STAIR, PATTY (12 Nov. 1869-26 April 1926) was a distinguished figure in Cleveland music circles during the first quarter of the 20th century. She was a Cleveland native and niece of Edwin Stair, a well-known tenor. Her education was received from the CLEVELAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS, HATHAWAY BROWN, and private musical instructors such as Franklin Bassett. From c.1889-1921 she taught organ at the Cleveland Conservatory of Music, which was affiliated with CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY through the College for Women. Among the churches she served as organist were FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF CLEVELAND, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF GREATER CLEVELAND, Windermere Methodist, and Wade Park Methodist. She was the first woman member of the Ohio Chapter (org. 1908) of the American Guild of Organists, which she later served as dean. Stair was also active in the FORTNIGHTLY MUSICAL CLUB, where she directed the chorus and contributed other talents to its programs. She also served as president of the Women's Music Teachers Club of Cleveland. A prolific composer, Stair wrote an Intermezzo for Orchestra, a light opera, and numerous part-songs and anthems. Her works were performed by the CLEVELAND GRAND ORCHESTRA, the SINGERS CLUB, the Pittsburgh Male Chorus, and the Rubinstein Club of New York. Never married, Stair died of pneumonia at her home in EAST CLEVELAND.
Last Modified: 22 Jul 1997 04:31:22 PM- Related Article(s)