Expanding the Repertoire

Title: Expanding the Repertoire
Description: In all areas, Patterson sought to expand classical music’s repertoire past its traditional, conservative limits. His two published Anthologies of Art Songs by Black American Composers (1977 and 2002) are perhaps the most concrete example of this expansion. However, his mission also informed his teaching, coordination of symposia and concerts, and efforts to bring visiting scholars and artists to campus.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Out of all of Patterson’s wide-ranging efforts to diversify the classical repertoire, which do you believe had the capacity to be the most influential? Do these modes still have the same potential for impact today?

What might have to be adjusted in order to successfully implement Patterson’s strategies at SMTD today? What can we learn from his work to expand the repertoire, and what should be left in the past?

What concerted efforts to expand the classical repertoire are ongoing at SMTD? How are they similar or different from these archival examples?

RELATED COLLECTIONS:; Scholarship; Artistry; BIPOC Platforming

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Con Brio: A Newsletter of the National Black Music Caucus, Vol. 1, No. 1
A newsletter published by the National Black Music Caucus, overseen by Willis Patterson as the Executive Secretary.
Patterson To Conclude Series On Black Music
A feature on Willis Patterson and the Black Music Series, with the last concert of the series happening the next day (04/08/1973).
Letter to Charles R. Eilber from Willis Patterson
A letter to the Director of the Interlochen Arts Academy advocating for two the inclusion of Natalie Hinderas (concert pianist and lecturer on Black composers) and the Virginia State College Symphony Band (an HBCU) in Interlochen's programming.
Black American Composers Concert Program
Program for a free concert of Black American Composers in celebration of Black History Week, featuring compositions by John Work, Scott Joplin, George Walker, and others performed by students of the University of Michigan School of Music. The concert was held on February 26, 1978 at 4pm in the Rackham Assembly Hall. The program is dedicated to Dr. Eva Jessye and Professor Willis Patterson.
Letter to Paul Boylan and CDR Members from Willis Patterson
A letter expressing both the voice department's ambivalence towards the student course proposal on the art songs of Black composers and Patterson's personal strong support for it. His diverging opinions from the department are of particular interest. Two pages of the letter present, but it is incomplete in the archive file.
Letter to Richard English, William Cash, Rosellen Cheek, Henry Johnson, and Gwendolyn Baker from Willis Patterson
A letter to multiple administrators, including the director of the affirmative action program, requesting funds for a second year's worth of concerts in collaboration with the Eva Jessye Afro-American Music Collection.
Letter to Paul Boylan from Leonard Johnson
A letter expressing support for the proposal for a course on the art songs of Black composers. Cites a NASM review stating the the School of Music could benefit from "expanding our comparatively conservative offerings."
Letter to the School of Music Student Council from Oral Moses
A letter from Oral Moses on behalf on the Minority Students' Association of the School of Music requesting financial support from a recital of music by Black composers in celebration of Black History Week.
Letter to Henry Johnson, Richard English, and William Cash from Willis Patterson
Request for funds from the university administration in support of the Black Art Song Series, detailing that and related research projects such as Patterson's anthology.
Letter to Willis Patterson from Paul Boylan, August 15, 1977
Discussion of funds in support of the Black Art Song Series and George Shirley's work as a visiting professor over the summer.
Letter to Marian Anderson from Willis Patterson
Invitation to be honored at the University of Michigan Institute of Gerontology's festival of aging and the art of living. The letter also discusses the need for a Black art song anthology, which Patterson was working on.
School of Music Report of Faculty Activities 1975
A report of Willis Patterson's teaching, professional, research, and service activities across all three terms of 1975.
Letter to Willis Patterson from Charlotte Heth, August 11, 1988
A letter inquiring about details of Charlotte Heth's upcoming visit to campus through the King/Chavez/Parks Visiting Professor Program, with a short biography and Heth's abbreviated CV enclosed.
All African American Orchestra Concert at Symposium 2000
The poster and program for the All African American Orchestra Concert at Symposium 2000, The Fine and Performing Arts of African Americans: Enhancing Education (Dr. Willis C. Patterson, Dir.). The symposium was held at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI from March 2–8, 2000, but the concert was held at Detroit Orchestra Hall on March 6, 2000. The orchestra was conducted by Michael Morgan.
Letter to Marilyn Gordon from Angela Jones, April 7, 1988
This letter to Marilyn Gordon, Coordinator of Minority Affairs and the Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP), and the rest of the SROP selection committee outlines Jones's research objectives for the summer of 1988 if selected for SROP, with Willis Patterson as her research mentor.
Letter to Black Businesses from Willis Patterson
Form letter sent to top 100 Black businesses soliciting financial contributions in support of the Black American Music Symposium. Summarizes the symposium's goals, potential impact, and budget.
Memorandum to Michigan Daily from Willis Patterson regarding Dr. Charlotte Heth, Native American - Visiting KCP Professor in Music
Request to print notice of Charlotte Heth's visit through the King/Chavez/Parks Visiting Professor Program and the schedule of events. Refers to Heth as "one of a very few (if not the only) Native Americans who has been invited to our campus under the auspices of this program."
Vocal Music by Black Composers Course Proposal
Course proposal submitted to Dean Paul Boylan for a course titled "Vocal Music of Black Composers." Covers objective, rationale, audience, prerequisites, suggested professor (Willis Patterson), and suggested bibliography, among other items.
Art Songs by Black Female Composers Concert Program and Lyrics Sheets
4 page program for concert of compositions by Dorothy Rudd Moore, Florence Price, and Margaret Bonds, performed by Jacqueline Paige Green (soprano), Diane Bischak (violinist), Charles Lloyd (pianist), Willis Patterson (bass), Sylvia Olden Lee (pianist), Claritha Buggs (soprano), and Kermit Moore (cellist); 2 pages of lyrics. Part of the Black Art Song Series/Black American Composers concert series.