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James Madison University Libraries Special Collections
880 Madison DriveMSC 1704
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
Telephone: (540) 568-3612
library-special@jmu.edu
URL: https://www.lib.jmu.edu/special/
Heather Smith
Administrative Information
Conditions Governing Use
The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk. (library-special@jmu.edu).
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research. Audio recordings are not accessible pending reformatting. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.
Preferred Citation
[identification of item], [box #, folder #], James Rex Riley Papers, SC 0181, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
Acquisition Information
These materials, most of which had been in Dr. Riley's office at the time of his death, were donated to the Music Department by his widow, Susan Riley.
Processing Information
In order to streamline the process of applying collection numbers, Special Collections staff completed a large-scale renumbering campaign in 2017-2018. This collection was previously cataloged as SC 5003 .
Bio/Historical Note
James Rex Riley was born in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1938. He graduated from Centenary College, then studied composition with Samuel Adler and Hunter Johnson at North Texas State University and the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned his doctorate. He taught at the University of Texas, Mississippi State University and Wichita State University, and came to James Madison University in September 1981. He won a number of prizes, including three ASCAP awards, and received commissions from such organizations as the San Antonio Chamber Music Society as well as James Madison University. He died March 29, 1987, after several years of struggling against a brain tumor.
Scope and Content
This collection contains five boxes. The bulk of the collection consists of manuscripts of Dr. Riley's compositions and recordings of performances of his works.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
- James Madison University. Department of Music
- Manuscripts (documents)
Significant Persons Associated With the Collection
- Riley, James R. (James Rex), 1938-1987
Container List
Notes by Dr. Riley & various scores.
Conversation piece for trumpet, Tenuto, 1983. Dialogue for trumpet and percussion, Elkan-Vogel, 1974. Three acts for five trombones, Brass Press, 1973. Stick games, Southern Music, 1980. Visiones, Southern Music, 1976.
Includes a resume, copy of the funeral program, and clippings.
Most are originals; a few are photocopies in files. Titles are: Celebration for band Sun-song; Concert music for winds & percussion; Superstar (folder); Masquerade (folder); Three songs for the day; Spheres (folder); String of pearls (folder); Tropical latitudes (folder); Valley ayres (3 copies)
Most are originals; a few are photocopies in files. Titles are: Dedicatory hymn and fuguing tune Preludes & fugues (folder); Devil's dirge Sassy Sam (folder); Four scenes for orchestra (3 cop.); Second string quartet; Gemini (folder); Third string quartet (3 cop.); Pastime (2 copies)
18 5 inch reel to reel tapes of performances of Dr. Riley's compositions: Concert music for winds and percussion, WSU Wind Ensemble, 1975; Concert music for winds and percussion, Cincinnati Conservatory Wind Ensemble, 1977; Conversation piece, solo - Charles Bergine, 1979, 3 copies; Dedicatory hymn and fuguing tune, 1978, 2 copies; Dialogue, WSU, 1972; Four scenes for orchestra, WSU, 1973, 2 copies; Pastime. San Antonio Symphony Woodwind Quintet, 2 copies; Pirouettes, 1 copy 1982, 1 copy 1983; Second string quartet, WSU, 1974; Stick games, ISU Percussion Ensemble; Third string quartet, Concord Quartet, 1977; Textures, 1971.
20 cassette tapes, of which some are Dr. Riley's work, others are by various composers, and some are commercial orchestras for classroom use; and Dr. Riley's card file of items in his files.