FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

In this, the second issue of Rerum Scriptor, we honor the life and work of Hayes Maguire Fuhr (1891 – 1975), whose forty-nine-year tenure as Head of the Hastings College Music Department served not only as a defining force in the development of the young College, but also greatly aided the fostering of a positive and enduring "Town and Gown" relationship.

In addition to the numerous musical contributions which he made to the College and the community, Doctor Fuhr left a small but important literary legacy, consisting of a highly instructive book, Fundamentals of Choral Expression (University of Nebraska Press, 1944), several speeches – full of wisdom and charm – and a few delightfully informative letters.

Hayes Fuhr’s ability to turn a phrase with elegance, coupled with his seemingly inexhaustible supply of adjectives that lend a touch of humor – and thus, a sense of proportion – to his writing, created a style that was at once unique and memorable – "inimitable," I believe he would have termed it! It is with pleasure that we present in this issue of Rerum two of his speeches and a long, unaddressed letter concerning his early background – presumably primarily intended for the instruction of future Fuhr generations, but of equal interest to all who knew, or knew of, this amazing man, whose dedication and demanding standards of musical performance served to inspire thousands of students and countless music teachers throughout the country.