Biographical Text
Professor Emeritus of Music Nicholas Erneston (April 11, 1922-) was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. He was graduated from Boyden High School (Salisbury, NC) where he was a standout on the wrestling team (85-pound class!) during his freshman and sophomore years. He studied at the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music in Dayton, VA, earning a B.M.E. degree in violin in 1942. From 1946-48 he studied at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (OH), receiving a M.M. degree in violin and research. During this same time, he was a member of the first violin section of the Dayton (OH) Philharmonic. He earned a Ph.D. degree in music at The Florida State University in 1961 as a "Danforth Scholar"—he was a recipient of a college teacher grant from the Danforth Foundation. Prior to his appointment to the music department at Appalachian. Dr. Emeston served in the US Army Air Corps (1942-46) in the 51st Fighter Control Squadron and served in India and Burma. He taught violin privately in the Norwood (OH) public schools during 1946-48. His long and distinguished teaching career at Appalachian State University began in 1948 with his appointment to the music department and continued until his retirement in June, 1992. In 1968 he was appointed Dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts in addition to continuing his tenure as a professor in the department of music. Professor Emeston authored many articles and papers, including, "There'll Be Some Changes Made" Education, April 1952, reprinted December 1952), "A Comparative Study of the B.M. and B.S. Students at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music" (1948), "A Study to Determine the Effect of Musical Experience and Mental Ability on the Formulation of Musical T aste (Diss. 1961 - reviewed in Journal of Research in Music) and reviewed rather prominently in Paul Farnsworth's The Psychology of Music and "The Collegium Musicum" (Faculty Publications, 1968-69). In addition to his academic accomplishments, Dr. Emeston was a member of the Winston-Salem (NC) Symphony Orchestra. the Hickory (NC) Symphony Orchestra, and of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra (VA), serving as Assistant Concert Master, and appearing as a soloist several times. Professional affiliations include NC Orchestra Association (Past President, 1952-55), NC Music Eduation Association (member. Executive Committee, 1952-1955), National School Orchestra Association, and the AAUP. In September, 1992 Dr. Emeston was awarded the rank of Professor Emeritus. Dr. Emeston and his first wife, Elsie (deceased), had three daughters, Eva Danay (July 15,1944-1987), Maria Isabel (August 26, 1947-), and Elsie Hogue (December 14, 1954-). He and his new wife, Elaine, were married in Boone on the weekend of The Blizzard in March 1993. They make their home in Augusta, GA, but still maintain their home in Boone, NC. Sources: Appalachian State University files. -Dr. Richard D. Howe
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