Spotlight: Music Festival

 

How did Eastern cope with national tragedy?

 

On November 22, 1963, Eastern Illinois University planned on hosting a Music Festival sponsored by District Five of the Illinois Music Educators Association. Alumni remember this day very well as it was also the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

 

Many recall with great clarity where they were when the event occurred. For example, one woman remembers hearing the news while she was having lunch with her fellow classmates at the Student Union. News anchor Walter Cronkite was practically in tears as he delivered the heartbreaking news.

 

Festival directors almost cancelled the event, but they decided to turn it into a tribute to Kennedy instead. Alums remember performing pieces like Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and the Battle Hymn of the Republic. The students mourned for our 35th president along with the rest of the country.