CHS Distinguished Alumni
Merle Freeland
Class of 1926
Merle Freeland, Crescent High School Class of 1926, has
been an distinguished piano performer and accompanist
for many years. Mr. Freeland was born in Crescent
December 27, 1907 to Willis and Anna Freeland. His
father Willis, was the agent for Santa Fe Railroad.
While in second grade, Mr. Freeland began his study of
piano, a study he would continue for twenty years.
After high school graduation, Mr. Freeland attended
Oklahoma City University for two years, transferring
to the University of Oklahoma, where he graduated in
1932. In 1933, Freeland auditioned for the Julliard
School of Music graduate school in New York City and
was one of only eight winners of piano performance
scholarships.
Mr. Freeland's performance career included concerts
and recitals in the US and abroad. He specialized in
accompanying vocal artists. He was primary
accompanist for the Metropolitan Opera tenor, Joseph
Bentonelli and Earl Spicer, internationally known
baritone recitalist. He also played solo piano pieces
with a number of symphony orchestras.
World War II interrupted his professional career, as a
Technical Sergeant with the 8th Armored Division, Mr.
Freeland saw combat in Europe, including the "Battle
of the Bulge", the Rhine river bridge at Remagen and
the Ruhr Pocket program.
After the war Mr. Freeland became head of the piano
department at Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania.
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