Music Department Records (RG 148)

1899-1997 (inclusive); 1908-1975 (bulk)
1.75 cubic feet and 1 reel microfilm

Scope and Content Note

Organized into 8 series; each series arranged chronologically.

Series one, General Correspondence, includes files from the tenure of department heads Paul Petri and Robert B. Walls. Series two contains the lists of departmental scholarships from 1956-1989. Series three is an historical sketch of the department, written for the University's 1968 centennial. Series four includes official memos issued by the department chair from 1966-1975. Series five contains staff meeting minutes and agendas from 1949-1975. Series six includes School of Music catalogs from 1908-1924.

Series seven contains phonograph recordings of OSU bands and choirs including the OSU Symphonic Band and the Choralaires. Recordings of the Symphonic Band performing the Oregon State Fight Song (Wilkins), the OSU March (Bruns), and the Alma Mater (Maris) are included. The "Face of Oregon" is a 1959 recording of excerpts of a concert of original music and script written, composed, and conducted by Music Department teaching staff in honor of the 100th anniversary of the State of Oregon. The concert featured the Glee and Madrigal Clubs, Choralaires, and the Concert Band.

Series eight consists of 6 scrapbooks containing clippings and programs of Music Department events from 1899 to 1961.


New Accession

New Accession, 2005

New Accessions, 2006 [multiple entries]

 

Historical Note

Music has been a part of the Oregon State University curriculum since 1871, when the first reference was made to it in the college catalog. Vocal study began in 1887 and a Cadet Band was formed in 1891. A Department of Music was first listed in the 1895-96 catalog. A conservatory style School of Music was organized in 1908 as a self-supporting department within the college, directed by William Frederick Gaskins. Paul Petri directed the school from 1924 until he retired in 1947. That year the program was also placed on the same academic basis as other college departments and headed by Robert Walls, who served until 1965. Other department chairs have included William A. Campbell, 1966-1978; David Eiseman, 1978-1987; Tharald Borgir, 1987- 1993; and Marlan Carlson, 1993-.

Related Materials

Photographs of Music Department events and academic programs are part of the Robert B. Walls Photographs (P 137), OSU Bands Photographic Collection (P 104), and Music Photographs (P 50). Published materials and other items are part of the Publications and Memorabilia Collections. Manuscript collections related to music include the Ted Mesang Music Manuscripts; the Catherine Perry Collection; the Nash Family Music Collection; and the Helen Plinkiewisch Papers.

Shelf Locations

  • 4/2/02/60
  • 7/1/2/b (16x20 oversize box)
  • 7/1/2/e-f (12x17 oversize boxes)
  • SR 1/2/9/42 (sound recordings)
  • microfilm cabinet

Inventory

(reel 1)

  • I. General Correspondence, 1938-1966:
    • Coliseum Sound System (proposed)
    • Ledgers, 1947-1961
    • Interinstitutional Television Report, 1960
    • Appraisal, Academic and Applied, 1962-63
    • New Conference Center
    • Course Renumbering (Trotter)
    • Cultural Affairs
    • Interfraternity Sing, 1948-1964
    • Catalog
    • Civil Service
    • Music Minor Requirements, Elementary
    • Educational Activities
    • Income, 1947-1959
    • Summer Teaching Regulations
    • Summer Session
    • Equipment Requests
    • Organ, 1952
    • Piano Purchases, 1938

(4/2/02/60)

  • II. Scholarships, 1956-1989 [11 folders]
  • III. "Historical Sketch of OSU Music Department, 1871-1967," ca. 1967
  • IV. Departmental Memos, 1966-1975
  • V. Staff Meetings:
    • Agendas, 1951-1963
    • Minutes, 1949-1975
  • VI. School of Music Catalogs, 1908-1924

(SR 1/2/9/42)

  • VII. Sound Recordings, ca. 1940s-1994:
    • Phonograph recordings:
      • Choralaires recorded in concert, 20 Feb. 1963; 33þ rpm disk.
      • Choralaires: The Robert B. Walls Years, 1947-1974, ca. 1974; 33þ rpm disk.
      • OSC Choir, ca. 1940s and 1950s; 78 rpm disks [formerly P48:24-25]. Recording available online in Best of the Archives.
      • OSU Choir on Tour, 1978; 33þ rpm disk.
      • OSC Band, ca. 1947; includes tribute to Harry Beard by Gordon Finlay; 78 rpm disk [formerly P48:26] Recording available online in Best of the Archives.
      • OSU Symphonic Band recorded during performance (School Educational Series #2), ca. 1970; 33þ rpm disk.
      • OSU Symphonic Band, ca. 1970; 33þ rpm disk; 3 copies [formerly P48:23]
      • OSU Symphonic Band, ca. 1972; 33þ rpm disk; 2 copies [formerly P104:65]
      • OSU Symphonic Band, Assembly concerts on tour, ca. 1970; 33þ rpm disk
      • OSU Symphonic Band on Tour, ca. 1975; 33þ rpm disk
      • OSU Symphonic Band, ca. 1976; 33þ rpm disk
      • The Face of Oregon, 1959; 33þ rpm disk; 4 copies
    • Cassette tapes:
      • OSU Symphonic Band Winter Concerts
        • March 8, 1994
        • March 9, 1997

(7/1/2/f - 12x17 oversize box)

  • VIII. Scrapbooks, 1899-1961
    • Historical Material - Music Programs, 1899-1930 [formerly B-52]
    • Music Department Clippings, 1948-1949 [formerly B-98]

(7/1/2/b - 16x20 oversize box)

    • Music Department Clippings for 1949/50 - 1954/55 [formerly B-99]
    • Music Department Clippings and Programs for 1955-1956 [formerly B-100]

(7/1/2/e - 12x17 oversize box)

    • Music Department Clippings and Programs for 1956-1958 [formerly B-101]
    • Music Department Clippings and Programs for 1958-1961 [formerly B-102]

 

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