HINEBAUGH, Bessie

Bessie was a talented vocalist and musician. Born and raised in Oakland, Maryland, Bessie began singing for church affairs when only three years old. Her musical studies included piano, voice, and flute. She composed and published many works for organ, voice, and ensemble groups.

After many years on the concert stage, Bessie moved to, and began teaching in, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A piano instructor and a former member of the Pittsburgh Ladies Orchestra, Bessie wrote an original anthem entitled "Come, Loud Anthems Let Us Sing" under the direction of the late Harvey Gaul, Pittsburgh composer. She studied composition for eight years with Dr. Gaul who urged her to write anthems. A New York publisher purchased the anthem, and she has since written several successful numbers for string orchestras.