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University of Washington School of Music records, 1850-2018

Overview of the Collection

Creator
University of Washington. School of Music
Title
University of Washington School of Music records
Dates
1850-2018 (inclusive)
Quantity
27.82 cubic feet (57 boxes, 1 oversize folder, and 3 vertical files)
Collection Number
UW Resource No. 00285
Summary
Correspondence, programs, scrapbooks, subject files, committee records, musical scores, reports and publications, and other records of the School
Repository
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

The records are generally open to all users, but access to portions of the records is restricted. Contact the Special Collections division of the University of Washington Libraries for details.

Some material stored offsite; advance notice required for use.

Request at UW

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was partially provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities
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Historical Note

In 1875 the first list of classes offered at the University of Washington was published, and classes in music were among them. By the time Washington became a state in 1889, there were classes in harmony, composition, orchestration, and practical instruction. An orchestra was organized soon after. In 1894 the catalogue was revised according to Stanford University's system of majors and electives. Nine regular departments and three special departments were established, including the Department of Music. By 1895 music students were assisting with programs at musical and social affairs and organizations, including the Seattle Ladies Musical Club.

The New York Building, erected for the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, was the home of the School of Music from 1927 to 1950. During those years, practice rooms and studios were also maintained in the basement of Meany Hall. Concert series were sponsored regularly by the Associated Students of the University of Washington, the University Office of Concerts and Lectures, the Adult Education and Extension Departments, and the University Forum. Summer concerts and festivals, including Festival Opera and chamber music events, were presented annually. In June 1950 the School of Music moved into its new building in the University of Washington Quadrangle.

Irving McKay Glen served as dean of the Department of Music from 1901 to 1915. He became dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in 1915 but may have continued to oversee the School of Music until 1932, when Frances Dickey assumed leadership. The Department of Music was reorganized in 1935 as the School of Music, and Frances Dickey continued to serve as executive officer. Carl Paige Wood succeeded Dickey as director and held that position until his death in January 1947. Kathleen Munro was acting director from January 1947 to September 1948, when Stanley Chapple filled the position. In 1962 Demar Irvine became acting director until William Bergsma took over, serving from 1963 to 1971. John T. Moore, previously the assistant director of the School of Music, was director from 1971 to 1979. Succeeding directors were Paul M. Palombo (1979-1981), Fredric Lieberman (1981-1985), Daniel M. Neuman (1985-1995), Robin McCabe (1995-2009), Richard Karpen (2009-2019), JoAnn Taricani (2019- ).

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Content Description

Textual records of the School of Music, including correspondence, programs, scrapbooks, subject files, committee records, musical scores, newsletters, faculty meeting minutes, course materials, and reports and publications.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Use of these public records is unrestricted when access is granted.

Alternative Forms Available

View selections from the collection in digital format

Preferred Citation

University of Washington School of Music Records. Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries, Seattle, Washington.

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

Organized into 9 accessions.

  • Accession No. 04-083, University of Washington School of Music records, 1912-1991
  • Accession No. 07-007, University of Washington School of Music programs, 1967-2002
  • Accession No. 12-013, University of Washington School of Music records, 1971-1998
  • Accession No. 12-026, University of Washington School of Music records, 1969-2008
  • Accession No. 13-004, University of Washington School of Music publications, 1950-2012
  • Accession No. 14-010, University of Washington School of Music programs, 2008-2009
  • Accession No. 18-003, University of Washington School of Music records, 1850-1992
  • Accession No. 19-009, University of Washington School of Music programs, 1928-2018
  • Accession No. 22-021, University of Washington School of Music records, 1993-2017
  • Accession No. 22-028, University of Washington School of Music records, 1937-1997

Separated Materials

Material Described Separately:

University of Washington School of Music photograph collection (PH1316)

Processing Note

208 black-and-white photographic prints, 20 negatives, and 2 photograph albums were relocated to the University of Washington School of Music Photograph Collection, PH Accession No. 2004-096, in 2004.

One card written by Charles Gounod, 1879, in a hand-made folder, was relocated to the division's Book Arts Collection in October 2004.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

 


2006 (Last modified: 5/3/2024)

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