MenuInventory of the Common Woman Chorus Records, 1985-2010 and undated
Abstract
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 2010. The records primarily comprise sheet music, concert programs, publicity, correspondence, and administrative records. Although the records contain mostly print material, they also include some color photographs, audiocassettes, videos, electronic word documents, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. Acquired as part of the Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture.
Descriptive Summary
- Repository
- David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
- Creator
- Common Woman Chorus
- Title
- Common Woman Chorus Records, 1985-2010 and undated
- Language of Material
- English
- Extent
- 10.8 Linear Feet, 5,500 Items
- Location
- For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Collection Overview
The Common Woman Chorus records contain material dating from 1985 to 2010 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, videos, electronic word documents, t-shirts, and 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.
Administrative Information
Collections are on the move for the renovation of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Contact Rubenstein Library staff before visiting. Read More »
Access Restrictions
Collection 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 David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.
Use Restrictions
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 David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
Contents of the Collection
Browse List of Series
Collapse All
Expand AllMaterials 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 contains t-shirts and sweatshirts, a few large digital prints, and music selection committee notes on a piece of cardboard.
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.]
Accession (2011-0187), 1992-2010
Sheet music, board meeting notes, planning materials, and audio recordings of Common Woman Chorus concerts and events, largely dating from the late 1990s and early 2000s. The largest batch of material relates to the planning and advertising of Raising Our Voices: A Breast Cancer Benefit concert held by CWC in November 2004. Also includes flyers, publicity materials, t-shirts, and correspondence between chorus members, as well as notes and internal documentation kept by chorus secretary Betty Prioux.
Materials are arranged thematically by event and format, and are in loose chronological order. Audiovisual materials will need to be reformatted prior to use.
Historical 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.
Subject Headings
- 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.
Related Material
- Atlanta Lesbian Feminist Alliance (ALFA) Archives (David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University)
- Charis Books and More - Charis Circle Records (David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University)
- Ladyslipper, Inc. Records (David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University)
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Common Woman Chorus Records, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library
Provenance
The Common Woman Chorus Records were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library as a gift in 2004 and 2011.
Processing Information
Processed by Lindsay Matson, March 2009
Encoded by Lindsay Matson, March 2009
Updated with new addition by Meghan Lyon, October 2011
Accessions 2004-0075, 2004-0323, and 2011-0187 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.