Working for The New York Public Library, one of the foremost research institutions in the world (and not just IMHO), I come across some pretty interesting stuff, sometimes by design, sometimes by accident. Today I was far from my usual turf, attending a presentation of music-related materials at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (a branch of NYPL's research division). One of the items presented was a large photograph of the "Victorian Concert Orchestra; Boston, Mass.; conducted by Clarence Cameron White, 1912-1918". The personnel are entirely African American and constitute what appears to be a fully complete orchestra of chamber size, but including at least one of each wind and brass instrument, including (here is where it gets HR) a horn. I have absolutely no further information on this ensemble. There is plenty to be found in libraries, archives and on the Internet on Clarence Cameron White as a composer, violinist and teacher, but none of the material I've seen so far mentions this ensemble. I could spend a lot of time perusing the collected papers of White that are available to researchers, but I thought that someone more knowledgeable on the Boston musical scene c. 1912 or who has looked into African American musicians or horn players (John Mason, are you still on this list?) could help me cut to the chase. I'd particularly like to find information about the orchestra (professional, educational, other?) and the identity of the horn player.
Anyone? Just call me curious, but lazy. Peter Hirsch _______________________________________________ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
