Dr. Earle R. Melendy

Dr. Earle R. Melendy passed away unexpectedly late last week in his home. He was born May 26, 1923, in Brocton, Mass., to Harold A. Melendy and Rose Marie Blum. “Doc” was a child prodigy, beginning on violin at the age of 4 and giving his first recital at age 5. His advanced studies at Wayne State University were interrupted by World War II, at which time he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a radio operator-gunner on a B-17 in the South Pacific, where he earned two Bronze Stars. After the war he resumed his studies at Wayne State, where he earned both a bachelor’s degree in Music Education and was the first Master of Music granted by Wayne State. He earned his Doctor of Education degree from the University of Virginia.Dr. Melendy began his concert and symphonic career as a member of the Detroit Symphony and the Michigan Opera Orchestra. He also organized and led the “Velvet Strings,” whose concerts were broadcast over Detroit Radio. His career as a music educator began as director of orchestras and professor of violin at Shenandoah College and Conservatory in Virginia. He served in a similar capacity at the University of Maine. In 1957, he came to Terre Haute and Indiana State University as the director of orchestras and professor of violin. He was the longest-serving concertmaster for the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra in its history, having served for 16 years in that capacity. He was featured many times as a soloist performing all of the major works for violin and orchestra across the Midwest and on the East Coast. As concertmaster and orchestra contractor for the Executive Inns of Evansville and Owensboro, Ky., he performed with The Lettermen, The Supremes, The Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Clark, Sammy Davis Jr. and Englebert Humperdinck. He attended the first Concertmasters Forum at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., and was appointed concertmaster of the All American Directors Symphony Orchestra at Mid-West Band and Orchestra Directors Convention in Chicago in 1971.While at ISU, Dr. Melendy organized the first faculty string quartet, “The Artist Quartet,” organized and directed the University Sinfonietta, organized and performed with the faculty trio, “The Dorian Trio.” He also initiated the first Orchestral/String Orchestra Tours at ISU, and the first regular program of University Musical Performances on WTHI-TV-10. Perhaps his most memorable achievement at ISU was his Guest Composer/Conductor Concerts that ran for 10 years. He brought to Terre Haute the cream of American commercial composers — to give master classes, seminars and rehearsals. Each week would culminate with a concert by the University Symphony conducted by the composer. This Concert Series became the highlight of the musical season on campus and always sold out Tilson Music Hall.Dr. Melendy was a member of the American Association of University Professors, The American Federation of Musicians, Phi Delta Kappa, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Music Educators National Conference, and was the first academician to be elected to the Max Steiner Memorial Friends Society. He was elected to the Wabash Valley Musicians Hall of Fame in January 2008.Dr. Melendy retired as emeritus professor of music, having taught at ISU for 36 years. He founded the Terre Haute Sinfonietta “Pops” Orchestra, which is made up of both amateur and professional musicians from around the Wabash Valley.He is survived by his children Luke of Elmira, N.Y., Leah and Lori, both from the Seattle area, and Lane of Terre Haute; and also by his brother, Arthur of Zanesville, Ohio. Dr. Melendy also is survived by his granddaughters, Mariah and Morgan Melendy, and Emma Melendy Williams.Dr. Melendy played a Joseph Guarnerius violin of Cremona, Italy, dated 1737, which he acquired in 1946.Now in its 18th season, the Pops Orchestra is scheduled to perform Sunday, March 9, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, under the direction of assistant conductor James Chesterson.A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Friday, March 7, at 4 p.m. in the Recital Hall at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts, at Seventh and Chestnut streets, on the ISU Campus. Thomas Funeral Home assisted with arrangements. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Terre Haute Sinfonietta, c/o Jim Chesterson, St. Mary-of-the-Woods College Library, St. Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876.