This year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Miss Ebba H. Goranson. She died December 10th, 1957 at the age of 66 just days before the annual A Cappella Choir Vespers. She will always be remembered for her devotion to music, her tremendous contribution to both church and school in our community, and the generosity she gave so freely to those fortunate enough to have known her.
Miss Goranson studied music in Chicago and in London England and attended various music camps during her summer vacations. She was a graduate of North Park College and American Conservatory of Music, Chicago.
She joined the staff of Jamestown High School in 1920 after a period of teaching at Athens State Normal School in Georgia. She was appointed supervisor of music in Jamestown Public Schools in 1924 and later named music consultant.
She organized the Jamestown High School A Cappella Choir, the orchestra, and the Choral Club and took over their direction. Her brilliant and inspired leadership shown especially through the well loved A Cappella Choir. Its impressive singing at Christmas Vespers and before scores of organizations became an integral part of the Christmas observance. The lovely singing of the old French carol, Kyrie Christie, by the scarlet and ivory robed choir moving in dignified procession remains a shining monument to the devoted director even today. Under Miss Goranson’s direction, the A Cappella Choir traveled extensively. It was said that no high school group held its members and alumni in such close bonds of friendship and this was largely due to Miss Goranson’s influence. She spent Christmas vacations with the choir in its various Christmas functions which included caroling for the hospitals and nursing homes and singing in churches.
Miss Goranson was one of the loyal supporters of the New York State School Music Association, the All State Choir and Band and the State Music Educators for whom she had served as chief adjudicator.
She was also a prominent figure in the organization of the Jamestown Civic Orchestra. She was a member of the board of directors, serving as vice president and was also a former conductor when the orchestra appeared with the Jamestown Choral Society and with choral groups from Warren and Corry, Pa. She was president of the Mozart Club and directed the Mozart Chorus.
She was a member of the First Mission Covenant Church where she served as its Choir Director for 27 years. She also directed the choir of the First Lutheran Church.
The legacy of “Aunt” Ebba lives on in the hearts of those who knew her, and in the preservation of the heritage and tradition of her beloved A Cappella Choir.
