Research Catalog
Blanche K. Thomas papers, 1934-1979 (bulk).
- Title
- Blanche K. Thomas papers, 1905-1979, 1934-1979 (bulk).
- Author
- Thomas, Blanche K., 1885-1977.
- Supplementary Content
- Finding aid
Items in the Library & Off-site
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2 Results Found
| Status | Vol/Date | Format | Access | Call Number | Item Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Available - Can be used on site. Please visit New York Public Library - Schomburg Center to submit a request in person. | Box 2 | Mixed material | Use in library | Sc MG 179 Box 2 | Schomburg Center - Manuscripts & Archives |
Available - Can be used on site. Please visit New York Public Library - Schomburg Center to submit a request in person. | Box 1 | Mixed material | Use in library | Sc MG 179 Box 1 | Schomburg Center - Manuscripts & Archives |
Details
- Description
- 1.2 lin. ft.
- Subjects
- Genre/Form
- Love letters.
- Postcards.
- Scores.
- Sheet music.
- Note
- Photographs transferred to Photographs and Prints Division.
- Biography (note)
- African-American music teacher and composer, Blanche K. Thomas was the founder of the Thomas Music Study Club. Thomas graduated from the Juilliard School of Music (1928) and studied choral conducting at the Westminster Choir School. In 1932 she organized a mixed ensemble of youth to study and perform the music of African-American composers. Annual recitals were presented at a variety of New York venues including Carnegie Hall and the New York World's Fair. Originally called the Thomas Negro Composers Study Group, the organization became affiliated with the National Association of Negro Musicians in 1940 and continued under the name of the Thomas Music Study Group. Thomas also served as the director of church school music at New York's St. Philip's Church and was supervisor of church school music at St. James Presbyterian Church.
- Call Number
- Sc MG 179
- Author
- Thomas, Blanche K., 1885-1977.
- Title
- Blanche K. Thomas papers, 1905-1979, 1934-1979 (bulk).
- Summary
- The Blanche K. Thomas Papers reflect some aspects of the musical career of this teacher and composer. The Personal papers series (1905-1979) includes a love letter written by her future husband, Joseph, during their engagement (1905), certificates and citations.The series Music Career (1934-1977) includes incoming letters, and programs, newsletters and programs and materials related to the Thomas Music Studio and the National Association of Negro Musicians. There is music composed by Thomas, both holograph and printed, including her musical arrangements of songs her choir group performed. An "Index of Songs" contains an alphabetical listing of songs and Thomas' file numbers along with sheet music and some holograph music, lists and letters, 1940s-1950s. It appears the index served as Thomas' organizational guide for recitals. The collection also includes other sheet music and songbooks, many written by African-American composers.
- Biography
- African-American music teacher and composer, Blanche K. Thomas was the founder of the Thomas Music Study Club. Thomas graduated from the Juilliard School of Music (1928) and studied choral conducting at the Westminster Choir School. In 1932 she organized a mixed ensemble of youth to study and perform the music of African-American composers. Annual recitals were presented at a variety of New York venues including Carnegie Hall and the New York World's Fair. Originally called the Thomas Negro Composers Study Group, the organization became affiliated with the National Association of Negro Musicians in 1940 and continued under the name of the Thomas Music Study Group. Thomas also served as the director of church school music at New York's St. Philip's Church and was supervisor of church school music at St. James Presbyterian Church.
- Connect to:
- Local Subject
- Black author.
- Research Call Number
- Sc MG 179