Virginia Root Collection, 1847-1945 | The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music

Description: On Tuesday, 22 August 2000 the personal papers and performance collection of Sousa Band vocal soloist Virginia Root were acquired by the Sousa Archives for Band Research from Dr. John and Dr. Joan Dudd of Three Rivers, Michigan. Sousa biographer Paul E. Bierley provided a summary appraisal of the collection, which on accessioning comprised ca. 3 cubic feet. of materials including: manuscript and published vocal/piano music, much of which bears Root's signature and performance practice markings (381 published songs, vocal collections, and libretti) 5 published Sousa songs and the piano/vocal score to El Capitan inscribed by Sousa to Root a Sousa holograph (piano/vocal score, 2 p.; complete), a setting of "The Milkmaid" titled, "Hey, Dolly" [words from the song] photographs (i.e., Root; Sousa, his daughter Helen, Root, and other Sousa Band members in South Africa; Sousa Band at Willow Grove Park, and several other images) post cards of the Sousa Band in Willow Grove Park Sousa Band concert programs and route sheets (1915) numerous clippings (announcements and reviews of performances) two scrapbooks (clippings, concert programs) assorted concert and recital programs several volumes of the Musical Courier and Musical America that include journal articles related to Root.