John Philip Sousa Manuscripts - Microfilm Negatives | The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music

Description: Microfilm negatives created in 1999, product of the NEH-funded Sousa Archives for Band Research Preservation Project (SABREPP) is to improve access to the UIUC John Philip Sousa and Herbert L. Clarke collections through standard archival arrangement and description practices as well as reformatting the manuscript materials (preservation microfilming) and photographs (creating archival master negatives and use copies). 80% of the material fails the standard four-fold test. Embrittled materials that are in the most urgent need of reformatting (e.g., manuscript music, concert schedules and programs, and the photographic materials) will be the primary focus of the proposed project. The works that were used most frequently for rehearsal and performance are in advanced stages of decay with important marginalia and even the music itself at risk. The published music in the remainder of the two collections is printed on acidic paper that is approaching embrittlement (e.g., these materials fail a five-fold test).