Vollmer W. Fries Lecture Series

Last Updated 28 April 1997

Recognizing that both the activities and the aspirations of present and future generations of Rensselaer faculty and students can and must be expanded by inspiration and insight derived from contact with distinguished engineers, scientists, architects, and managers, Mr. Vollmer W. Fries established a fund in 1973, the income from which will be used to bring such scholars to the campus.

Lectures During the 1996-1997 Academic Year

All Vollmer Fries Lectures are Open to the General Public. See Below for Directions to Campus and Information on Visitor Parking

Image copyright and courtesy of Gibson Guitar Corp.

SPECIAL SEMINAR AND PERFORMANCE CELEBRATING

THE ELECTRIC GUITAR

A Uniquely American Invention

Monday, 21 April 1997, 4:00 pm Room 308,Darrin Communication Center

Tom Wheeler, Larry Coryell, Guy Lyons, Bill Kirchen

The History of the Electric Guitar was discussed by Prof. Tom Wheeler, former editor of Guitar Player magazine, now with the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication. It has been perhaps a half-century since the electric guitar proved itself to be something more than a novelty or an improved (or just plain louder) acoustic guitar. After a half-century in the mainstream, pop music's foremost instrument has a rich history and continues to inspire innovation.
The Smithsonian Magazine recently published an article on the exhibit From Frying Pan to Flying V: The Rise of the Electric Guitar at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Also, read about "Innovative Lives", a Lemelson Center program aimed at engaging young people in the study and exploration of invention and innovation.
Three outstanding musicians representing quite different types of music performed, demonstrating that the electric guitar is an instrument that offers something for everyone. Listed alphabetically, they are:
- Larry Coryell
- Bill Kirchen
- Guy Lyons of The Figgs . Check out The Figgs Web and The Official "Unoffical" Figgs Web Page!.

Note: This special lecture was made possible through the enthusiastic efforts of Prof. John Tichy, who made the introductory and welcoming remarks on the 21st. -- KC

A few people have emailed either Professor Tichy or Professor Connor their comments on this lecture/performance. You can see what they had to say by checking the Comments Page.

You can read about Past Vollmer Fries Lectures by checking our last year's website.

Information for Campus Visitors:

Please go to Welcome to Rensselaer where you will find Travel Directions to Rensselaer and Visitor's Parking information. Note that, usually, the CDTA bus that runs from the Fieldhouse parking area to the main campus is only for people with Rensselaer ID cards. However, if you decide to park in the Fieldhouse lot for a Vollmer Fries Lecture, you can ride the shuttle bus.

Contact for Information or Corrections:
Professor Kenneth A. Connor (connor@rpi.edu)