She is best known for creating music for rhythm bands and toy orchestras. She also worked on music textbooks for schools in California.

J. Lillian Vandevere was born in Canton, Pennsylvania. Her parents were Clara H. and George W. Vandevere. She studied at the University of Pennsylvania in 1914 and 1915. After her studies, Vandevere taught kindergarten for 15 years. During this time, she became very interested in using rhythm bands and toy orchestras to teach music to young children. By 1930, she began publishing her own books, articles, and musical pieces.

Vandevere believed that when students play music together, they learn important lessons. She said they learn about "being themselves while helping the group." She strongly felt that "every kindergarten and primary class should have a toy orchestra, and every child should be part of it."

Her Published Works

J. Lillian Vandevere's writings and music were published by many companies. These included the California State Department of Education and G. Schirmer Inc. Her works helped many children learn and enjoy music.

Articles and Stories

Vandevere wrote articles for magazines and also short stories. These often focused on music education and how children could learn through play.

• "Musical Education Through the Toy Orchestra," American Childhood (October 1928)
• The Rented Christmas (a short story)

Books for Children and Schools

She wrote many books, especially textbooks for music education. She also wrote fun books for younger children.

• A Pet for Peter: a Rand McNally Elf Book (a children's story)
• Happy Singing (a textbook she wrote with Peter W. Dykema and Gladys Pitcher)
• Music Everywhere (a California State Series textbook)
• Toy Symphony Orchestra: Its Organization and Training (a guide on how to start a toy orchestra)

Operettas

Vandevere also created operettas, which are like small musicals. They often included parts for toy orchestras.

• Far Away Friends: an Operetta with Toy Orchestra
• Peggy and the Pirate (with Geoffrey F. Morgan)
• Princess has a Birthday: a Toy Orchestra Operetta
• Tale of the Toys: a Christmas Operetta for Children (with Gladys Pitcher)

Piano Music

She composed many pieces for the piano. These pieces were often simple and fun, perfect for young musicians.

• Animal Suite
• Gingerbread Man
• Here Comes the Train
• Play and Sing Book (a collection of 40 pieces)

Music for Rhythm Bands

J. Lillian Vandevere was famous for her rhythm band music. She arranged classical pieces for percussion instruments. This allowed many children to play famous tunes together.

• Allegro from Sonatine Opus 36 No. 1 (by Muzio Clementi, arranged by Vandevere)
• Andante from the Surprise Symphony (by Joseph Haydn, arranged by Vandevere)
• March from the Nutcracker Suite (by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, arranged by Vandevere)
• Polly Put the Kettle On: A Score for Rhythm Band with Pictures (a picture score for rhythm band)

Music for Toy Orchestras

She also arranged music specifically for toy orchestras. These arrangements often used simple instruments like bells, drums, and shakers.

• American Patriotic Medley
• Toy Orchestra Travels in a Dozen Lands: Folk Tunes

Vocal Music

Vandevere wrote and arranged many songs for choirs and singers.

• Come Spring (a song for two voices, with Gladys Pitcher)
• Gloria in Excelsis: A Christmas Carol (a Christmas song)
• Moonlight Serenade (a song for three voices, with text by Vandevere)