Celebration fosters appreciation for composer

Pitt faculty member Joe Negri took time yesterday to lead group sing-a-longs to Stephen… Pitt faculty member Joe Negri took time yesterday to lead group sing-a-longs to Stephen Collins Foster’s songs “Dolly Day” and “Glendy Burk.”

Negri’s efforts contributed to a day-long commemoration of Foster’s life, held on the 141st anniversary of his death. Two ceremonies took place to honor the country’s first professional songwriter, who was born in Lawrenceville on July 4, 1826.

The Temple of Memories Mausoleum, in Allegheny Cemetery in Lawrenceville, held a celebration at 10 a.m. yesterday.

The Charity Randall Theatre, in the Stephen Foster Memorial at Pitt, held another ceremony at noon.

“Good learning happens in the presence of the arts,” said Deane L. Root, director of Pitt’s Center for American Music.

Root said that there are more than 12 schools named after Foster. These are located in states including Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, California and Texas. Two of the schools can be found in the Pittsburgh area, in McKees Rocks and Mount Lebanon.

Mariana Whitmer, project coordinator for the Center for American Music, spoke about how music can help teachers better relate to their students. Whitmer said teachers for every age group and subject could incorporate music into their lesson plans.

“Songs provide examples of word usage and dialogue,” Whitmer said.

The Stephen Foster Chorus of the Stephen Collins Foster School in Mount Lebanon performed a medley of Foster’s classics for the audience. This included the famous “Camptown Races,” “Oh! Susanna,” and “Beautiful Dreamer.” Lindsey Christman and Neal Ulrich sang a duet during the performance. Negri also played the Foster hit “Summer Longings” on his guitar while Root sang along.

“The Foster Memorial is a busy place with lots going on,” Root said.