Dick Charles papers
Scope and Contents
The Dick Charles papers contains dance band arrangements used by the Dick Charles Band, which was active in Michigan and later in California. The majority of the music is for saxophone ensemble or saxophone orchestra. These arrangements include popular dance tunes from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s and provide a rare glimpse into the performing life of big band musicians.
Note: Box and folder designations may not match the current inventory.
Dates
- Creation: 1888 - 1960
Creator
- Charles, Dick, 1919-1998 (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish material from this collection must be obtained from University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.
Biographical Note
The Sawyer Saxophone Orchestra was active throughout the Midwest in the 1920's and 1930's. Dick Charles, a student of H. Owen Reed, later took over the band, added to its repertoire, and changed its name to the Dick Charles Band. Under the new name, the band was active in Michigan and California. Dick Charles and his wife, Ruth, were both graduates of Michigan State University and retained a strong interest in the university.
Extent
5 Cubic Feet
Language of Materials
English
Custodial History
Mrs. Ruth Charles donated her late husband's music to the School of Music, which transferred it to Special Collections in the MSU Library. Later, the collection was transferred to the MSU Archives.
Legal Status
Copyright: Michigan State University. Property Rights: Michigan State University.
General Note
Research guide available at http://www.lib.msu.edu/node/4279/
Subject
- Dick Charles Band (Organization)
- Title
- Dick Charles Papers
- Status
- 4 Published And Cataloged
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
Repository Details
Part of the University Archives and Historical Collections Repository
Conrad Hall
943 Conrad Road, Room 101
East Lansing MI 48824 US
517-355-2330
archives@msu.edu