Inventory of the Southeast Symphony Association Records SPC.2021.030
Lindsay Anderson
California State University Dominguez Hills, Gerth Archives and Special Collections
November 3, 2021
University Library South -5039 (Fifth Floor)
1000 E. Victoria St.
Carson, CA 90747
Business Number: 310-243-3895
archives@csudh.edu
Contributing Institution:
California State University Dominguez Hills, Gerth Archives and Special Collections
Title: Southeast Symphony Association Records
Creator:
Chester, Patsy F.
Identifier/Call Number: SPC.2021.030
Physical Description:
24 boxes
Physical Description:
1 folder
(1 oversize folder)
Physical Description:
23.43 Linear Feet
Date (inclusive): 1967-2019
Abstract: The Southeast Symphony Association (SESA) Records (1967-2019) comprises of record books; photo albums; panoramas; organizational
records; concert programs, flyers, and posters; magazines; and newspaper clippings concerning SESA, the SESA Conservatory,
the Symphonettes Guild, and the Southeast Symphony Orchestra.
Language of Material:
English
.
Conditions Governing Access
There are no access restrictions on this collection.
Arrangement
The Southeast Symphony Association (SESA) Records are arranged topically into four series. The Southeast Symphony Association,
Inc. is the main organization that has established and helped to oversee community-driven programs, such as the Symphonettes
Guild, the SESA Conservatory, and the Southeast Symphony Orchestra. Materials within each folder are arranged chronologically.
Southeast Symphony Association (SESA) Records Series Titles
- Southeast Symphony Association, Inc., 1967-2019, undated
- Symphonettes Guild, 1989-2002, undated
- SESA Conservatory, 1995-2019, undated
- Southeast Symphony Orchestra, 1974-2019, undated
History of Southeast Symphony Association, Inc.
A music teacher named Mabel Massengill Gunn gathered her colleagues and founded the Southeast Symphony around 1948 in an area
southeast of downtown Los Angeles. It was created as a way to provide a space primarily for Black musicians and their students
so they could learn orchestral repertoire and ensemble performance as well as prepare for meaningful careers outside of the
orchestra. Kenneth Hahn, a prominent member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, was one of the Southeast Symphony's
chief supporters and it wouldn't be long until it became an official non-profit organization, known today as the Southeast
Symphony Association (SESA), in 1958. Throughout its more than 70 years of existence, SESA has been a vital training ground
for many Black musicians of all ages who have aspired to perform orchestral music.
Other groups formed within the organization include the Symphonettes Guild in 1989 and the SESA Conservatory in 1995. The
SESA Conservatory is a Saturday program offered in cooperation with the Los Angeles Unified School District and is designed
to offer instruction in instrumental music to students from 3rd grade to high school. The Symphonettes Guild was founded under
the sponsorship of former President Dr. Jacqueline Broussard and comprises of professional women who pledge to come together
in support SESA and serve as a fundraising entity.
Preferred Citation
For information about citing archival material, please consult the appropriate style manual or see the Citations for Archival
Material guide: (https://libguides.csudh.edu/archives-citation)
Processing Information
Processed by Lindsay Anderson and Jesus Padilla, 2021.
Sacred Music Collection
This collection is part the Sacred Music Collection, also known as the Georgia and Nolan Payton Archive of Sacred Music, and
is associated with the African Diaspora of Sacred Music and Musicians (ADSMM) program. The Sacred Music Collection is made
up of smaller collections that contain various primary source materials, such as sheet music, books, periodicals, photographs,
audio visual materials, manuscripts, and more. ADSMM's mission is to facilitate research, preserve, and make accessible collections
documenting the lives of important figures within the sacred music community as well as its influence primarily within the
Los Angeles Black community.
Interested in accessing other Sacred Music collections? If you would like to view these materials in-person, please make an
appointment through the
Gerth Archives and Special Collections website . If you would like to view these materials online, please visit the the
Sacred Music Digital Collections Database website . Please keep in mind that some of the materials in our archival collections are still in the process of being digitized and
are therefore not yet available to the public.
Scope and Contents
The Southeast Symphony Association (SESA) Records (1967-2019) comprises of record books; photo albums; panoramas; organizational
records; concert programs, flyers, and posters; magazines; and newspaper clippings concerning SESA, the SESA Conservatory,
the Symphonettes Guild, and the Southeast Symphony Orchestra.
Conditions Governing Use
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Archives
and Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical
materials and not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
African Americans -- California -- Los Angeles
African Americans -- Music
African American conductors (Music)
African American musicians
Music -- Instruction and study
Symphony orchestras
Southeast Symphony Association
Cook-Glover, Rosemarie L.
Broussard, Jacqueline, Dr.
Gunn, Mabel Massengill
Palange, Louis, 1917-1979
Henderson, Luther, III
Devereaux, Yvette
Dennison, John Teman
Dickerson, Charles
Parnther, Anthony
Hahn, Kenneth
Wilson, J. Harrison
Hairston, Jester, 1901-2000
McNeil, Albert
White, Don Lee, -2010
Caldwell, Hansonia L. (Hansonia LaVerne), 1944-
Second Baptist Church (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Series I: Southeast Symphony Association, Inc.
1967-2019, undated
Physical Description: 1 box
Physical Description: 15 folders
Scope and Contents
This series includes papers, brochures, magazine and newspaper articles, as well as recognitions and resolutions regarding
SESA's history, mission, fundraising, Board of Directors, and more.
box 1, folder 1
About SESA, Inc.
2012, 2019, undated
Scope and Contents
This file includes brochures, informational flyers, a printed email, as well as a printed webpage about SESA's former conductor,
Anthony Parnther.
box 1, folder 2
SESA, Inc. Constitution
circa 1988-1989
Scope and Contents
SESA's Constitution contains articles pertaining to the organization's purpose; membership; dissolution; description of the
elected officers and committee's official duties; election and voting processes; and more.
box 1, folder 3
Board of Directors papers
2008-2017, undated
2016-2017
Scope and Contents
This file includes a directory, a memorandum, meeting agendas, and more.
box 1, folder 4
Memorandum to the Program Committee, from SESA President Rosemarie L. Cook-Glover
March 17, 2005
Scope and Contents
This file inclues a memorandum regarding a list of funding agencies.
box 1, folder 5
Treasurer reports
1980-1982
box 1, folder 6
Auditing report
1981
Scope and Contents
Auditing report is from July 31, 1980 to July 31, 1981.
box 1, folder 7
The Links, Inc. materials
2011, undated
Biographical / Historical
The Links, Incorporated is an international, non-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. It is one of the nation's oldest
and largest volunteer service organizations. They have been a long-time supporter of SESA.
Scope and Contents
This file includes: newspaper clipping; Harbor Area Chapter 45th Anniversary program; loose pages from event programs.
box 1, folder 8
Donation forms and fundraising flyers
2012-2019, undated
box 1, folder 9
Southeast Symphony Hall event space brochures
undated
box 1, folder 10
Non-SESA event programs and flyers
1993-2018
2010-2018
Scope and Contents
This file includes cards, flyers, and programs concerning events and performance with some connection to SESA, Inc.. Events
and performances include KCET's Emerging African American Performing Artists Awards (January 25, 1993), the National Association
of Negro Musicians, Inc.'s 38th Memorial Concert (November 11, 2007), the Trinity Baptist Church's 25th Commemorative Concert
honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 17, 2010), and more.
box 1, folder 11
Correspondence to SESA President Rosemarie L. Cook-Glover
1994, 2001
box 1, folder 12
35mm negatives
2004, undated
Scope and Contents
This file includes three envelopes each containing seven 35mm negative strips. Subject matter includes the interior and exterior
spaces of SESA's event hall building (2004), a Christmas party (undated), and a performance and meeting (undated).
box 1, folder 13
Newspaper clippings
1967-2002, undated
1995-2001
box 3, folder 1
Magazines and newspaper articles
1979-2019
2008-2019
Scope and Contents
This file includes two copies of one magazine and newspaper clippings from primarily Los Angeles-based publications, such
as the
L.A. City Sheet,
Los Angeles Sentinel, and
Los Angeles Times, concerning the Orchestra, SESA Conservatory, Symphonettes Guild, and more.
box 3, folder 2
Recognitions and Resolutions
1987-2010
Physical Description: 4 items
Scope and Contents
This file includes an award from Los Angeles Postmaster James A. Smith (March 2002), and 3 Resolutions from former congresswoman
Diane Watson (February 22, 1987), Watson's predecessor and current congresswoman Karen Bass (July 18, 2010), and the Council
of Los Angeles (July 18, 2008).
box 24
Photographs
1998-2004, undated
Scope and Contents
Photograph subject matter includes: board meetings (1998, 2000, undated); the Southeast Symphony Hall in Inglewood, CA (2001,
2004); organization events (1999, undated).
Series II: Symphonettes Guild
1989-2002, undated
Physical Description: 1 box
Physical Description: 1 folder
box 1, folder 14
Symphonettes Guild materials
June 26, 2001, undated
Scope and Contents
This file includes a brochure, meeting minutes for one meeting, and a meeting agenda sheet.
box 23
Symphonettes Guild record book
1989-2002, undated
1989-1999
Scope and Contents
This record book includes: photographs; newspaper clippings; notes; flyers; invitations to Symphonettes Guild events.
Series III: SESA Conservatory
1995-2019, undated
Physical Description: 1 box
Physical Description: 10 folders
Scope and Contents
This series includes materials - such as brochures, flyers, newsletters, panoramas, and more - concerning the
SESA Conservatory .
box 1, folder 15
Brochures and flyers
1996-2019, undated
box 1, folder 16
Newspaper clippings
1995-2000
box 1, folder 17
The Quarternote newsletters
1999, 2002, 2009
Scope and Contents
The Quarternote is a quarterly publucation of S.C.O.P.E (SESA Contervatory Organization of Parents for Education).
This file contains only the Spring 1999, Winter 2002, and Summer 2009 newsletters.
box 1, folder 18
Calendar of Events
2016-2019, undated
box 1, folder 19
Concert flyers and programs
2010-2019
box 1, folder 20
Faculty and staff rosters
2014-2015
Scope and Contents
This file only contains 3 copies of the 2014-2015 season roster.
box 1, folder 21
Instructor appreciation cards
undated
box 1, folder 23
Alumni and SESA Scholarship Recipients materials
2003, circa 2015
Scope and Contents
This file includes 2 copies of a thank-you letter from SESA Conservatory alum Chelsea Spann and 2 copies of a flyer entitled,
"Where Are They Now?".
box 24
Photographs
1998-2003, undated
Scope and Contents
Photograph subject matter includes: student registration (1998, undated); beginning and intermediate strings class (1999);
students practicing their instruments (undated); concerts and showcases (1998, 2000, 2003, undated); SESA Conservatory building
(undated).
case 3, drawer 14, folder 1
Class panoramas
1997, 2001-2002, undated
Physical Description: 4 items
Series IV: Southeast Symphony Orchestra
1974-2019, undated
Physical Description: 20 boxes
Physical Description: 10 folders
Scope and Contents
This series includes record books, concert posters, event calendars, concert programs and flyers, and other materials from
SESA's more recent concert seasons. Copies of event calendars and concert programs and flyers can often be found in a record
book as well as in a file folder.
The record books, or history books as they're also known, were created by the organization's historian during that time for
the purpose of compiling data pertaining to important events occurring within a concert season. Almost all record books include
photographs, newspaper clippings, concert flyers, and event calendars. Materials concerning the SESA Conservatory and Symphonettes
Guild are also included.
box 4
27th, 28th, and 29th Concert Seasons record book
1974-1977
Scope and Contents
This record book contains materials and documentation from the 27th (1974-1975), 28th (1975-1976), and 29th (1976-1977) concert
seasons.
box 5
30th, 31st, and 32nd Concert Seasons record book
1977-1980
Scope and Contents
This record book contains materials and documentation from the 30th (1977-1978), 31st (1978-1979), and 32nd (1979-1980) concert
seasons.
Separated Materials
Newspaper clippings concerning the passing of former Southeast Symphony Orchestra conductor, Louis Palange, have been removed
from the 32nd (1979-1980) concert season section and relocated to Box 3, Folder 1.
box 6
33rd and 34th Concert Seasons record book
1980-1982
Scope and Contents
This record book contains materials and documentation from the 33rd (1980-1981) and 34th (1981-1982) concert seasons.
box 7
35th and 36th Concert Seasons record book
1982-1984
Scope and Contents
This record book contains materials and documentation from the 35th (1982-1983) and 36th (1983-1984) concert seasons.
box 8
37th and 38th Concert Seasons record book
1984-1986
Scope and Contents
This record book contains materials and documentation from the 37th (1984-1985) and 38th (1985-1986) concert seasons.
box 9
39th Concert Season record book
1986-1987
40th Concert Season
1987-1988
box 1, folder 24
40th Concert Season materials
1987-1988
Scope and Contents
This file includes: schedule of performances; host/hostess schedule; concert flyer.
box 10
40th Concert Season record book
1987-1988
box 11
41st Concert Season record book
1988-1989
box 12
42nd Concert Season record book
1989-1990
43rd Concert Season
1990-1991
box 1, folder 25
43rd Concert Season materials
1991
Scope and Contents
This file includes: concert programs.
box 13
43rd Concert Season record book
1990-1991
44th Concert Season
1991-1992
box 1, folder 26
44th Concert Season "Young Artists Showcase" concert program
March 22, 1992
box 14
44th Concert Season record book
1991-1992
45th Concert Season
1992-1993
box 1, folder 27
45th Concert Season materials
1993
Scope and Contents
This file includes: concert program; concert invitation card.
box 15
45th Concert Season record book
1992-1993
46th Concert Season
1993-1994
box 1, folder 28
46th Concert Season materials
1994
Scope and Contents
This file includes: concert program, concert flyer.
box 16
46th Concert Season record book
1993-1994
47th Concert Season
1994-1995
box 1, folder 29
47th Concert Season materials
1994-1995
Scope and Contents
This file includes two concert programs.
box 17
47th Concert Season record book
1994-1995
48th Concert Season
1995-1996
box 1, folder 30
48th Concert Season materials
1995-1996
Scope and Contents
This file includes: event calendar, concert flyer.
box 18
48th Concert Season record book
1995-1996
49th Concert Season
1996-1997
box 1, folder 31
49th Concert Season materials
1996-1997
Scope and Contents
This file includes: event calendar; concert program.
box 19
49th Concert Season record book
1996-1997
box 1, folder 32
50th Concert Season materials
1997-1998
Scope and Contents
This file includes: event calendars; concert programs; concert flyer; letters addressed to SESA president Rosemarie Cook-Glover;
Certificate of Appreciation to Rosemarie Cook-Glover; newspaper articles; list of SESA officers (1998-2000); concert ticket.
box 2, folder 1
53rd Concert Season materials
2000-2001
Scope and Contents
This file includes: event calendars; concert reservation card; concert program; newspaper clipping.
54th Concert Season
2001-2002
box 2, folder 2
54th Concert Season materials
2001-2002
Scope and Contents
This file includes: event calendar; letters to supporters from president of SESA Rosemarie L. Cook-Glover; newspaper clipping.
box 20
54th Concert Season record book
2001-2002
55th Concert Season
2002-2003
box 2, folder 3
55th Concert Season materials
2002-2003
Scope and Contents
This file includes: event calendar; concert program.
box 20
55th Concert Season record book
2002-2003
box 2, folder 4
56th Concert Season materials
2003-2004
Scope and Contents
This file includes: concert programs.
box 2, folder 5
59th Concert Season materials
2006-2007
Scope and Contents
This file includes: event calendar; concert program.
60th Concert Season
2007-2008
box 2, folder 6
60th Concert Season materials
2007-2008
Scope and Contents
This file includes: event calendars; newspaper clippings; concert flyers; donation form.
box 3, folder 3
60th Concert Season "The 60th Anniversary Celebration Concert" poster
July 20, 2008
Physical Description: 1 items
box 21
60th Concert Season photo album
2007
Scope and Contents
This album includes photographs from the following concerts: "A Return to Paradise"; "Annual Christmas Concert".
box 22
60th Concert Season photo album
2008
Scope and Contents
This album includes photographs from the following concerts: "Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration"; "Annual Black
History Concert"; "Gala Celebration Concert" at Disney Concert Hall.
box 2, folder 7
61st Concert Season materials
2008-2009
Scope and Contents
This file includes: event calendars; newspaper articles; concert flyers; concert programs; donation forms.
box 2, folder 8
62nd Concert Season materials
2009-2010
Scope and Contents
This file includes: event calendars; concert flyers; concert programs.
box 2, folder 9
63rd Concert Season materials
2010-2011
Scope and Contents
This file includes: event calendar; concert flyers; concert programs; donation forms; newspaper articles.
box 2, folder 10
64th Concert Season materials
2011-2012
Scope and Contents
This file includes: newspaper articles; concert flyers; concert programs; donation forms.
65th Concert Season
2012-2013
box 2, folder 11
65th Concert Season materials
2012-2013
Scope and Contents
This file includes: event calendars; concert programs; donation forms; concert flyers; letter to supporters from interim executive
chair Rosemarie L. Cook-Glover.
box 3, folder 3
65th Concert Season "Our Legacy of the Future" concert posters
May 5, 2013
Physical Description: 2 items
box 2, folder 12
66th Concert Season materials
2013-2014
Scope and Contents
This file includes: event calendars; newspaper articles; concert programs; concert leaflets; donation forms.
box 2, folder 13
67th Concert Season materials
2014-2015
Scope and Contents
This file includes: event calendars; newspaper article; concert programs; donation forms.
box 2, folder 14
68th Concert Season materials
2015-2016
Scope and Contents
This file includes: event calendars; concert flyers; concert programs; concert cards; letter to supporters from president
of SESA Rosemarie L. Cook-Glover.
box 2, folder 15
70th Concert Season materials
2017-2018
Scope and Contents
This file includes: concert programs; concert cards; concert ticket; letter to supporters from president of SESA.
box 2, folder 16
Concert season event calendars
1998-2000
Scope and Contents
This file includes event calendars for the 51st season (1998-1999) and 52nd season (1999-2000).
box 2, folder 17
Off-season concert materials
1999-2019, undated
Scope and Contents
This file contains materials, such as flyers and programs, for the Orchestra's concerts not listed in their calendars of events.
box 24
Photographs
1995-2001, undated
Scope and Contents
Photograph subject matter includes: concerts and events (1995-2001, undated); Music is Education! Concert (October 4, 2001);
Music is Celebration! Concert (December 2, 2001).
