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Creator
Thomas, Blanche K., 1885-1977
Call number
Sc MG 179
Physical description
1.2 linear feet
Preferred Citation
[Item], Blanche K. Thomas papers, Sc MG 179, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division, The New York Public Library
Repository
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division
Access to materials
Some collections held by the Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture are held off-site and must be requested in advance. Please check the collection records in the NYPL's online catalog for detailed location information. To request access to materials in the Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division, please visit: http://archives.nypl.org/divisions/scm/request_access Request access to this collection.

African-American music teacher and composer, Blanche K. Thomas was the founder of the Thomas Music Study Club. Thomas graduated from the Juilliard School of Music (1928) and studied choral conducting at the Westminster Choir School. In 1932 she organized a mixed ensemble of youth to study and perform the music of African-American composers. Annual recitals were presented at a variety of New York venues including Carnegie Hall and the New York World's Fair. Originally called the Thomas Negro Composers Study Group, the organization became affiliated with the National Association of Negro Musicians in 1940 and continued under the name of the Thomas Music Study Group. Thomas also served as the director of church school music at New York's St. Philip's Church and was supervisor of church school music at St. James Presbyterian Church. The Blanche K. Thomas Papers reflect some aspects of the musical career of this teacher and composer. The Personal papers series (1905-1978) includes a love letter written by her future husband, Joseph, during their engagement (1905), certificates and citations.

Scope and arrangement

The Blanche K. Thomas Papers reflect some aspects of the musical career of this teacher and composer. The Personal papers series (1905-1978) includes a love letter written by her future husband, Joseph, during their engagement (1905), certificates and citations.

The series Music Career (1934-1967) includes incoming letters, and programs, newsletters and programs and materials related to the Thomas Music Studio and the National Association of Negro Musicians. There is music composed by Thomas, both holograph and printed, including her musical arrangements of songs her choir group performed. An "Index of Songs" contains an alphabetical listing of songs and Thomas' file numbers along with sheet music and some holograph music, lists and letters, 1940s-1950s. It appears the index served as Thomas' organizational guide for recitals. The collection also includes other sheet music and songbooks, many written by African-American composers.

Arrangement

Papers organized into two series: I. Personal Papers; II. Music Career

Using the collection

Location

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division
515 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York, NY 10037-1801
Second Floor

Access to materials

Some collections held by the Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture are held off-site and must be requested in advance. Please check the collection records in the NYPL's online catalog for detailed location information. To request access to materials in the Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division, please visit: http://archives.nypl.org/divisions/scm/request_access Request access to this collection.