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In this study I attempted to create a historically informed performance of Handel's Four Coronation Anthems at the pitch of a1 = 423, without the benefit of baroque instruments. The issue of lowering the performance pitch from a1 = 440 to a1 = 423 had varying effects on the singers and instrumentalists. Replicating the baroque sound required some modifications to modern instruments and some mental and vocal adjustments for the singers. Several singers experienced vocal relief due to the lowered pitch, while some instrumentalists were faced with re-adjusting their technique to compensate for the modifications made to their instruments. The modifications ranged from exchanging the violin and viola strings from steel to gut to lengthening the oboe reeds and the bassoon's bocal enough to effectively lower the pitch almost a half step, or .17 Hertz (Hz.). Through the aid of audio and visual recordings of the performance and the performer's questionnaires, several discoveries were made about creating a historically informed performance. Primarily, when changing the pitch of a composition, it is better to adjust the pitch in half steps rather than quarter-tone increments. It was further revealed when changing the pitch that some singers experienced difficulty maintaining pitch due to their vocal muscle memory, whereas, some instrumentalists possess varying degrees of individual pitch memory and perception. In order to deal effectively with the issue of maintaining pitch, it was revealed that it is important to have more rehearsal time at the adjusted pitch. With respect to the modifications made to the instruments, it is vital to the success of the performance to allow the players enough time with modified instruments to be able to maintain consistent tuning within the instrument. The musician's individual pitch perception and preference have an affect on the performance, and the conductor would be well advised to refer to the discoveries presented in this document. This study was successful in discovering ways to present a historically informed performance at a pitch other than a1 = 440 and several suggestions for creating further historically informed performances were explored.

Historical accounts of mortuary display during the 19th-century and evidence from archaeological investigations at historic cemeteries can contribute substantially to our understanding of related chronological and social-status issues. An inadequate understanding of mortuary practice in Texas circa 1821 to 1870 frustrates assessment of site chronology and status-related interpretations. While there are numerous studies of individual cemeteries, there is, as of yet, no synthesis of historical and archaeological data pertaining to mortuary practices in early Texas. In response to this deficiency, this thesis provides a synthesis of mortuary practices and the availability of related paraphernalia in Texas circa 1821-1870. Data from numerous cemeteries are compiled to establish a chronology for mortuary practices and to develop a seriation of select burial furnishings as an aid in assessing status-related variation in mortuary display. Results of the study, as gleaned from archival and archaeological data, indicate that mortuary display in mid-19th-century Texas is not so much a proxy of wealth, as it is a measure of popular cultural trends and economic contexts. These findings are used to reassess cemetery chronologies and status indices, including several interments at Matagorda Cemetery (1835-present), which serve as case studies.

During the early evening of 22 June 2007, a violent tornado impacted the western edge of Elie, Manitoba. This was Canada’s first documented F5 tornado. Three primary research questions were posed: (1) What were the pre-storm environmental conditions on 22 June 2007? (2) How did the storm and associated tornado evolve? (3) How does this event compare to other major tornadic events in Canada and the U.S.? The tornado passed in close proximity to a fixed-location Environment Canada Doppler radar at Woodlands, Manitoba. This allowed for a detailed examination of local mesoscale boundaries that were present prior to and during the event. The Elie tornado was rare in the fact that it looped three times within the main track and it moved approximately 5 km during its 40 minute lifetime causing F5 damage to homes and structures when it was an estimated 50 m wide.

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This dissertation is a study of the values and meanings people attach to places and why exploring those values is important in trails and historic preservation planning. From a foundation in critical humanistic geography and values based preservation literatures, the dissertation examines three rails to trails projects as case studies. Primary research questions include: how does a landscape become valued, devalued, and/or revalued through time? In what ways do different values of different people or groups intersect in rails to trails landscapes and how do they shape the landscape? How do historic values intersect with economic, social, political, and other values as these relate to landscape preservation? A subset of questions deals with the interactions between trails, historic preservation, and geography. What common ground do these three areas already share and what is the potential for further connections between and through them? The project contributes to the geographical tradition of interpreting ordinary landscapes but also works towards bringing together the common ground of three disparate endeavors: cultural geography, historic preservation, and trails planning around the theme of “values in place.”

Craftsmen of past generations built to last, and the brick buildings they constructed can last for centuries if they are not mistreated. Although brick masonry is one of the most durable building materials, its durability can be threatened by improper cleaning and repointing techniques and materials. Many brick surfaces have been--and currently are being--disfigured, and the rate of deterioration often accelerated, because of the lack of knowledge of proper preservation techniques for historic bricks and mortar.This field guide provides a single source of information regarding inspection of historic brick buildings; the causes of deterioration, diagnoses and treatments; appropriate materials and methods for repointing; various cleaning methods; and surface coatings (including waterproof and water-repellent coatings, paint and stucco). This manual can be used to assist persons responsible for the care of old and historic brick buildings: owners of houses or commercial buildings, administrators, architects, contractors, and anyone else who wants to maintain or sympathetically restore or rehabilitate brick buildings.While masonry work generally should only be done by professionals, this field guide will enable a building owner or administrator to understand proper preservation techniques and oversee the project to ensure that the architect or contractor is following the recommended preservation procedures. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History will use this creative project as a reference manual and as a handout to persons undertaking restoration of historic brick buildings.Historic architecture is a viable link between generations of the past and those of the present and future. Proper maintenance and restoration techniques can ensure that a historic brick building will endure for generations to come. / Department of Architecture

Heritage education is an effective strategy for teaching students about the importance of local history and its relation to state and national themes. The proposed Indiana heritage curriculum unit was designed to incorporate the local built environment into the upper middle and high school classroom. Six lessons have been designed within the unit to help teachers implement heritage education, while fulfilling existing Indiana Academic Standards. Supplemental information, including Power Point presentations, informational handouts, and suggested activities, have been designed to successfully guide lay teachers through the objectives stated in each lesson presented. Through a weeklong session with Mr. Charles Bennett and his eighth grade students, the proposed unit was piloted at Speedway Junior High School in Indianapolis during a weeklong session. The successful implementation and methodology used to create the heritage unit has been documented in the following text of the creative project. In addition, background research and conclusion chapters have been included to establish the need and validate the successful implementation of the heritage education curriculum unit proposed. / Department of Architecture

This thesis contains the results from researching historic gas stations along U.S. 40 in Indiana and from exploring the effects of the automobile and oil industries on the evolution of this building type. It reaches conclusions about how the stations in the study area differ from national design trends and from the prototypes created by major oil companies.Of the major gas station design types, only residential and oblong box stations were found in the study area. Since the other design types were common across the country, it is reasonable to assume that such structures also appeared in Indiana and have subsequently been demolished. Although not all types and styles were found in the study area, those that were found were comparable in form and design to other stations throughout the country.Ultimately, this thesis is a case study of gas stations in Indiana. It can be used to evaluate stations throughout the state and provides a framework for further research on gas stations along other Indiana highways. / Department of Architecture