Hermene Warlick Eichhorn

Eichhorn's works are characterized by original rhythms and harmonies, use of folk materials, and free use of early Church material. Among the most popular of her compositions were her cantatas: Mary Magdalene, published in 1944, and Son of the Highest, published in 1946, both of which were written in collaboration with poet Rose Myra Phillips, who supplied the lyrics for both works. Eichhorn also corresponded with poets James Stephens and Charles Hanson Towne, who supplied the lyrics for The Daisies and While Mary Slept, respectively.

Hermene Warlick was the daughter of Jesse W. and Ethel Herman Warlick, and an organist of the fourth generation. After eight years of piano and composition study in Hickory with Alla Pearl Little (one of the first composers to achieve recognition in the state), she entered the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina (now UNCG), where she studied piano, harmony and composition. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Music with a specialization in piano in 1926, and in organ in 1927.

In 1926 Hermene married George C. Eichhorn and took a job as organist at Holy Trinity Church in Greensboro, North Carolina. In 1928 she began writing a weekly column called “Music Notes” in the Greensboro Daily News. She succeeded Wade R. Brown as Choir Director at Holy Trinity in 1937.

Hermene Warlick Eichhorn (April 3, 1906 – October 3, 2001) was an American musician and composer. She was born in Hickory, North Carolina.