A Musical Meeting

At the end of 1969 Usher Abell stepped down as Chair of the Department of Music at the University of South Dakota (USD), a position he held since 1952. Abell was a well-respected, talented violinist, director of the USD orchestra, and teacher of string instruments promoting music education locally and nationally.

Usher Abell, Agnes Ringley, and Genevieve Truran. University of South Dakota Negatives Collection, Series 10, # 10269.2.1.

In this photograph Abell holds a violin. Observing the instrument are Agnes Ringley (wearing the corsage). During a previous ceremony, Agnes Ringley had presented John A. and Agnes Ringley scholarships to ten USD students.

The third person in the photograph is Professor Emerita of Music, Genevieve Truran, who received  bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oberlin Conservatory and continued her music education throughout her life. She was a piano professor at USD for 47 years and influenced scores of students. For thirty years she collaborated with Usher Abell.

The Abell’s went on become founding members and strong supporters of the Shrine to Music, now called the National Music Museum. In 1988 they received the South Dakota Governor Award for Support of the Arts. In 1969 the John E. and Genevieve Turan scholarship for piano began. Moreover, the yearly Truran Piano Competition is held for 8- 12 K students. Ringley’s, Truran’s and the Abell’s scholarships are still given to deserving USD music students. Their legacy for music and music education has stood the test of time.