Overview of the Collection
Repository:
Special Collections & Archives
McIntyre Library
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
P.O. Box 4004
105 Garfield Ave.
Eau Claire, WI 54702 – 4004
(715) 836-2739
https://library.uwec.edu/archives/
Reference Code: USGZE UHC263
Accession Number: 06-99
Collection Number: University Historical Collection 263
Creators: Hastings, Ross and Janet Peterson
Title: Ross Hastings Collection.
Dates: 1917-2003
Quantity: 20.9 linear feet (5 archives boxes, 8.5 record cartons, 9 audiotape boxes, and 5 oversized boxes)
Location of Collection: A10/2b-e, A10/1h, A2/2d, A2/2d, A4/2b
Languages: Collection materials are in English.
Summary: Ross Hastings was a composer, arranger and music editor during the mid-twentieth century from Southern California. The collection includes personal and professional records.
Biographical / Historical Note
Ross Ray Hastings was born in Clara Barton Hospital, Los Angeles, California, on February 26, 1915, across the street from the Philharmonic Auditorium, which he was associated with in various ways until 1945. He received his early training from his father, Dr. Ray Hastings, who had a college degree and an honorary doctorate. After graduation, Ray Hastings spent a year in Germany and Paris, where he studied with the French organist Joseph Bonnet, and he was later an organist associated with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and Temple Baptist Church for thirty years. Ross began learning to play the piano at seven and began writing music at thirteen. His father taught him harmony, which he mastered at fourteen, and by seventeen he was seriously composing. Formal music, with the exception of one semester at the University of Southern California, was unknown to him. He credited his father with most of what he knew of music.
He attended Page and Harvard Military schools and graduated from Alhambra High School in California at age 16 in 1931. After his graduation from high school he had odd jobs, such as ushering at the auditorium, soda jerking, chauffeuring, uncrating furniture, hanging pants for a men's outfitting concern, and doing outside contract work selling tickets for the Hollywood Bowl. In the summer of 1934 he and a friend, Henry Putnam, took jobs aboard a Dollar Line ship bound for the Orient. Ross shipped out as a wiper, cleaning floor plates in the engine room. He later expressed that his time at sea was one of the biggest thrills of his life. Upon returning, he attended the University of Southern California for one semester and went back to ushering at the Philharmonic Auditorium. Ross always said he also absorbed a great deal of knowledge through his years as an usher in the Philharmonic Auditorium, where all cultural programs that came to Los Angeles, musical and otherwise, were performed. Since the auditorium at that time was used for all of the city's major musical events, it became as much a part of his education as his attendance at the University of Southern California, according to former UWEC Symphonic Band Director, Donald S. George.
Ross married Louise Taylor in 1936, with whom he had two children, Verdi and Stephen. In 1937 he took a job with an upholstery company as maintenance man. He worked himself up to office manager, still continuing to work for the Philharmonic at night. In 1942 at the age of 27, while employed at the upholstery company, he won $6,000 (including the $5,000 grand prize) in the Great American Operetta Quest sponsored by the Chicago Tribune and Radio Station WGN with his composition “America Loves a Melody.”
In 1946 he moved to San Diego. For three years he served as orchestrator for the San Diego Symphony under Fabien Sevitzky, who performed Hastings’s Sketch for Orchestra. Hastings was assistant conductor to Dr. Sevitzky in 1950, and in 1958 the symphony commissioned his Sonatina for Orchestra which it performed under Maurice Abravanel. In 1955 Hastings migrated to New York, where he spent his winters composing. In 1956 Hastings’s setting of “George Washington’s Prayer for the Nation” was performed on Arlene Francis's Home Show. That same year the Bell Telephone Hour presented his setting of “The Prayer of St. Francis” as part of their annual Easter Show featuring Eileen Farrell.
After Ross and Louise divorced, he married Marion Gullick in 1958. For six summers, between 1957 and 1962, he returned to California to serve as music coordinator and staff arranger-orchestrator for the Hollywood Bowl Pops Concerts; Hastings prepared orchestrations for such conductors as Carmen Dragon, Andre Kostelanetz, and Meredith Willson. Hastings continued to win awards for his compositions. In 1960 he won the National Anthem Contest sponsored by the Park Avenue Christian Church of New York, and his “Sinfonia Brevis” for large orchestra won the National Composition Competition in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “God Be Merciful,” which won the 300th Anniversary contest of the First Presbyterian Church of Jamaica, N.Y., was performed under Ross Hastings' direction by a massed chorus of five choirs at a commemorative concert of sacred music in May 1962.
Hastings’ career as an editor began in 1962 when he joined the staff of the Music Publishers Holding Corporation (Warner Bros.) where he was appointed assistant to the editor-in-chief. He resigned from MPHC in 1970 to become a part-time editor for Alfred Music Co. In 1973 he became chief editor at Bourne Co., a publisher specializing in educational music. He was with Bourne until he retired in 1979 to devote his time to composing. In 1981 UW-Eau Claire commissioned him to write a Christmas piece to involve the Symphony Band, Symphony Orchestra, and all the choral ensembles. The Joy of Christmas was premiered on December 9, 1989, at UW-Eau Claire's annual Holiday Concert and has been performed at each Holiday Concert since. After a year of illness, Ross Hastings died peacefully at home on July 5, 1991. His papers were donated to UW-Eau Claire in 1993 by his widow, Marion, according to his wishes. (Based on “Biographical Sketch of Ross Hastings” by Marion Hastings and additions.)
Content Description
The collection includes biographical information and personal and professional records from Ross Hastings career as a musician, composer and editor. The collection is divided into 10 series: Personal and Miscellaneous; Scrapbooks; Awards, Acknowledgements and Concert Publications; Correspondence; Photographs; Musical Compositions; Arrangements; Writings; Sound Recordings; and Special Projects.
Administrative Information
Acquisition Information: Donated to the University Archives and Special Collections, University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire by Marion Hastings in 1993. Additions donated by Alexandra Barchunova in August 1998 and Jennifer Snyder in January 1999.
Access Restrictions: Collection is open to the public.
Use Restrictions: Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. Copyright not owned by the University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire.
Preferred Citation: Ross Hasting Collection, 1917-2003. UHC 263. Special Collections & Archives. McIntyre Library. University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire. Eau Claire, WI.
Processing Note: Weeded by Heather Muir. Additions processed by Andrea Stepanik in April 2010.
Arrangement: By series.
Subjects
Personal Names:
Hastings, Ross
Peterson, Janet
Corporate Names:
University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire – Music
Music Publishers Holding Corporation (Warner Bros.)
Alfred Music Company
Bourne Company
Subject Terms: Composer Collection
Geographical Terms:
Los Angeles (Calif.)
Eau Claire (Wis.)
Detailed List of Contents
Series 1: Personal and Miscellaneous
Series contains Hastings’ personal items, including artifacts, 1998 exhibit materials, biographical sketches and an in-progress listing of his works compiled by Janet Peterson. Several personal items are on permanent display in the Haas Fine Arts Center such as a stopwatch, a miniature Bible, and notebooks.
Dates: 1931-2003
Extent: 2.75 linear feet (1 record carton and one oversized box)
Container | Contents | Dates |
Box/Folder 2/5 | Biographical Sketches by Marion Hastings | ca. 1995 |
Box/Folder 6/12 | Note attached to Meredith Wilson Album “… and then I wrote the Music Man” | undated |
Box/Folder 6/13 | Lyrics to “A Little Child Shall Lead Them” | undated |
Box/Folder 6/14 | Sound Recordings – Sound Sheets | ca. 1980s |
Box/Folder 7/19 | High School Yearbook | 1931 |
Box/Folder 8/21 | Marion G. Hastings (Mrs. Ross Hastings) correspondence includes: permission to use all copyrighted materials of Ross Hastings and initial inventory of items | 1996 |
Box/Folder 9/42 | Miscellaneous musical compositions. | 1948-1954 |
Box/Folder 9/4 | Additional List of Works arranged by Hastings. | 2000 |
Box/Folder 9/16 | Beginner’s Harmony Writing Book owned by Ray Hastings. | 1917 |
Box/Folder 9/17 | “Overture to Tannhauser” Sheet Music, owned by Ray Hastings. | undated |
Box/Folder 9/21 | Composition Sales Agreement between Hastings and Bourne Co. for the piece, “Surely The Lord Is In This Place.” | 1990 |
Box/Folder 9/49 | “America Loves a Melody” – Play written by Ross and Louise Hastings, with music and lyrics by Ross Hastings. | 1942 |
Box/Folder 10/30 | Contracts | 1956-1980 |
Box/Folder 10/31 | Bills of Sale | 1963-1982 |
Box/Folder 10/26 | Miscellaneous Sheet Music Forewords | Undated |
Box/Folder 11/9 | Childhood Harmony Exercises | 1929-1930 |
Box/Folder 11/33 | Large scores in the archives of Arturo Toscanini, NY | undated |
9/1Box/Folder 11/39 | Information on School Bands | ca. 1985 |
Box/Folder 11/34 | Ross Hastings Exhibit Materials | 1998 |
Box/Folder 11/38 | List of Ross Hastings’ Works – In Progress, Compiled by Janet Patterson | 1998 |
Series 2: Scrapbooks
Series contains scrapbooks reflecting Hastings’ career and personal life. They contain biographical information, photographs, articles, letters, cards and flyers. All scrapbooks include an original and photocopy.
Dates: 1917-1991
Extent: 4.0 linear feet (6 archives boxes and one oversized box)
Container | Contents | Dates |
Box/Folder 1/1-1/2 | Contains newspaper articles about Ray Hastings, including his portrait and biography within a list of “The World’s Best Known Musicians.” Includes some of his musical theory examinations, a book on “Organ Technic, newspaper articles on performances by Ray Hastings, along with articles Ray saved pertaining to famous composers and compositions. Also includes a letter from Edwin Lemare | 1917-1936 |
Box/Folder 1/3 | Includes copies Ray’s commencement certificate and program, early performances, an article on joint performance by Ray and Ross and the results of an intelligence quotient test that placed a 16 year-old Ross within genius range. Also contains an outline for a music history article by Ray. | 1915-1934 |
Box/Folder 1/4 | Scrapbook entitled, “The First Nineteen Years,” with letters, articles and certificates marking the early milestones of Ross Hastings’ life. | Undated |
Box/Folder 2/1 | Scrapbook containing letters of encouragement and appreciation to Ray and Ross Hastings, and newspaper articles as Ross began making his name in the music business. | 1934-1935 |
Box/Folder 2/2, 2/3, 2/7 | Scrapbooks containing letters of returned manuscripts, composition revisions and suggestions, an article by Ray Hastings, Applied Common Sense,” newspaper articles about Ross’ cantata, “Christ the Victor,” and a letter of congratulations to Ross from bandleader Giuseppe Creatore for winning a music contest. | 1935-1938 |
Box/Folder 2/4 | Includes photos from school performances, newspaper articles about concerts and a program from a performance of Ross' work in Evansville, IN. | ca. 1951-1975 |
Box/Folder 2/6 | Scrapbook containing copies of newspaper articles about Ross winning the “Chicago Theater of Air” contest. | 1942 |
Box 3 | Scrapbooks containing programs and newsletters from the Hollywood Bowl, several churches and other venues Ross Hastings conducted, a photo of Hastings conducting at the Hollywood Bowl and newspaper articles about these performances. | 1954-1973 |
Box 4 | Scrapbooks containing programs and pamphlets from several church performances, newspaper articles and documentation related to the donation of his papers to UWEC. | 1974-1998 |
Box/Folder 5/1 | Contains copies of the scrapbook from 1974-1979, located in Box 4. | 1974-1979 |
Box/Folder 5/2 | Contains copies of the scrapbook from 1980-1984, located in Box 4. | 1980-1984 |
Series 3: Awards, Acknowledgements and Concert Publications
Series contains recognitions of Hastings’ work, including his high school diploma, organization memberships, newspaper clippings, and posters and sheet music from concerts.
Dates: 1925-1989
Extent: 0.6 linear feet (1 archives box and 6 folders)
Container | Contents | Dates |
Box/Folder 6/2 | Letter sent to Headmaster of Military Academy | 1925 |
Box/Folder 6/3 | Diploma: Page Military Academy | 1927 |
Box/Folder 6/4 | Certificate of Membership – Phi Mu Alpha | 1977 |
Box/Folder 6/5 | San Diego Band Programs | 1949-1952 |
Box/Folder 6/6 | Hollywood Bowl Magazine | 1962 |
Box/Folder 6/7 | List of Members – N.Y. Musicians Club “The Bohemians” | 1987 |
Box/Folder 6/8 | Bureau of Census Nametag | 1960 |
Box/Folder 6/9 | News Articles: “America Loves a Melody” Operetta Grand Prize Winner | 1942 |
Box/Folder 6/10 | News Article: Ross Hastings Composition Blanchette Memorial Bridge Overture | 1981 |
Box/Folder 6/11 | Sheet Music Covers | undated |
Box/Folder 8/31 | Newspaper clippings from a 1942 Chicago musical composition contest that Hastings won. Clippings about concerts led by Hastings in the 1980s, along with a banquet to honor him. A 1957 newsletter announcing the hiring of Hastings to orchestrate for the Hollywood Bowl. Also includes a statement of advice to aspiring composers entitled, “Enclosed Is The Manuscript Of My ----“ | 1942-1989 |
Box/Folder 8/30 | Copies of Membership and Graduation Certificates | 1927-1977 |
Box/Folder 9/19 | Hastings Acknowledgement in “Who’s Who” Monthly Supplement | 1942 |
Box/Folder 10/27-28 | Concert Programs | 1957-1991 |
Box/Folder 10/29 | Ocean Grove Auditorium Choir Festival Programs | 1982-1989 |
Series 4: Correspondence
Series contains personal and business correspondence. Frequent correspondents include: Katherine K. Davis, Neil Kjos, Jr., George Zepp, Robert Alexander, Donald Malin, Barry O’Neal, Robert E. Foster, Delwyn Elliott, Alexey Teploff, John O’Reilly, Lisa Holliday, Harvey E. VanSciver, Donald S. George, Peter Salomone, Floyd Werle, and Walter Ehret.
Dates: 1933-1991
Extent: 2.5 linear feet (3 record cartons)
Container | Contents | Dates |
Box/Folder | Correspondence between Ross and family members and colleagues. | 1970-1972 |
Box/Folder 6/17 | Correspondence between Ross Hastings and John Blegen. | 1976 |
Box/Folder 6/18-28 | Correspondence dealing with music clients, music and writing submissions, contracts Also includes a sheet music comparison to check for possible plagiarism on a Fleetwood Mac song. | 1977-1985, 1991 |
Box/Folder 6/29-30 | Assorted correspondence with colleagues. | 1973-1975 |
Box/Folder 6/33 | Assorted correspondence with colleagues. | 1960-1967 |
Box/Folder 6/34 | Assorted correspondence with colleagues. | 1973-1986 |
Box/Folder 6/35 | Correspondence – Letters between Marion and family members. | 1991 |
Box/Folder 6/36 | Correspondence between Ross and colleagues in the music business. | 1982 |
Box/Folder 6/37 | Correspondence between Ross and old friends. | 1983 |
Box/Folder 7/1-6 | Correspondence involving letters to colleagues, reviews of musical submissions, music compositions by Ross sent to schools, notifications of royalties, newspaper clipping about a performance of Hastings’ music, inquiries for composing music for various churches and schools, an opera program, a manuscript for an article advising aspiring composers on getting into the music business and a memo notifying the divestment of his music publishing business. | 1973-1976, 1987-1989 |
Box/Folder 7/7 | Correspondence between UWEC Foundation and University officials regarding changes to the annual Christmas program, authorization by the chancellor for a commissioned musical work, progress updates on the musical composition, summary of the composition called “The Joy of Christmas” and a thank you note. | 1989 |
Box/Folder 7/8 | Correspondence from Hastings’ old employer agreeing to publish part of The Joy of Christmas, Hastings’ response in which he refuses to the terms of the contract, letters of appreciation from colleagues, reviews of musical submissions and letters to editors. | 1990 |
Box/Folder 7/9-7/17 | Correspondence includes musical submissions from Hastings, his reviews of musical submissions to Bourne Co., letters to and from The Hollywood Bowl staff, music contest information and personal letter to friends and colleagues | 1962-1969 |
Box/Folder 7/18 | Correspondence concerning Wynn Music, including: Updates on a piece entitled “Kabalevsky,” acknowledgment of contracts and royalties, letters from Ross to his father and sheet music published by Wynn. | 1972-1974 |
Box/Folder 7/21 | Correspondence concerning the San Diego Symphony, including Hastings’, “Sonatina” and several other pieces to be performed at the symphony. | 1958 |
Box/Folder 7/22 | Correspondence concerning the agreement between Hastings and the Hollywood Bowl to compose, orchestrate and arrange music for the organization for the summer of 1958. | 1958 |
Box/Folder | Correspondence regarding musical submissions, inquiries about compositions written by Hatsings, musical contests, personal correspondences with colleagues, a letter to the editor of the New York Times and inquiries for permission to use various prayers for a musical composition. | 1958-1961 |
Box/Folder 7/24 | Correspondence concerning various musical competitions and contests. | 1959-1960 |
Box/Folder 7/26 | Correspondence concerning the 1960 Albuquerque Competition | 1960-1961 |
Box/Folder 7/28 | Competition correspondence | 1961 |
Box/Folder 7/29 | Correspondence regarding royalties and inquiries of permission to use lyrics from an opera a poem in a musical piece, including a contract with WGN of Chicago. | 1938-1981 |
Box/Folder 8/1 | Correspondence with Scott & Shaw regarding “Choral Drama” and “And Jesus Spoke.” | 1950-1954 |
Box/Folder 8/2 | Correspondence to Donald McDonald and Alan Adams about, a biographical sketch, letters to music business colleagues. | 1967-1988 |
Box/Folder 8/3 | Correspondence with Bob Dutton regarding symphony and opera performances. | 1971-1972 |
Box/Folder 8/4 | Correspondence with George Zepp regarding musical arrangements, including the bicentennial piece, “Let Freedom Sing.” | 1973-1976 |
Box/Folder 8/5-8/12 | Correspondence with Bob Dutton regarding symphony and opera performances, with newspaper clippings. | 1975-1989 |
Box/Folder 8/13 – 8/16 | Correspondence with various clients and colleagues regarding musical contests, music reviews, music submissions and publishing agreements. | 1972-1987 |
Box/Folder 8/17 | Correspondence with Bob Boury, a professor of music at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock, regarding family and musical compositions. | 1988-1991 |
Box/Folder 8/18 | Correspondence includes a letter of resignation by Hastings from Thearle Music Company, letters with colleagues about Verdi, and the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. | 1943-1971 |
Box/Folder 8/19 | Correspondence with colleagues about Hastings’ new position as chief editor with Bourne Co., musical contests and soliciting musical contracts. | 1958-1991 |
Box/Folder 8/20 | Correspondence between Hastings and Donald McDonald. | 1980-1988 |
Box/Folder 8/22 | Correspondence with Cliff George of Park Falls, Wisconsin, about a musical composition and George’s return to college to become a conductor. | 1982-1983 |
Box/Folder 8/23 | Correspondence with Donald George, Band Director at UW-Eau Claire, about a musical composition. | 1986-1991 |
Box/Folder 8/24 | Correspondence with Guiseppe Creatore and William D. Livingstone | 1933-1955 |
Box/Folder 8/25 | Miscellaneous correspondence, including a note from Hastings to a colleague shortly after retiring and a letter to an editor at “The Instrumentalist” taking issue with a review of a Hastings arrangement. | 1965-1979 |
Box/Folder 8/26 & 8/27 | Miscellaneous correspondence from a wide variety of friends and colleagues. | 1943-1990 |
Box/Folder 8/28 | Correspondence with Deems Taylor, former composer and intermission commentator for the New York Philharmonic, who helped Hastings when he was a young man in Los Angeles. Also contains a letter from the daughter of Deems Taylor thanking Hastings for the beautiful letter. There is additional correspondence from 2002-2003 between the university and Marion Hastings about adding these correspondences to the Ross Hastings Collection. | 1966 - 2003 |
Box/Folder 8/29 | Correspondence with the Temple Baptist Church thanking the Hastings for their monetary donations. Hastings’ father was the organist for the church’s philharmonic orchestra. Also contains newsletters for the 80th anniversary celebration for the church. | 1972-1984 |
Box/Folder 9/15 | Correspondence to Donald McDonald regarding a book written by McDonald. | 1984-1987 |
Box/Folder 11/40 | Reviews and Written Responses | 1969-1982 |
Box/Folder 12/1 | Correspondence between Hastings and George Polhemus, about the composition of a hymn for the centennial celebration of the First United Methodist Church of Asbury Park. | 1979-1982 |
Series 5: Photographs
Series contains photographs both given to Ross Hastings and of the Hastings family. Included are pictures from Hastings’ youth as he attended Alhambra Military Academy and many identified photographs of the family of Ross Hastings including Ray Hastings, Marion Hastings, Verdi, and Stephen. A large part of the photograph collection consists of pictures given to Ross Hastings by Otto Klemperer, Russell Bennett, Solon Alberti, Mary Costa, Pierre Monteux, and others.
Dates: ca. 1920s-1980s
Extent: 1.5 linear feet (1/2 record carton and 1 oversized box)
Container | Contents | Dates |
Box/Folder 7/20 | Miscellaneous photographs | undated |
Box/Folder 10/20 | Photographs given to Ross Hastings. Includes autographed photos from Otto Klemperer, Mary Costa, Katherine K. Davis, Jester Hairston and Walter Toscanini. | 1928-1977 |
Box/Folder 10/21 | Photographs of Ross Hastings | ca. 1920s-1980s |
Box/Folder 10/22 | Photographs of Ross Hastings Family | ca. 1920s-1980s |
Box/Folder 10/23 | Color Photocopies of Photographs | 1959-1962 |
Box/Folder 10/24 | Copy Prints | ca. 1950s-1980s |
Box/Folder 10/25 | Negatives for Copy Prints | ca. 1950s-1980s |
Series 6: Musical Compositions
Series contains musical compositions by Hastings. Included are collections of choral music, consisting mainly of music arranged for choir, organ or piano. Also included are childhood harmony exercises, sheet music, manuscripts, duplicated scores, and conductor parts.
Dates: 1933-2001
Extent: 5.5 linear feet (2 record cartons and 2 oversized boxes)
Container | Contents | Dates |
Box/Folder 9/8 | “Baroque Celebration” | 1985 |
Box/Folder 9/9 | “Tune and Toccatella” | 1975 |
Box/Folder 9/10 | “Let Freedom Sing!” | 1974 |
Box/Folder 9/11 | “Consecration” | undated |
Box/Folder 9/12 | “Fa La La and All That” | 1976 |
Box/Folder 9/13 | “Overture to a Celebration” | undated |
Box/Folder 9/22 | “Little Madrigal” | 1972 |
Box/Folder 9/32 | “Concert Curtain Raiser” | 1973 |
Box/Folder 9/43 | Short Compositions | undated |
Box/Folder 9/42 | Miscellaneous Compositions | 1948-1954 |
Box/Folder 9/44 | “Miracle of Love” | undated |
Box/Folder 9/45 | “Christmas Fanfare” | 1981 |
Box/Folder 9/46 | “Lie Quiet, Soul” | 1967 |
Box/Folder 9/47 | Ray Hastings Compositions | undated |
Box/Folder 11/30 | “America Loves a Melody” Score | |
Box/Folder 10/1 | “The Lord is a Mighty God” | 1968 |
Box/Folder 10/3 | “Immortality” | 1997-2001 |
Box/Folder 10/6 | “Doris” | 1935 |
Box/Folder 10/7 | “Prelude” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/8 | “Overture to a Celebration” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “Take, O Take Those Lips Away” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “O, Mistress Mine” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “Reconciled” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “Loves Philosophy” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “Love Not Me For Comely Grace” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “Come Away, Come Away Death” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “Remembrance” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “Worth While” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “Under the Harvest Moon” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “The Widest Land” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “October Night” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “Good Friday” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “Song of the Violet” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “Sea Song” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “The Two Sayings”, “The Look”, “The Meaning of the Look” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “Miracle” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “Why So Pale and Wan?” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “To Electra” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “Your Song” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “My Life Closed Twice Before Its Close” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “Strengthen Us to Do Thy Will” | ca. 1975 |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “Okinawan Folk Song | undated |
Box/Folder 10/12 | “The Rich Young Ruler” Score and Libretto | undated |
Box/Folder 10/13 | “George Washington’s Prayer for the Nation” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/14 | “Thou Hast Found Favor With God” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/15 | “We Know the Paths” | 1968 |
Box/Folder 10/16 | “The Prayer of Saint Francis” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/19 | Choral Music by Hastings | 1957-1989 |
Box/Folder 10/32 | “The Rich Young Ruler” | undated |
Box/Folder 11/1 | “And Jesus Spoke” – Voice and Piano | undated |
Box/Folder 11/2 | “And Jesus Spoke” – Band | undated |
Box/Folder 11/3 | “Ave Maria” (Otello) | undated |
Box/Folder 11/4 | “Christ the Victor” | undated |
Box/Folder 11/5 | “East Fanfare” | undated |
Box/Folder 11/6 | Fantasy, Fugue and Finale: on a well-loved hymn tune” – Organ | undated |
Box/Folder 11/7 | “For Those in Peril on the Sea” | undated |
Box/Folder 11/8 | “Four Sacred Songs” | undated |
Box/Folder 11/10 | “Miss Brevis in F” | undated |
Box/Folder 11/11 | “Music for Grace” | undated |
Box/Folder 11/12 | “Omaggio All’ Hemolia” | 1988 |
Box/Folder 11/13 | “Serenade Humoresque” | 1953 |
Box/Folder 11/14 | “Sleep, Love! Dream, Love!” | 1960 |
Box/Folder 11/15 | “Sonata in A Minor” (piano) | 1938 |
Box/Folder 11/16 | “Sonatina” (2 versions) | ca. 1950s-1960s |
Box/Folder 11/17 | “Song Without Words”, no. 1-6 | 1945 |
Box/Folder 11/18 | “Three Miniatures for Quintet” | 1947 |
Box/Folder 11/19 | “[Six] Tunes” | undated |
Box/Folder 11/20 | “To Electra” | 1956 |
Box/Folder 11/21 | “Variations (for the piano” | 1947 |
Box/Folder 11/22 | “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” | 1950 |
Box/Folder 11/23 | Art [?] Songs | ca. 1943-1961 |
Box/Folder 11/24 | Miscellaneous Ross Hastings Compositions (smaller format) | ca. 1936-1946 |
Box/Folder 11/25 | Miscellaneous Compositions – Religious | ca. 1955-1956 |
Box/Folder 11/26 | Miscellaneous Compositions | ca. 1950s |
Box/Folder 11/37 | Lenten and Advent Anthem Projects | 1974-1975 |
Box/Folder 12/3 | “Our Times Are In Thy Hands.” | 1980 |
Series 7: Arrangements
Series contains scores and sheet music that was arranged or edited by Hastings.
Dates: 1941-1996
Extent: 1.75 linear feet (1 record cartons and 1 oversized box)
Container | Contents | Dates |
Box/Folder 9/1 | “Days of Wine and Roses” songbooks arranged by Hastings. | 1962-1963 |
Box/Folder 9/2 | “Verdi Fanfare” songbook for 110 Piece Marching Band arranged by Ross Hastings. | 1977 |
Box/Folder 9/3 | “Marche Triomphale” songbook arranged by Ross Hastings. | 1969 |
Box/Folder 9/8 | “Baroque Celebration” | 1985 |
Box/Folder 9/14 | “Two French Carols” | 1986 |
Box/Folder 9/18 | “Les Bicyclettes de Belsize” | 1968 |
Box/Folder 9/23 | Miscellaneous Short Arrangements | 1962-1969 |
Box/Folder 9/24 | “Keyboard Creations” Forward | 1956 |
Box/Folder 9/25 | “Bomberg’s Celebrated Songs” | 1941 |
Box/Folder 9/26 | “Down to the Sea in Ships” | 1969 |
Box/Folder 9/27 | “Glider Pilot’s Reunion March” | 1981 |
Box/Folder 9/28 | “Baroque Motet” | 1980 |
Box/Folder 9/29 | “Echo Song” | 1980 |
Box/Folder 9/30 | “Christmas Pastorale” | 1970 |
Box/Folder 9/31 | “Emissary Fanfare” | 1976 |
Box/Folder 9/33 | “Little Christmas Suite” | 1966 |
Box/Folder 9/34 | “Onstage with Peter, Paul and Mary” | 1966 |
Box/Folder 9/35 | “Voices of the Young” | 1964 |
Box/Folder 9/36 | “Hum, Strum, Swing and Sing” | 1965 |
Box/Folder 9/37 | “Vanity Fare: A Cascade of Show Tunes” | 1964 |
Box/Folder 9/38 | “Folk n’ Rock n’ Country” | 1967 |
Box/Folder 9/39 | “Tunes and Counter Tunes” | 1965 |
Box/Folder 9/40 | “Two Part Tunes” | 1964 |
Box/Folder 9/48 | Miscellaneous arrangements. | 1971-1990 |
Box/Folder 11/28, 10/11 | Miscellaneous Arrangements | 1965-1990 |
Box/Folder 10/2 | “Honor and Praise” | 1966 |
Box/Folder 10/4 | “Ballad of Abe Lincoln” | 1963 |
Box/Folder 10/5 | Organ Solo Arrangements | 1965-1968 |
Box/Folder 10/9 | “The Place for Me” | 1996 |
Box/Folder 10/10 | “Contemporary American Folk Songs” | 1964-1970 |
Box/Folder 10/33 | “Tripoli” | undated |
Box/Folder 10/17 | Choral Music Arranged by Hastings, A-J | 1961-1990 |
Box/Folder 10/18 | Choral Music Arranged by Hastings, L-W | 1963-1990 |
Box/Folder 10/3 | “Immortality” – A piece commissioned by band members at Wentzville High School, Missouri for a deceased classmate. | 1976 |
Box/Folder 11/27 | Published Scores for Bands | 1970-1984 |
Series 8: Writings
Series contains sheet music forwards, articles and program notes written by Hastings. The forwards and program notes often describe the historical context of the composer or music, or other notes pertaining to the performance of each piece.
Dates: 1963-1976
Extent: 0.5 linear feet (7 folders)
Container | Contents | Dates |
Box/Folder 11/35 | Sheet Music Forwards written by Ross Hastings | 1969-1970 |
Box/Folder 11/36 | “So You Want to be a Composer” Article | 1976 |
Box/Folder 9/5 – 9/7 | Program Notes for various orchestral performances. | 1970-1972 |
Box/Folder 9/6-7 | Alfred Music Program Notes | 1971 |
Box/Folder 9/20 | “Blueprints for Understanding” Write-up | 1963 |
Box/Folder 6/35 | Miscellaneous Sheet Music Forwards | undated |
Series 9: Sound Recordings
Series contains records and audio tapes of Ross Hastings’ compositions, Meredith Willson compositions, and several classical pieces by Verdi and others. The record albums consist of Ross Hastings’s compositions. Most of the recordings are originals; a few are commercial. There are also two Meredith Willson albums autographed for Hastings. Many of the recordings are from Hastings’ personal collection, and several materials that do include labels are listed as “not labeled.”
Dates: 1939-1998
Extent: 3.2 linear feet (1 record carton, 2 half cartons and 3 archives boxes)
Container | Contents | Dates |
Box/Folder 9/41 | “Moon in the Willow Tree” by Fortune and Clark | undated |
Box/Reel 13/1 | “Woodwind Quintetto” | undated |
Box/Reel 13/2 | “Ballad In White.” Al White. KCBS San Francsico. | 1959 |
Box/Reel 13/3 | “Verdi’s Lullaby.” Composed by Ross Hastings for his daughter, Verdi. | 1962 |
Box/Reel 13/4 | “Let Freedom Sing!” Band only. | undated |
Box/Reel 13/4A | “Let Freedom Sing!” Band and chorus. | undated |
Box/Reel 13/5 | “Dorfmusik.” German Village Band. | 1957 |
Box/Reel 13/6 | “Episodes for Band” | undated |
Box/Reel 13/7 | “Sonatina for Orchestra.” San Diego Symphony. | 1958 |
Box/Reel 13/8 | “Tune and Toccatella” | undated |
Box/Reel 13/9 | “Sirtaki” | undated |
Box/Reel 13/10 | Brahms/Hastings | undated |
Box/Reel 13/11 | “Freedom Song” and “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You.” Meredith Willson. | 1964 |
Box/Reel 13/12 | “Here is Love” Meredith Willson | 1964 |
Box/Reel 13/13 | Devol | undated |
Box/Reel 13/14 | “Let Freedom Sing” Band and Chorus | undated |
Box/Reel 13/15 | “Let Freedom Sing” Rough | undated |
Box/Reel 13/16 | Albuquerque Civic Symphony. Maurice Bonney, conductor. | undated |
Box/Reel 13/17 | “Impressions.” For Clarinet Choir. | 1967 |
Box/Reel 13/18 | “Rhapsody on 4 Notes” & “Tripoli” | undated |
Box/Reel 13/19 | “Sonatina for Harp” | undated |
Box/Reel 13/20 | Verdi | undated |
Box/Reel 13/21 | “Gil Warner Miscellany” or “An Evening of Madness” | undated |
Box/Reel 13/22 | “Moon in the Willow Tree” (piano) | undated |
Box/Reel 13/23 | “Moon in the Willow Tree” (vocal) | undated |
Box/Reel 13/24 | Laven Soevell. | 1964 |
Box/Reel 13/25 | “Man and Majesty” for Phi Mu Alpha. | undated |
Box/Reel 13/26 | Warner Pub. Part 1. “Southern Accent,” “La Bamboozle (Truncated),” “Marche Triomphale,” “Andannte and Fughetta in Ab,” “Rise ‘n’ Shine!” | undated |
Box/Reel 13/27 | Alfred | 1972 |
Box 13/28 | Ross Hastings Archive Tape #1-9 (10 cassettes) | undated |
Box 13/29 | Ross Hastings Archive Tape #10-19 (10 cassettes) | undated |
Box 13/30 | Ross Hastings Archive Cassette #30 | undated |
Box 13/31 | Unidentified 7 inch Tape | undated |
Box 13/32 | “Hastings” Cassette Recordings (6 cassettes) | undated |
Box 13/33, 34 | Unidentified 5 inch Tapes (2 tapes) | undated |
Series 10: Special Projects
Series contains special projects completed by Hastings. These are broader dramatic and musical projects, such as the UWEC-commissioned Joy of Christmas and America Loves a Melody with which he won a contest sponsored by WGN Radio in Chicago.
Dates: 1942-1989
Extent: 2.25 linear feet (1 record cartons and 1 oversized box)
Container | Contents | Dates |
Project/Folder 9/50 | “America Loves a Melody” Voice and Piano | ca. early 1940s |
Box/Folder 11/28 | “America Loves a Melody” Proposal | ca. early 1940s |
Box/Folder 11/29 | “America Loves a Melody” Score | ca. early 1940s |
Box/Folder 11/30 | “America Loves a Melody” Script [draft?] | ca. early 1940s |
Box/Folder 11/31 | Transcript from WGN Grand Award Operetta Night | 1942 |
Box/Folder 11/32 | “America Loves a Melody” Script Proposal for performance at Hollywood Bowl | ca. 1950s-1960s |
Box/Folder 12/1 | Asbury Project: Correspondence | 1979-1982 |
Box/Folder 12/2 | Asbury Project: Church bulletins & newsletters | 1979-1980 |
Box/Folder 12/3 | Asbury Project: Our Times in Thy Hands Score | 1979 |
Box/Folder 12/4 | Items Found Around “Easter Sunday” Scores | 1974-1975 |
Box/Folder 12/5-6 | Easter Sunday Score | ca. 1974 |
Box/Folder 12/7 | First through Fifth “Sunday in Lent” Scores | ca. 1974 |
Box/Folder 12/8 | Items found in Conductor’s Full Score of “A Little Child Shall Lead Them” | 1949-1952 |
Box/Folder 12/9 | “A Little Child Shall Lead Them” (Cantata) | ca. 1940s-1950s |
Box/Folder 12/10 | “A Little Child Shall Lead Them” (Sacred Cantata) – Piano | ca. 1940s-1950s |
Box/Folder 12/11 | “The Loaf of Bread” Project: Script drafts and correspondence | 1960-1961 |
Box/Folder 12/12 | “The Loaf of Bread” Score and Drafts | 1961 |
Box/Folder 12/13 | Magnificent Servant (dramatic work) | undated |
Box/Folder 12/14 | “Peasant from Parma” Operetta: Journal | undated |
Box/Folder 12/15 | “Peasant from Parma” Operetta: Early synopsis | undated |
Box/Folder 12/16 | “Peasant from Parma” Operetta: Early draft of synopsis | undated |
Box/Folder 12/17 | “Peasant from Parma” Operetta: Draft of synopsis | undated |
Box/Folder 12/18 | “Peasant from Parma” Operetta: Correspondence and synopsis | 1955 |
Box/Folder 12/19 | “Peasant from Parma” Operetta: Script | undated |
Box/Folder 12/20 | “Peasant from Parma” Operetta: Working Score | undated |
Box/Folder 12/21 | “Peasant from Parma” Operetta: Additional Scores | undated |
Box/Folder 12/22 | “The Rich Young Ruler” (RYR): Notes | undated |
Box/Folder 12/23 | RYR: Libretto | undated |
Box/Folder 12/24 | RYR: Libretto Scripts | undated |
Box/Folder 12/25 | RYR: Percussion part | undated |
Box/Folder 12/26 | RYR: Scene I – Offstage Male Chorus | undated |
Box/Folder 12/27 | “The Rich Young Ruler: An Operetta in Two Scenes” – Full Score | ca. 1970 |
Box/Folder 12/28 | RYR: Ruler part | ca. 1970 |
Box/Folder 12/29 | RYR: Harpist’s part | ca. 1970 |
Box/Folder 12/30 | RYR: Organist’s part | ca. 1970 |
Box/Folder 12/31 | RYR: Script Inserts | ca. 1970 |
Box/Folder 12/32 | (Listen to the) Rocking Bird (RB): Condensed Score | undated |
Box/Folder 12/33 | RB: SATB with combo accompaniment and optional flute obbligato | undated |
Box/Folder 12/34 | RB: SATB with combo accompaniment | undated |
Box/Folder 12/35 | RB: Instrument Parts | undated |
Box/Folder 12/36 | “So Red the Ears” Operetta: Sketches | 1942 |
Box/Folder 12/37 | Choir Festival Brochure: from “The Word” envelope | 1989 |
Box/Folder 12/38 | “The Word” Correspondence | 1980-1981 |
Box/Folder 12/39-40 | “The Word” Performance Parts | ca. 1982 |
Box/Folder 12/41 | “The Word” Percussion Part addition | undated |
Box/Folder 12/42 | “The Word” Parts for 8-Part Brass Section | undated |