Contributing Institution: Special Collections and Archives

Title: Salli Terri Choral Music Collection

Identifier/Call Number: MS.2015.008

Physical Description: 3.13 Linear Feet

Date (inclusive): 1955-1983

Abstract: Salli C. Terri (September 3, 1922 - May 5, 1996) was a singer, arranger, recording artist, and song writer. She earned a B.A. in Music from Wayne State University, and an M.A. in Music from the University of Southern California. She was married to composer and director John Biggs for twenty-five years and had two daughters. The family performed medieval and Renaissance music together as the John Biggs Consort. From 1950-1952 she taught music and English at the American School in Tokyo, Japan, returned to the U.S. to teach music theory at Fullerton Junior College, and later directed a woman's choir and was a professor of Music at UCLA. In 1951 2 she joined the Roger Wagner Chorale and appeared as a solo artist. She also made several solo records, staged a one-woman show, and sang in film and television productions. This collection of choral music arranged by or performed by Salli Terri represents Terri's eclectic musical interest of folk, religious music, love songs, and ballads. The collection also reflects Salli Terri's deep interest in Shaker history and culture. The Shakers, also known as the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, is a religious sect branched off from a Quaker community and founded in the 18th century in England. The collection's clippings, periodicals, correspondence and magazines document Shaker culture and highlight an American folk culture worthy of study.

Language of Material: English .

The Salli Terri Choral Music Collection is the physical property of California State University, Los Angeles, John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, Special Collections and Archives.

The collection is organized into four series: I. Assorted Titles;II. Salli Terri Choral Series; III. Roger Wagner Choral Series; IV. Programs and Program Information.

Salli C. Terri (September 3, 1922 -May 5, 1996) was a singer, arranger, recording artist, and song writer. She earned a B.A. in Music from Wayne State University, and an M.A. in Music from the University of Southern California. She was married to composer and director John Biggs for twenty-five years and had two daughters. The family performed medieval and Renaissance music together as the John Biggs Consort. From 1950-1952 she taught music and English at the American School in Tokyo, Japan and returned to the U.S. to teach music theory at Fullerton Junior College, and later directed a woman's choir and was a professor of Music at UCLA. In 1951 she joined the Roger Wagner Chorale and appeared as a solo artist. She also made several solo records, staged a one-woman show, and sang in film and television roles. This collection of choral music arranged by or performed by Salli Terri represents Terri's eclectic musical interest of folk, religious music, love songs, and ballads.

Our collection contains a wide variety of publications, pamphlets, Shaker product guides, research reports, program proposals, newspaper and magazine clippings, conference materials and a series of academic articles. The collection includes Salli Terri's musical scores and a graduate level research paper that includes a collection of Shaker related clippings and musical scores.