I was recently contacted by a gentleman in New York who has had to curtail playing the piano due to the challenges of aging and because of his need to downsize he finds it necessary to dispose of his collection of ragtime related publications and recordings. Knowing of my work with the Sedalia Ragtime Archive he generously offered to donate his large collection.
Looking over his inventory, I discovered a great deal of his accumulation is already in the Archive, though there will be some important new additions. I was in a quandary however, as to what to do with the duplicates. This gift also reminded me that I have many duplicates in my own personal collection.
An idea began to ruminate that a good way to distribute duplicate materials would be to offer them free to young aspiring ragtime enthusiasts. Thus, my idea was beginning to take form.
I have begun to receive the donor’s fine collection beginning with his collection of folios. They come in small quantities as neither of us have the strength to handle the weight several of those folio editions amass.
A small three-inch-high archive box weighs a hefty 6.4 pounds and it doesn’t take long to build up to a top weight lifting category. And, I have no intention of bulking up to that Olympic class. Shipping both from the donor and to the recipients is being covered by another contributor.
When a sufficient quantity of material is in hand, I will contact our young aspirants one at time and offer them a choice of three items from the inventory. Hopefully other donations will be forthcoming and this project will reach many new performers and new historians.
I will begin distribution in a random order with young pianists who have been recognized by various groups and festivals. The distribution will continue until items are distributed or there is a lack of interest in the remaining material.
Quite naturally this outreach has stimulated other ideas for bringing new talents and interest to ragtime and traditional jazz.
Another possibility came to my attention last fall. Dalton Ridenhour and The Lovestruck Balladeers played a delightful concert at the local community college where I taught. The coordinator of these cultural events Dr. Jennifer Judd used an unexpected donation to her program to fund a Master Class for her piano students conducted by Dalton, one of her former students. He is from the lovely Ozark community of St. Janes, Missouri, just a few miles south of me.
When performers have time and are performing at school venues, offering master classes gratis, might be a great way for them to get return engagements. There is a wealth of talent in America and judging from the testimonials of younger performers who discovered the joy of syncopation, many are ready to embrace America’s music.
When sufficient numbers are thus smitten, the sponsorship of cutting contests might be an appropriate outcome. There is nothing like dueling pianos in an enclosed shopping mall sponsored by a music company in residence. It is the ragtime version of a flashmob.
What a terrific way to attract new talent to the magnetism of ragtime and at the same time add a bit to a performer’s coffer.
Take heed, generous donors. Let’s keep Ragtime Bob Darch’s ragtime alive and well.
