Honorary Degree
“Am only just back from my trip to the coast – have had a simply marvelous time, hospitality – friendliness, two concerts, speeches – interviews – my honorary degree – (Marion Bauer also received one) – and such scenery from the southern desert to the Canadian Rockies.” July 12, 1932….a letter to Mr. Austin at the Arthur P Schmidt Company in Boston – her publisher. Gena Branscombe recounts the honorary degree conferred on her from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. She was proud and thankful to be given a Master of Music degree alongside fellow composer and colleague, Marion Bauer. Gena joined the faculty of Whitman College as Head of the Piano Department in 1907. During her two year tenure at the college, she taught piano, theory and composition. Concerts of her music were performed there. Metropolitan Opera soprano, Lillian Nordica was on concert tour in Seattle and performed Gena’s song “Hail Bounteous May.” She met her futur...