Ellis, Helen Higgins, -1994

Variant names

Dates:

Death 1994-01-17

Gender:

Female

Biographical notes:

Helen Higgins Ellis (died January 17, 1994) was a harpist who organized the Stephens College Harp Ensemble and studied under Marcel Grandjany.

Helen Higgins Ellis was born in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, the second child of four. She studied the harp and graduated from the Canadaigua Academy as well as the Eastman School of Music. Helen then went on to teach at the Chazy Central Rural School for three years. She moved on to teach at the Stephens College in Columbio, Missouri, until 1939. During her time at Stephens, Helen performed with symphony orchestras, gave recitals, and made radio appearances. She also organized the Stephens College Harp Ensemble. In 1936, Helen went to New York to continue her study of the harp with Marcel Grandjany. In addition to her passion for the harp, she was an active member of the Canadaigua Historical Society and was the director of the Colonial Gardens. Helen was a member of the DAR, the Botanical Society, the local Garden Club, and the American Harp Society.

From the guide to the Helen Higgins Ellis papers, approximately 1928-1993, (L. Tom Perry Special Collections)