Schmutz, Albert D. (1888-1975)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 27 Feb 1975 p. 8

Birth date: 1888

text of obituary:

Newton and Vicinity

Word was received here that Albert D. Schmutz of Stockton, Calif. died Feb. 12 at the age of 87. A native of Halstead, Mr. Schmutz at one time was an instructor of piano, organ and choral work at Bethel and Tabor colleges. In 1928 he became organ and piano instructor at Emporia State College, retiring to Stockton in 1958. He was the first instructor of choral music at the National Music Camp, Interlochen, Mich., and continued on the staff there until age 85. Funeral services were held Feb. 17 at the First United Methodist Church, Stockton, followed by burial at Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Emporia. Survivors include a son, Alvin, of New Haven, Ind.; two grandsons; and a sister, Clara Schmutz of the Bethel Home for Aged, Newton.

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biographical sketch from Bethel Collegian 1925 Mar 4 (vol. 4, no. 25)

MEET DEAN SCHMUTZ, DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC—AUTHOR OF ALMA MATER

In a previous year the "Bethel Collegian" presented to its readers short biographical sketches of the faculty members of Bethel college. A number of new members have since been added to the force, so a series of articles will appear now to make our readers better acquainted with them. Watch this corner next week!

Bethel College now boasts of a music department equal to or superior to that of any of the other smaller colleges in this part of the state. The department is represented by four strong members of the musical profession: 1. Prof. Duff Middleton, of Wichita, who teaches violin; 2. Prof. John Thut; vocal instructor, 3. Prof. W. H. Hohman, instructor in piano; and 4. Prof. A. D. Schmutz, head of the Music Department.

Many people seem to have the conception that professional musicians are a "high-flutin' stuck-up set," but here is where they are mistaken. One of the jolliest and most sociable men of the Bethel College faculty is Prof. A. D. Schmutz, Dean of the Department of Music. His congeniality, good sense of humor, and the sympathetic nature make him very popular with students who work under his supervision.

Born on a farm northwest of Halstead, on October 11, 1887, little Albert Schmutz shared the experiences of a farm boy until the age of fifteen. He received the foundation of his training in an ordinary country school, where he diligently performed his tasks.

In the summer of 1902 the Schmutz family moved to the Bethel Campus, where they took charge of the Bethel College boarding hall, which at that time was conducted under private management. During the five ensuing years, Albert attended school at Bethel, completing the normal course, and a course in piano, having taken instruction under Professors Welty and Hirschler, who taught at Bethel in those years.

In the fall of 1907 Mr. Schmutz went to Hillsboro where he taught in the preparatory school and gave private piano lessons, for one year. The next year he returned to Bethel and did one year of post-graduate work in the Music Department. For three years Mr. Schmutz was organist at the First Presbyterian Church, during which time he also did some private teaching in and around Newton. During the winter of 1910-'11 he was a student of the Institute of Musical Art at Wichita. From 1911 to 1913 he continued his studies in the Bush Conservatory of Music, at Chicago. It was here that he was granted his Master's Degree of Music in 1913. To meet the requirements for this degree, Mr. Schmutz produced a series of original compositions, and gave an entire original recital, consisting of vocal, piano, violin and ensemble numbers. This recital received very favorable write-ups in the Chicago Tribune as well as in the Musical Leader. A number of his compositions are being published by the Gamble Hinged Music Co., of Chicago. Upon his return from Chicago he taught for one year at Tabor College, Hillsboro.

On October 11, 1915. occured a happy event in the life of Mr. Schmutz for it was then that he was married to Miss Pauline Schneider, at the bride's home, hear Hillsboro.

In 1914 Professor Schmutz accepted a position at Bethel College, as head of the Music Department. It was at this time, under the direction of Prof. Schmutz, that Gall's oratorio "The Holy City," was rendered, accompanied by the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra. During his stay at Bethel he also brought the Bethel College Men's Glee Club into prominence. But in 1918 he had to give up his work on account of failing health. In the summer of that year he accepted a position as accountant at the Goerz Flour Mills, which position he held for six years. During this time he was organist and chorister at the Bethel College Church for four years and for two years at the Methodist church, which position he still holds.

In the fall of 1924 Bethel College was fortunate in again securing the services of Prof. Schmutz, as Dean of the Music Department. Mr. Schmutz teaches piano and organ, is director of the Men's Chorus, and directs the Mixed Chorus. He also is an excellent baritone singer, and has occasionally appeared as soloist and in duets with Prof. Thut; he will take the baritone part in the oratorio "Creation" to be given during commencement week.

Not all may know that Prof. Schmutz has composed both words and music of our beloved "Alma Mater." He is an invaluable asset to the college indeed, for he has raised the music department to be truly representative in spirit of Bethel College. His method of instruction and his unbounded enthusiasm for his work are truly inspirational to any one who has the privilege of working with Professor Schmutz.