Smith (Julia) Papers, 1965-1967
Description
Born in Denton, Texas, Julia Smith (1905-1989) graduated from North Texas State Teachers College (now the University of North Texas) and studied at St. Mary's Institute of Musical Art in Dallas. She next attended the Julliard School of Music in New York and later received her Master's degree and Ph.D. from New York University. Smith performed as a pianist and wrote, taught, and lectured on music. Her compositions included operas, symphonic, piano, and choral works. Remember the Alamo was commissioned by the U.S. Navy Band for its inaugural concert of 1965 and completed in collaboration with Cecile Vashaw.
Musical scores, printed material, photographs, and a letter make up the Julia Smith papers, documenting the composition and performance of Remember the Alamo. Four versions of the score are included, along with programs and clippings related to the performance. President Lyndon B. Johnson, to whom the work was dedicated, expresses his appreciation in a letter to the leader of the Navy band.