Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Records (MS-314)

The collection is a significant contribution to the local and regional history focus of the archives. The collection contains biographies, programs, newspaper clippings, photographs, board information, and marketing information. The collection has a large number of brochures and photographs from the last three decades of the 20th century. The organization’s early history is not documented in this collection. For additional information and further reference see, MS-102: The Paul Katz Papers, SC-67: Ann Kirk Diary, and MS-183: The Dayton Philharmonic Women’s Organization, which all have more information on this topic.

Series I, Administrative, 1959-2001 (bulk 1980-1999), includes the history of the orchestra as first gathered and published in 1973 for the fortieth anniversary and continued in 2003 for the seventieth. This series begins with the executive records such as Board of Trustee Minutes and committee notes. Financial records concerning the budget and annual reports follow. The bulk of the series are general administrative records such as newsletters, education programs and youth orchestra information. The series contains mostly records for the 1980s and 1990s, although the youth orchestra information dates from the 1960s.

Series II, Marketing, 1973-2005, has extensive files on the marketing issues and data used by the orchestra to recruit subscription members and to promote ticket sales. This series contains advertising campaigns, marketing expenses, audience surveys, sales reports, marketing videos, and press releases.

Series III, Photographs, 1933-2003 (bulk 1970-2000), is one of the collection’s strongest areas with hundreds of photos, proofsheets, negatives, and slides. The series is divided into two subseries, the first of which contains portraits of the music directors, musicians, Ensemble Groups, Board of Trustees, staff, and volunteers. Subseries III.B. contains photographs of Concerts and Events, and is arranged chronologically. Please note that many individuals are photographed during rehearsals, concerts, and events found in this subseries. This subseries also contains the formal photographs of the DPO and DPO Youth Orchestra within the chronological arrangement.

Series IV, Newspaper Clippings, 1941-1942, 1960-2004, contains clippings from local newspapers that feature the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra in articles or advertisements. The files are organized by date.

Series V, Program Booklets, 1933-2008, consist of programs of the orchestra’s performances. The files are organized by date. The dates are 1933 to 2004 with a large number of programs from the 1970s and 1980s. The Programs list the music performed, the musicians involved, and the advertising paid for by local agencies to help support the Orchestra.

Series VI, Concert Events, 1934-2010, contains programs, advertising materials, and administrative paperwork regarding specific concert events, either ongoing series, such as the Philharmonster concert, or single performance events. The file are organized alphabetically by event. Most date from 1991 to 2004. The exception is the Young People’s Concert materials which contain material from 1934 to 2010.

Series VII, Performers, 1979-2002, is organized alphabetically by performer’s last name. It contains details on the guest performers as well as some artists that were regular members of the orchestra. The files primarily contain the performer’s promotional materials, frequently including promotional photographs.

Series VIII, Audio-Visual Materials contains audio and video recordings. The series is divided into three subseries: performances, marketing, and sheet music. The Performance and Marketing subseries are subdivided first by type (audio or video), then chronologically. The Performance subseries contains mainly recordings of DPO concerts. The Marketing subseries contains mainly commercials or "promos" for radio and television. Several formats are present throughout this series, with the majority consisting of 1/4" sound reel tapes, audiocassette tapes, and VHS tapes. The last subseries contains a 6 spiral books of sheet music for the choir and orchestra. (Note: Some audio items in this series were previously listed as part of MS-102: Paul Katz Papers.)

Series IX, Oversize Materials, 1933-1934, Undated, is devoted primarily to the vast array of promotional artwork and posters produced for the orchestra’s advertising purposes. A small collection of oversized photographs is also included in this series. Series IX is located in oversize drawers 57-59.