The American Magazine - October 1938

 The learning curve for a person when one begins a project, such as The Gena Branscombe Project, is a pretty wide, long and extensive curve.

Additional knowledge, for me, was learning about the print publications available during Gena Branscombe’s lifetime.  Articles about Gena appeared in Musical America, which is still in existence, Musical Courier, various New York City newspapers including the New York Times, her hometown newspaper, the Picton Gazette, Musical Leader, The Musician, Musical Narrator, Telegraph and many more. 

Published articles about her music and life, her speeches, reviews of performances of her music given by various artists and reviews of her own Branscombe Choral concerts were frequent subjects.  She was met with glowing reviews all around for her songs, her oratorio and her creative and audacious programming of only 20^th century living composers for one of her women’s chorus concerts!  

Recently a copy of The American Magazine, October 1938 issue, was brought to my attention.  Starting on page 83 is a series called “America’s interesting people” highlighting citizens who have created new avenues of purpose in their lives.  Featured are a man who created Marine Studios in Florida, a man who had the “distinction of being the only male president of a women’s club,” and a mother/daughter tennis team.  

Featured on page 87 are Gena Branscombe and Gena Tenney, her eldest daughter.  The short blurb about them explains that the two are accomplished composers as well as both of them being the conductor of their own women’s choruses.  Gena, Jr., had recently returned from London where she had conducted orchestral performances while attending the Royal Academy of Music. 

Two women, mother/daughter musicians, were two of America’s interesting people.  What an impact they had on many lives extending from the early 20^th century and 100 years later into the 21^st century.  

#BringingBackBrancombe