The Dean's office files of the School of Music contain information dating from 1932 to 1972. However, most of the earliest material and the latest material are contained in the personnel files (boxes 1-4); the bulk of material found in the remainder of the collection (boxes 5-12) dates from approximately 1956 to 1963.
The personnel file, boxes 1-4, are arranged alphabetically and includes the following information concerning former faculty of the School of Music:biographical data, notices of appointment, correspondence (memorandams, interdepartmental communications, letters to the dean from faculty, letters to the president from the dean, and various other letters), concert programs and announcements, concert publicity (newspaper and magazine clippings), etc...
Boxes 5-12 contain the remainder of the dean's files and are also arranged alphabetically. These files contain administrative correspondence, material concerning various music clubs and organizations, budgets and contracts, curriculum information, convocation information and programs, concert and recital programs, student information, gifts reports, and material concerning the School of Music's involvement with teaching in the Louisville Public Schools.
The student information in these files is limited. Class lists are available for 1959-60 and 1962-63. There is one folder of Dean's lists, students with poor scholastic standings, probation, etc..., 1952-63. Also, there is a folder of honors for graduates, 1961-62.
As was previously mentioned files 5-12 contain material dating mostly between the years 1956-63. However, many folders contain information for only one or two years from this span.
The last three folders in the collection (they were not included alphabetically with the rest of the files) contain concert and recital programs for the years 1959-62 (XI - 6 & 7, XII - 1).
University records more than 25 years old are generally open; however, some records may be restricted by statute or federal law.
The copyright interests are owned by the University of Louisville. Materials are restricted in accordance with federal and state statutes governing university records.
5.75 linear feet (11 mss boxes, 1 half-mss box)
In February, 1932 President Raymond A. Kent and the Board of Trustees of the University of Louisville announced the establishment of the School of Music, and the appointment of Jacques Jolas as Dean. Jacques Jolas, a noted pianist, was sent by The Julliard School of Music in New York City to Louisville to serve temporarily as dean and to get the new school on its feet. In 1935 an administrative Committee, consisting of President Kent, Chairman, E.J. Wotawa, Executive Secretary, Dwight Anderson, and W. Lawrence Cook took over the direction of the school.
Dwight Anderson was appointed dean in 1937. In 1947 the School of Music moved to Gardencourt, a gift of the heirs of Miss Mattie A. Norton, in recognition of the growth and artistic progress of the school under Mr. Anderson's leadership. Dwight Anderson resigned as dean in 1956 to devote his full time to teaching.
Robert Whitney, conductor and Musical Director of the Louisville Orchestra, was then made dean. He served in this capacity until June 30, 1971. He was succeeded by Jerry W. Ball, Professor of French Horn, as Dean of the School of Music. Mr. Ball had been assistant dean.
Part of the University of Louisville Archives and Special Collections Repository