“My Allentown Music Experience” Scrapbook , 1938 - 1978

Item

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This scrapbook, entitled “My Allentown Music Experience,” includes numerous photographs, typed concert programs, newspaper clippings, and other mementos documenting Joseph M. Dorne’s time with the Little Symphony Orchestra, the Allentown Band, and the Cathedral Choral Society of Bethlehem.

Dates

1938 - 1978

Creator

Dorne, Joseph M., 1899-1990 (Person)

Biographical / Historical

Joseph M. Dorne (1899-1990) was born and raised in Allentown, PA by his parents Eugene G. and Jane (Miller) Dorne. Dorne, who worked as an accountant for Bethlehem Steel Corporation for 22 years, had a vibrant second life fully entrenched in the Allentown music scene. He joined the Allentown Band in 1922, when it was under the direction of Martin Klingler. In 1930, Dorne was appointed leader of the percussion section by Director Albertus L. Meyers, who also appointed him instructor for the tympani, chimes, drums and xylophone. He played with the band for 57 years. He was also a member of various orchestras including the old Allentown Symphony Orchestra, 1916; the Little Symphony Orchestra (an ensemble that performed on WSAN on Sunday nights lead by conductor and fellow Allentown Band Member Arthur Mattern), 1936; the WSAN Orchestra; and the current Allentown Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, he was a timpani, chimes, drums, and xylophone instructor at the Kramer school of music and involved in the Cathedral Choral Society of Bethlehem.

Extent

From the Collection: 3 Linear Feet

Additional Description

Thiss crapbook contains many newspaper clippings, most of which are from the Allentown Chronicle and Morning Call, which reference Allentown Little Symphony performances, guest conductors and soloists, Meyers’s obituary, the Allentown Band’s 150th year celebration, and US Army Field Band and Soldier Chorus. It also contains over 100 financial records, a uniform measurement card, an Albertus L. Meyers memorial card, a contract from American Federation of Musicians, a contract from Radio Program on WSAN Little Symphony, typed Allentown Little Symphony programs and broadcasting sheets, various copies of correspondence between Arthur Mattern and others about the Little Symphony Orchestra, concert programs, and candid photographs of band members. Six loose items are placed in the front of the scrapbook five of which are concert schedule from the summers of 1966,1967, 1969, 1970, and 1979. The final item is a greeting card that says “Bravo, Love, Det.”