Inventory of the Common Woman Chorus Records, 1985-2004 and undated
[top]Descriptive Summary
Repository
Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library, Duke
University
Creator
Common Woman Chorus
Title
Common Woman Chorus Records, 1985-2004 and undated
Language of Material
Material in English
Extent
8.5 Linear Feet
4,500 Items
Abstract
4,500 Items
Lesbian feminist choral group established in the Durham-Raleigh-Chapel Hill area (N.C.) in 1983.
The Common Woman Chorus records contain material dating from 1985 to 2004. The records primarily comprise sheet music, concert programs, publicity, correspondence, and administrative records. Although the records contain mostly print material, a few color photographs, audiocassettes, one video, electronic word documents, two t-shirts, and two sweatshirts are also included.
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Administrative Information
Access RestrictionsCollection is open for research.
However, collection may contain materials to which the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights form applies. Patrons must sign this form before using this collection.
Researchers wishing to use membership materials that contain personal information must secure written permission from the president of the organization or designee before access may be granted by the libray.
Original audiovisual recordings in this collection are not immediately accessible because they require further processing before use.
Please note that all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.
Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library to use this collection.
Copyright Notice
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Common Woman Chorus Records, Rare Book,
Manuscript, and Special Collections Library, Duke University.
Provenance
The Common Woman Chorus Records were received by the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library as a
gift in 2004.
Processing Information
Processed by Lindsay Matson, March 2009
Encoded by Lindsay Matson, March 2009
Accessions 2004-0075 and 2004-0323 were merged into one collection, described in this finding aid.
Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS, EAD, NCEAD guidelines, and local Style Guide.
This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.
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Biographical Note
The Common Woman Chorus, founded in 1983 and based in the Durham-Raleigh-Chapel Hill area of North Carolina, performs musical selections that highlight the diversity and strength of women's lives and experiences. The Common Woman Chorus took its name from a Judy Grahn poem that reads, "A common woman is as common as a common loaf of bread...and will rise." The chorus frequently combines political activism and music by performing at benefits for progressive organizations. The mission of the Common Woman Chorus is to entertain and educate the local community while refining musical skills and developing friendships.
[top]Collection Overview
The Common Woman Chorus records contain material dating from 1985 to 2004 relating to the group's musical and fund-raising activities. The records primarily comprise sheet music, concert programs, publicity, correspondence, and administrative records. Although the records contain mostly print material, a few color photographs, audiocassettes, one video, electronic word documents, two t-shirts, and two sweathirts are also included. Use copies of original audiovisual recordings will need to be created before items can be accessed by researchers. Acquired as part of the Sallie Bingham Center for Women’s History and Culture.
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Subject Headings
These are searchable subject entries for this collection. Performing a search on these subjects in the Duke University Libraries online catalog will bring up other related research materials.
- Audiocassettes.
- Choruses (Women's voices).
- Common Woman Chorus.
- Feminism--United States.
- Flyers (printed matter).
- Lesbians--United States.
- Machine-readable records.
- North Carolina--Social life and customs--20th century.
- Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture.
- Sheet music.
- Women's music.
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 | List of Series in Collection | |||||||
 |  | Common Woman Chorus Records, 1985-2004 and undated | ||||||
Detailed Description of Collection
Common Woman Chorus Records, 1985-2004 and undated
(10 boxes)
Materials are arranged alphabetically by folder title, followed by audiovisual and oversize material. Original folder titles were retained.
[Original recordings are closed to research. Use copies need to be created before contents can be accessed.]
Box 1
ASCAP information/forms, 1999
Board, 1987-2004
Board bylaws, undated
Broadway Our Way, undated
Business documents, 2000 and undated
Cabaret, 1996
Catalogs, 2002
Chorus, 1985-1999 and undated
Chorus business, 1996-2001 (3 folders)
Concert notes, 1996-2002 (2 folders)
Concert programs, 1994-2004
Concerts and fundraisers, 1997-1998
Box 2
Correspondence, 1997-2002
Emcee script sample, 1999
ERUUF (Eno River Unitarian-Universal Fellowship) rental, 1992-1999
Farewell to Eleanor, 2001 Jan. 27
Financial reports, 1985-2003
Flyer file, 1992-2002 and undated (2 folders)
Flyer/program ideas, 1993-2001 and undated
GALA (Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses), 1997-2002
GALA handbook, 1990
Box 3
Grant writing, 2002 and undated
Handbooks and forms, 2001
Historic, 1986-1996 and undated
Introductions to music, 1998-1999 and undated
Legal documents, 1986-2001
LGBT newsletters and information, 2001-2002 and undated
Love Love Love, 2002-2003
Music selection committee, 1995-2002 and undated (folders 1-3 of 9)
Box 4
Music selection committee, 1995-2002 and undated (folders 4-9 of 9)
Music selection committee orders, 2000 and undated
New documents, 2001
Non-profit, 2001 and undated
Other choruses, 2000-2003 and undated
Box 5
Photographs, circa 1997 and undated
Publicity committee, 2000-2001 and undated
Rosters, 1995-2001 and undated
Researchers wishing to use membership materials that contain personal information must secure written permission from the president of the organization or designee before access may be granted by the libray.
Sheet music (folders 1-8 of 29)
Box 6
Sheet music (folders 9-15 of 29)
Box 7
Sheet music (folders 16-22 of 29)
Box 8
Sheet music (folders 23-28 of 29)
Box 9
Sheet music (folder 29 of 29)
Surveys, 2000-2003 and undated
Audio cassettes, 1996 and undated
[Original recordings are closed to use. Listening copies must be made before contents can be accessed.]
Video,
"The Eleanor Sableski Era,"
1983-2001
[Use copy needs to be created before item can be accessed for research.]
Box 10
Oversize material
Box contains t-shirts and sweatshirts, a few large digital prints, and music selection committee notes on a piece of cardboard.
Diskette
1
Electronic files
The majority of these are routine one-page documents outlining the responsibilities of various Common Woman Chorus committee leaders.
[Files have been mounted on the library server. For access, please contact a reference archivist.]
