Klein, Maynard

Biography

Maynard Klein, Professor of Music, retired from active faculty status as of May 31, 1977, after an extraordinarily successful career as conductor, teacher, and editor. Born in Metamora, Ohio, where he received his primary and secondary education, Prof. Klein subsequently attended Michigan State Normal University where he received the Bachelor of Science degree in 1933. He received the Master of Music degree from The University of Michigan in 1934.

After serving for 13 years as Professor of Choral Music at Tulane University, Prof. Klein joined the faculty of the School of Music in 1948. For the next 28 years he was chiefly responsible for the extensive program offered by the School of Music, founding and conducting such organizations as the University Choir, the Arts Chorale, the Tudor Singers, and the Rackham Symphony Choir, which later became the official choir of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. He was known as Uncle Maynard to generations of students at University of Michigan, as well as at Interlochen, where he served for 30 years as director of the vocal music program of the National Music Camp. The making of music under his direction was an experience never to be forgotten, characterized as it always was by the highest artistic ideals and enthusiasm. He was named Professor Emeritus of Music and Director Emeritus of University Choirs at University of Michigan.