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The history of Berry College is rooted in its musical culture and reflects an important part of Martha Berry's life and mission for her school. Located 60 miles north of Atlanta, Berry College began in 1902 as a small rural school, driven by Martha's desire to educate impoverished children and young adults in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Through tireless fund-raising and dedication, Berry School grew from its humble beginning into an exemplary four-year liberal arts college. As Martha Berry gained widespread notoriety for her work in education, the music program performed for such guests as Henry Ford, Emily Vanderbilt, Theodore Roosevelt, and other notable leaders in business and politics. By 1948, the school's unofficial motto was "Everybody Sings at Berry." With continued success over the last 60 years, Berry's musical groups continue to gain recognition as they perform locally, nationally, and internationally.
About the author
Author and historian Mary Ellen Pethel received her doctorate from Georgia State University but remains inextricably tied to Berry College. She is a graduate of Berry and has worked for the college in several capacities. She currently teaches in Nashville, Tennessee. Stan Pethel, her father, is a 37-year member of the Berry music faculty and currently serves as the chair of fine arts.
