Leo Rich Lewis
Encyclopedia
Leo Rich Lewis was an American
composer. He graduated from Tufts College
in Massachusetts
in 1887 and later served as Fletcher Professor of Music and chairman of the music department there from 1892 to 1945. He taught courses in music history and theory, as well as composition. He composed the Tufts College alma mater
.
Among Lewis's notable students was Alan Hovhaness
. He was also instrumental in securing the acceptance of the African American
composer Jester Hairston
to Tufts in 1927.
The Leo Rich Lewis Memorial Scholarship, established in 1950 by classmates, former students, family, and friends in his memory, is awarded each year to a Tufts University student, with preference given to students majoring in music.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
composer. He graduated from Tufts College
Tufts University
Tufts University is a private research university located in Medford/Somerville, near Boston, Massachusetts. It is organized into ten schools, including two undergraduate programs and eight graduate divisions, on four campuses in Massachusetts and on the eastern border of France...
in Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
in 1887 and later served as Fletcher Professor of Music and chairman of the music department there from 1892 to 1945. He taught courses in music history and theory, as well as composition. He composed the Tufts College alma mater
Alma mater
Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...
.
Among Lewis's notable students was Alan Hovhaness
Alan Hovhaness
Alan Hovhaness was an Armenian-American composer.His music is accessible to the lay listener and often evokes a mood of mystery or contemplation...
. He was also instrumental in securing the acceptance of the African American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
composer Jester Hairston
Jester Hairston
Jester Joseph Hairston was an American composer, songwriter, arranger, choral conductor, and actor. His notable compositions include "Amen," a gospel-tinged theme from the film Lilies of the Field and a 1963 hit for The Impressions, and the Christmas song "Mary's Boy Child".-Early life:Hairston...
to Tufts in 1927.
The Leo Rich Lewis Memorial Scholarship, established in 1950 by classmates, former students, family, and friends in his memory, is awarded each year to a Tufts University student, with preference given to students majoring in music.