First Music Memory Contest
The Orchestra’s Music Memory Contest began in 1921 as part of its education program. It consisted of teams of students from local public and private schools competing to identify musical works and themes to earn the coveted first-prize trophy. The contest proved extremely popular, and eventually adult music appreciation groups formed and joined the students for the contest. Organized and run by the Women’s Committee of The Cleveland Orchestra, the contest continued through the mid-1950s before turning into general music appreciation clubs that eventually became the Music Study Groups.
