Description
The Madi Bacon Papers, 1831-1999, contain the correspondence, professional files, family correspondence, and ephemera of the
founder of the San Francisco Boys Chorus. A musical conductor and voice teacher, Bacon lived and worked in the Bay Area from
1946 until her death in 2001. The bulk of the collection consists of correspondence with and amongst her family. Also included
are her personal files relating to the San Franicsco Boys Chorus and other professional activities.
Background
Madi Bacon grew up in Chicago, the only daughter of Charles Sumner Bacon, an eminent gynecologist, and his Austrian wife,
Misa. Madi trained in music under the tutelage of her mother, attended the Frances Parker School and the University of Chicago,
where she received her BA in Languages and later her MA in Music. She started her musical career directing a madrigal choir
in Winnetka, Illinois, then she taught at Roosevelt University, Chicago. Madi first came to California in 1928, where she
taught sports and music at the Katharine Branson School. In 1946 she returned to Berkeley to run the music program for the
University of California Extension and then went on to found and develop the renowned San Francisco Boys Chorus. Because of
her passion for sports and the outdoors she also founded the San Francisco Boys Chorus Summer Music Camps.
Extent
5 boxes, 4 cartons, 1 oversize box
7.5 linear feet
Restrictions
Materials in this collection may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction
of some materials may be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions,
privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond
that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for
any use rests exclusively with the user.
Availability
Collection is open for research.