Jerry Pierce Papers
Abstract
Jerry Pierce (1937-1994), an American clarinetist, saxophonist, teacher, writer, and avid collector, was born in 1937 in Muncie, Indiana. He played clarinet with the Virginia Symphony, Birmingham Symphony, and Anderson Symphony, and saxophone with Doug Mulligan and Russ Carlyle. From 1967 until the 1980s, he taught clarinet at Anderson University and Marion College. In 1980 he became the President of the International Clarinet Association and served until 1986. The collection is comprised of Pierce's professional and personal papers, photographs, manuscripts, and recordings. The collection consists of correspondence, writings, published programs, newspaper articles, photographs, autographs, manuscripts, non-clarinet scores, and recordings.
Important Information for Users of the Collection
The collection is open for research use.
Jerry Pierce Papers, Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries.
Materials from this collection must be used in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library's Irving and Margery Morgan Lowens Special Collections Room, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Contact the curator for an appointment: http://www.lib.umd.edu/scpa/contact
This collection is PROCESSED.
Historical Note
Jerry Pierce, an American clarinetist, saxophonist, teacher, writer, and avid collector, was born in 1937 in Muncie, Indiana. He grew up in the Midwest and attended Indiana University and Ball State University. He studied clarinet with Henry Gulick, Jerry Stowell, Robert McGinnis, Bernard Portnoy, and Daniel Bonade.
In 1956 he moved to New Hope, Pennsylvania to study clarinet with Bonade. This began a life-long friendship that lasted until Bonade's death in 1976. After Bonade's death, his widow, Maude La Charme, gave Pierce the majority of Bonade's personal papers, photographs, and other memorabilia. Based on these items and his own experiences, Pierce wrote the four-part series, "The Bonade Legacy," which appeared in The Clarinet, the journal of the International Clarinet Association. The articles were the first comprehensive examination of Bonade's history.
As a performer, Pierce appeared with both classical and jazz groups. He played clarinet with the Virginia Symphony, Birmingham Symphony, and Anderson Symphony, and saxophone with Doug Mulligan and Russ Carlyle. From 1967 until the 1980s, he taught clarinet at Anderson University and Marion College.
After helping to establish the International Clarinet Association, he was elected President in 1980 and served until 1986. During his Presidency he started "Pierce's Potpourri," a regular column in The Clarinet that he continued until his death in 1994.
Pierce was a diligent correspondent and avid collector. He searched worldwide for musical scores, often unknown or obscure, and was known to openly share scores from his personal collection with others. Pierce died in 1994. The testimonies of friendship and loss that appeared in "Jerry D. Pierce (1937-1994): A Tribute" in the November/December 1994 issue of The Clarinet are profound.
Scope and Contents of the Collection
The collection is comprised of the professional and personal papers, photographs, and manuscripts, and recordings of Jerry Pierce (1937-1994), clarinetist, saxophonist, teacher, writer and collector. The collection consists of correspondence, writings, published programs, newspaper articles, photographs, autographs, manuscripts, non-clarinet scores, and recordings.
Custodial History and Acquisition Information
Given to the University of Maryland Libraries by Linda Pierce as part of the Jerry Pierce Score Collection, upon husband Jerry Pierce's death in 1994.
Processing Information
Vin Novara, Phyllis Crossen-Richardson, Cassandra N. Berman, Michael Casto
EAD markup created using EAD database in Microsoft Access. Markup completed by Cassandra N. Berman, November 2010; updated by Amanda May, December 2012.
Arrangement of Collection
This collection is organized into fourteen series.
- Series 1: Correspondence
- Series 2: Publications
- Series 3: Programs
- Series 4: Teaching Materials
- Series 5: Clippings and Articles
- Series 6: Frederick Thurston's Scrapbook
- Series 7: Artwork
- Series 8: Repertoire Lists
- Series 9: Fingering Charts
- Series 10: Photographs
- Series 11: Autographs
- Series 12: Promotional Materials
- Series 13: Books
- Series 14: Realia
- Series 15: Recordings
- Series 16: Manuscripts
Detailed Description of the Collection
Series 1: Correspondence, 1918-1994 and undated (8 folders)
This series consists of Jerry Pierce's professional and personal correspondence; correspondence of his wife, Linda Pierce; and third- party correspondence. Items are arranged alphabetically. If there are multiple correspondences by the same individual, they are organized chronologically.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Correspondence Letters to Jerry Pierce (A-M), 1970-1994 and undated | series 1 | box 1 | folder 1 | |
| Correspondence Letters to Jerry Pierce (A-Z), 1969-1994 and undated | series 1 | box 1 | folder 2 | |
| Correspondence Terry Oxley (Re: J. Henry Spencer), 1988 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 3 | |
| Correspondence Letters from Jerry Pierce, 1958-1987 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 4 | |
| Correspondence To Linda Pierce, 1962-1988 and undated | series 1 | box 1 | folder 5 | |
| Third-Party Correspondence, 1918-1993 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 6 | |
| Third-Party Correspondence, 1952-1987 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 7 | |
| Letters of Brian S. Manton Myatt, 1964-1972 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 8 | |
Series 2: Publications, 1924-1988 and undated (6 folders)
This series includes research materials and Pierce's papers on Daniel Bonade, articles written for The Clarinet, "Pierce's Potpourri," record reviews, and articles about the clarinet or clarinetists. It is arranged alphabetically.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pierce's Research Materials on Bonade, 1924-1979 and undated | series 2 | box 1 | folder 9 | |
| Miscellaneous Pierce Materials Found in Bonade Boxes, undated | series 2 | box 1 | folder 10 | |
| Master of Music Thesis "The Bonade Legacy", 1977 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 11 | |
| Articles by Jerry Pierce, undated | series 2 | box 1 | folder 12 | |
| Notes for ICA Recordings 1373, 1450, 1459, and 1484, 1988 and undated | series 2 | box 1 | folder 13 | |
| Pierce Publications Miscellaneous Articles, 1976 and undated | series 2 | box 1 | folder 14 | |
| Clarinet Publications, 1962-1979 and undated | series 2 | box 1 | folder 15 | |
Series 3: Programs, 1930-1992 (2 folders)
Jerry Pierce's concert programs from 1969 to 1993 make up this series, which is organized in alphabetical order by concert location. Multiple performances at the same venue are chronologically organized.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Programs of Jerry Pierce (Performer), 1969-1992 | series 3 | box 2 | folder 1 | |
| Programs Conferences, Concerts (without Jerry Pierce), 1930-1989 | series 3 | box 2 | folder 2 | |
Series 4: Teaching Materials, 1986-1993 and undated (4 folders)
This series contains information from Music Today Teaching Studios and Pierce's annotated teaching schedules.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music Today, 1989-1993 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 3 | |
| Teaching Schedules, undated | series 4 | box 2 | folder 4 | |
| Jerry Pierce Education Materials, 1986-1991 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 5 | |
| Selected Improvisation Methods, undated | series 4 | box 2 | folder 6 | |
Series 5: Clippings and Articles, 1917-1992 and undated (15 folders)
Pierce's collection of clippings from newspapers, journals, and other trade publications make up this series. Articles about Jerry Piece and Daniel Bonade are organized chronologically in their own sub series. Other items include articles on musical and nonmusical subjects, which are organized alphabetically by author or subject.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newspaper Articles about Jerry Pierce, 1958-1991 | series 5 | box 2 | folder 7 | |
| Newspaper Clippings Referencing Bonade, 1959 and undated | series 5 | box 2 | folder 8 | |
| Benade, A.H. History of Woodwinds, undated | series 5 | box 2 | folder 9 | |
| Reed Articles, 1991 | series 5 | box 2 | folder 10 | |
| Fingering Charts, undated | series 5 | box 2 | folder 11 | |
| Articles about Rabbi James Heller, 1964-1971 | series 5 | box 2 | folder 12 | |
| Articles about Alan Shulman, 1985 | series 5 | box 2 | folder 13 | |
| Articles about Richard H. Walthew, with Correspondence, 1917-1952 | series 5 | box 2 | folder 14 | |
| Composer Articles, 1988-1991 | series 5 | box 2 | folder 15 | |
| Jazz Articles, 1955-1992 | series 5 | box 2 | folder 16 | |
| Materials Music Miscellaneous, 1957-1990 | series 5 | box 2 | folder 17 | |
| H.A. Selmer, Inc. Souvenir Catalogue, 1931 | series 5 | box 2 | folder 18 | |
| Publications, 1951 | series 5 | box 2 | folder 19 | |
| Mazaraki, Desportes Greek Clarinet, 1959 | series 5 | box 2 | folder 20 | |
| Non-Music-Related Articles, 1982-1989 and undated | series 5 | box 2 | folder 21 | |
Series 6: Frederick Thurston's Scrapbook, 1922-1956 (1 folder)
This series consists of a copy of Frederick Thurston's (former principal of the BBC Orchestra) scrapbook.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frederick Thurston's Scrapbook, 1922-1956 | series 6 | box 2 | folder 22 | |
Series 7: Artwork, 1970 and undated (2 folders)
Four items make up this series consisting of a pen and ink drawing by Maude Bonade, Daniel Bonade's wife; postcards from the homes of Josef Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven; and other artwork.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artwork, undated | series 7 | box 3 | folder 1 | |
| Postcards from Josef Haydn's House, 1970 | series 7 | box 3 | folder 2 | |
| Postcards from Mozart's House, undated | series 7 | box 3 | folder 3 | |
| Postcards from Beethoven's House, undated | series 7 | box 3 | folder 4 | |
Series 8: Repertoire Lists, 1953-1992 and undated (6 folders)
This series contains bound and unbound repertoire lists from publishers, libraries, and individuals, which are organized alphabetically.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bound repertoire lists, 1953-1979 | series 8 | box 3 | folder 5 | |
| Bound repertoire lists, 1980-1989 | series 8 | box 3 | folder 6 | |
| Repertoire Lists [oversized], undated | series 8 | box 3 | folder 7 | |
| Repertoire Lists, undated | series 8 | box 3 | folder 8 | |
| Repertoire Lists, undated | series 8 | box 3 | folder 9 | |
| Repertoire Lists, undated | series 8 | box 3 | folder 10 | |
| Repertoire Lists Miscellaneous, undated | series 8 | box 3 | folder 11 | |
| Whistling and Hoffmeister, 1987 and undated | series 8 | box 4 | folder 1 | |
| Wilcox Vaaler Chamber Music Library, 1991 | series 8 | box 4 | folder 2 | |
| Wilcox Vaaler Chamber Music Library, 1992 | series 8 | box 4 | folder 2 | |
| Wilcox Vaaler Chamber Music Library, 1991 | series 8 | box 4 | folder 3 | |
| Wilcox Vaaler Chamber Music Library, 1992 | series 8 | box 4 | folder 4 | |
Series 9: Fingering Charts, undated (2 folders)
Various fingering charts for different clarinet systems and other woodwinds, and suggestions for resonant fingerings, make up this series. Items are alphabetically organized by author unless unknown, when organized by title.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fingering Charts, undated | series 9 | box 4 | folder 6 | |
| Oversized Fingering Charts (13-Key Stümpel, 5-Key) (see Oversized Folder), undated | series 9 | box 4 | folder 7 | |
Series 10: Photographs, undated (1 folder)
This series consists of photographs of Jerry Pierce and other musicians, with and without him. Items are filed in alphabetical order.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photographs/Autographs, undated | series 10 | box 4 | folder 8 | |
Series 11: Autographs, undated (3 folders)
Several autographs of composers, conductors, and musicians are included in this series. It is arranged alphabetically by person or by organization.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prize Autographs, undated | series 11 | box 5 | folder 1 | |
| Autographs Continued, undated | series 11 | box 5 | folder 2 | |
| Malcolm Arnold Autograph, undated | series 11 | box 5 | folder 3 | |
Series 12: Promotional Materials, 1960-1991 (1 folder)
Promotional materials from instrument and accessory companies, music publishers, information about clarinet events, and items that were included with musical scores in the International Clarinet Association's score collection are in this series.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Promotional Materials, 1960-1991 | series 12 | box 5 | folder 4 | |
Series 13: Books, 1943-1949 (4 folders)
This series consists of Pierce's music and language books organized alphabetically by author.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beethoven by Romain Rolland, 1943 | series 13 | box 5 | folder 5 | |
| Pronouncing Guide to French, German, Italian, Spanish by Jones, Smith, and Walls, 1945 | series 13 | box 5 | folder 6 | |
| Pronouncing Pocket Manual of Musical Terms, 1947 | series 13 | box 5 | folder 7 | |
| Elementary Training for Musicians by P. Hindemith, 1949 | series 13 | box 5 | folder 8 | |
Series 14: Realia, undated (20 items)
This series contains 2 clarinet neck straps, 1 Selmer HS mouthpiece, a thumb rest, reed tying string, a plastic tube, an envelope of pads, 2 clarinet keys, reed wire, 9 rings of sandpaper, and an oboe staple.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Clarinet Neck Straps, 1 Selmer HS mouthpiece, undated | series 14 | box 5 | folder 9 | |
| Thumb Rest, Reed Tying String, Plastic Tube, Envelope of Pads, 2 Clarinet Keys, Reed Wire, 9 Rings of Sandpaper, Oboe Staple, undated | series 14 | box 5 | folder 10 | |
Series 15: Recordings, 1939-1986 (421 recordings)
This series consists of discographies, album covers, program notes, and 421 recordings, many of which feature or include Jerry Pierce as clarinetist or speaker. The Recordings Database may be accessed here.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discographies, undated | series 15 | box 5 | folder 11 | |
| Album Covers and Program Notes, 1982-1992 and undated | series 15 | box 5 | folder 12 | |
Series 16: Manuscripts, undated (17 folders)
This series contains Pierce's orchestral and technical bound manuscripts for clarinet, E-flat clarinet, bass clarinet, and bassoon.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarinet Finger Technic and Scales, undated | series 16 | box 6 | folder 1 | |
| Essentials of Clarinet Finger Technic by Jerry Pierce, undated | series 16 | box 6 | folder 2 | |
| Orchestra Studies for Clarinet by Jerry Pierce, undated | series 16 | box 6 | folder 3 | |
| Orchestra Studies for Eb Clarinet by Jerry Pierce, undated | series 16 | box 6 | folder 4 | |
| Orchestra & Music Works & Studies for Clarinet by Jerry Pierce, undated | series 16 | box 6 | folder 5 | |
| Orchestra Studies for Clarinet by Jerry Pierce, Volumes IV & V, undated | series 16 | box 6 | folder 6 | |
| Bass Clarinet Orchestra Studies by Jerry Pierce, undated | series 16 | box 6 | folder 7 | |
| Beginning Bassoon Fingerings and Scales, undated | series 16 | box 6 | folder 8 | |
| Miller, Moonlight Serenade, undated | series 16 | box 6 | folder 9 | |
| Mozart, Divertimenti No. 1, undated | series 16 | box 6 | folder 10 | |
| Stravinsky, Pastorale, undated | series 16 | box 6 | folder 11 | |
| Stravinsky, A Soldier's Tale, undated | series 16 | box 6 | folder 12 | |
| Arrangements for Eb Clarinet, undated | series 16 | box 6 | folder 13 | |
| Arrangements for Eb Alto Clarinet, undated | series 16 | box 6 | folder 14 | |
| Arrangements for Bass Clarinet, undated | series 16 | box 6 | folder 15 | |
| Arrangements for A Clarinet, undated | series 16 | box 6 | folder 16 | |
| Arrangements for Bassett Horn, undated | series 16 | box 6 | folder 17 | |
| Miscellaneous Arrangements, undated | series 16 | box 6 | folder 18 | |
| Quartet Editing, undated | series 16 | box 6 | folder 19 | |
Related Material
The International Clarinet Association Research Center is also housed at Special Collections in Performing Arts. The Research Center includes the ICA's circulating score collection (including over 3,000 items from Jerry Pierce's personal collection), which is open to University System of Maryland students, faculty, staff, and members of the International Clarinet Association. The score database and borrowing procedures are available here.
In addition to the Jerry Pierce Papers, researchers may be interested in the Jerry Pierce Collection, which comprises materials held by Jerry Pierce that are not part of his personal papers.
Researchers should also consult the Daniel Bonade Papers, the professional and personal papers, photographs, reed cases, personal items, and recording of Daniel Bonade (1896-1976). One of Pierce's teachers, Bonade was also the subject of much of Pierce's research.
For other related archival and manuscript collections, please see the following subject guides.