Dakota Composers Records

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: OGLMC-1334

Scope and Contents

The Dakota Composers Records, 1984-1989, include correspondence, financial records, concert programs, grant applications, newsletters, a mailing list, a 1987 Lecture Workshop survey, newspaper clippings, sheet music, a scrapbook, and miscellaneous pamphlets. Correspondence, newspaper clippings and the scrapbook document the group's formation and early development. Group activities, including musical performances and competitions, lectures and workshops are documented through correspondence, newspaper clippings, concert programs and newsletters. Newspaper clippings and two folders of correspondence, dated 1984-1985, relate to "The North: Symphony for Orchestra," a piece composed by Thomas Peterson and commissioned by the Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra.

Dates

created: 1984-1989
Other: Date acquired: 03/06/1996

Conditions Governing Access

Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.

Biographical or Historical Information

The Dakota Composers was established in Grand Forks, North Dakota, in 1984. The group initially called itself the Dakota Young Composers "for the relative age in experience of its members." Nevertheless, some members were older, established area musicians, including University of North Dakota instructor Robert Wharton and pianists Henry Rose and Paul Swenson. The Composers were loosely modeled after the Minnesota Composers Forum, and several of its members had been involved with that group. Until disbanding in 1990, the Composers frequently held concerts, meetings, and special sessions with guest composers. Musicians from several areas of North Dakota were members, although UND faculty and students constituted the majority.

Note written by

Full Extent

0.75 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Grand Forks club active from 1984 to 1990

Custodial History

The materials had been housed in Dr. Thomas Peterson's former office, which was located in the University of North Dakota Music Library. Dr. Peterson was a founding member of the Dakota Composers.