The MSU Libraries Special Collections Division, in conjunction with the MSU Fine Arts--Music Library, is the repository for several outstanding collections of 20th Century music, primarily the works of individual composers or perfomers connected with MSU. Additions to existing collections and the donation of new collections are anticipated. Most of the material consists of scores, in published and/or manuscript form, correspondance, recordings, and books by the donors. Organization, conservation and preservation of current and future donations is of high priority. Through these donations, MSU Libraries has a unique opportunity to contribute to the work of performers and scholars studying compositional technique, repertoire, performance practice, popular entertainment, and the music and methods of individual composers.
H. Owen Reed Collection -- Dr. Reed taught theory and composition at MSU from 1939-1976, influencing generations of composers and also composing many significant works during these years. His donations began in 1985, and were completed in 1994. Scores, recordings, texts, correspondance, and photographs comprise the collection, and include the well-known "La Fiesta Mexicana" and "For the Unfortunate". "Michigan Dream", later retitled "Peter Homan's Dream", was written for the centennial of Michigan State, and provided the famous choral piece, "Michigan Morn". Dr. Reed received many awards and commissions, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, and was active in both classical and jazz fields. He continues to take an active interest in his collection and to send copies of any work which is revised.
Verdehr Trio Collection -- An ongoing donation of Walter Verdehr (violin) and Elsa Ludewig-Verdehr (clarinet) The Trio has made significant contributions to the world's literature for violin, clarinet and piano through their commissioning of works, funded in part by Michigan State University. Among the items in the collection are manuscripts, proof copies, printed scores, correspondance, concert programs, and other materials relating to the Trio's tours, performances and commissions. Among the composers represented are Leslie Bassett, John Biggs, David Diamond, Elena Firsova, Gian-Carlo Menotti, James Niblock, and Gunther Schuller. The Trio's goal is to have 150 works commissioned by 2005, the 150th anniversary of Michigan State. A grant has enabled videotaped interviews with the various composers, which will be edited and donated to the Collection. The Verdehrs are faculty members in the MSU School of Music.
Dick Charles Collection -- This donation consists of four trunks of dance band arrangements used by the Dick Charles Band, which was active in Michigan and later in California. Ruth and Dick Charles were both graduates of MSU in the 1940s, and retained a strong interest in the university; Dick was a student of H. O. Reed. Mrs. Charles donated her late husband's music to the School of Music, which transferred it to Special Collections. These complete arrangements of popular dance tunes from the 1930s, l940s and l950s provide a rare glimpse into the performing life of big band musicians.
Merrill Sherburn Collection -- Compositions and theoretical works by the late MSU professor, donated by his family. Dr. Sherburn was one of the first to investigate aural harmony and to write about the ear/brain connection.
Jere Hutcheson Collection -- Dr. Hutcheson, MSU alumnus, current faculty member and student of H. Owen Reed, established his archives in 1998 and has donated the majority of his completed compositions. A grant enabled him to transfer his recordings to compact disc; copies are available in Special Collections and Fine Arts. The accompanying scores, parts and papers were organized to correspond with the CDs. Future compositions will be added to the archives.
Roger Grove Collection -- Roger Grove, MSU alumnus and donor, presented his grandfather's dance orchestra music in arrangements popular throughout central Michigan in the early 1900s. The collection also includes photographs, programs, playbills, and sheet music published in Lansing by Mr. von Richter, a violinist based in Fowlerville.
Joe Cappo Band Collection -- Joe Cappo was a bandleader based in Michigan, touring throughout the US, until his untimely death in 1951. His widow, Elsie, made the donation in September 2000 through her daughters; she was an employee of the MSU Libraries and also manager of the Band, which she kept active into the 1970s. Many performances were donated to support MSU causes. The donation consists of 5 boxes of pencilled arrangements for the 12-piece dance band.
James Niblock Collection -- Dr. Niblock joined the MSU faculty in 1948 as professor of theory and composition and served for a number of years as department chair. He has begun the donation of his music with several choral pieces, an opera, a band work, and several chamber music pieces; he anticipates additional contributions over the next few years. His recent compositions include several works for the Verdehr Trio; he is currently writing an opera to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, which was co-founded by several MSU faculty members.
