Ruth Tripp facts for kids

Ruth Erskine Tripp (born December 26, 1897 – died May 1971) was an American composer, music critic, teacher, and pianist. She helped manage the Works Progress Administration's Federal Music Project (WPA FMP) in Rhode Island from 1940 to 1943. This project helped musicians find work during a tough time.

Early Life and Education

Ruth Tripp was born in Dighton, Massachusetts. Her parents were Everett E. and Martha Erskine Tripp. She had three sisters: Martha, Elsie, and Gertrude. In 1903, when Ruth was about six years old, her family moved to Central Falls, Rhode Island.

Ruth Tripp studied music at the New England Conservatory of Music. She also traveled to France to study music in 1922. She attended the Conservatorie Fountainbleu, which was likely one of the Fontainebleau Schools. Her music teachers included May Atwood Anderson, Avis Bliven Charbonnel, and Ferdinand Motte-Lacroix.

A Career in Music

Ruth Tripp had a long and varied career in music. She shared her love of music in many ways.

Teaching Music

Tripp taught music at several schools. She taught at the Gordon School, which was a private school for girls in Providence. Later, she taught at the University of Rhode Island and Bryant College. Bryant College is known today as Bryant University.

Music Critic and More

For 27 years, Ruth Tripp worked as a music critic. She wrote about music for the Providence Journal-Bulletin newspaper. She also directed church choirs and played the organ in churches.

Tripp was a leader in the music community. She served as president of Rhode Island's Federation of Music Clubs. She also received awards for her work. These awards came from the American Symphony Orchestra League and the Music Critics Association. She was also part of Rhode Island's Chaminade Club.

Ruth Tripp's Creative Works

Ruth Tripp was a talented composer and writer. Her creative works show her passion for music and storytelling.

Musical Compositions

Tripp wrote many different kinds of music. Here are some of her musical pieces:

Chamber Music

• Bergerette (for flute and strings)

Operettas

• Rabbit's Foot (with lyrics by Grace Sherwood)
• Wedding of Miss Mary Krissmass and Mr. Sandy Claws (with lyrics by Grace Sherwood)

Vocal Music

• "Christmas Folk Song" (using words by Lizette Woodworth Reese)
• "Earth Bread"
• In the Days of Herod the King (for three women's voices; using words from Matthew 11:1-11)
• Land Grant: A Free Choral Adaptation of Portions of the Morrill Act of 1862 (M) Ostrich (using words by Charles Malam)
• "Rivals" (using words by James Stephens; written for a school graduation in 1948)
• "Rhode Island Campaign Song"
• Same Country (for strings, harp, and choir; using words from Luke II: 8-14)
• Songs of the Sea (with Grace Sherwood)
• "Solitary Place shall be Glad" (using words from Isaiah 35:1-2-10)

Other Writings

Besides music, Ruth Tripp also wrote a short story. It was called The Jacknife.

Where to Learn More

If you want to learn more about Ruth Erskine Tripp, her papers are kept at the Rhode Island Historical Society. These papers include her writings and other important documents from her life.