Collection Overview
- 19 linear feet of music, principally orchestral parts (approximately 1890-1960)
Resources
The Orchestral Dance Music Collection comprises donations to the Warren D. Allen Music Library from various donors. A significant portion came from former flute professor Charles Delaney and includes materials formerly belonging to bandleader George Parry. It features jazz, ragtime, big band, and other styles of dance tunes that rose to prominence over the course of the decades from the 1890s to the late 1950s. Pieces in the collection are principally parts, although some also have scores, for a variety of orchestras and ensembles.
Charles Delaney (1925-2006) was Professor of Flute at Florida State University from 1976-2000. Professor Delaney came to FSU in 1976 following a 25 year tenure at the University of Illinois – Champaign-Urbana. During his musical career, he became internationally known through his accomplishments as a performer, teacher, composer, recording artist, conductor, and clinician. George E. Parry (1870-1954) was a Champaign jeweler and orchestra leader. Earlier in life spent two years working for the Illinois Central. He also served as Champaign township supervisor for four years.
The collection is available for research by appointment in the music library. For information, please contact our Head Librarian, Laura Gayle Green.