Skip to main content

Dance Band Traditions of the Northern Plains, Their Influence and Spread

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 364-Cassette 338-344

Scope and Contents

This work, titled Dance Band Traditions of the Northern Plains, Their Influence and Spread, reflects research by UND graduate student Kenneth Aune and ‘submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music’ to the UND Music Department. As stated in the Introduction, ‘The purpose of this study was to document firsthand recollections and insights from the old-time music community while it is still possible to do so. Interviewees included old-time musicians, dance band members, music researchers, and family members of old-time musicians. The interview data was supplemented with archival and library research.’ The collection consists of a copy of Aune’s work and oral history tapes of the seven people interviewed. The research paper Dance Band Traditions of the Northern Plains, Their Influence and Spread consists of Aune’s written paper (20 leaves), consisting of three chapters: ‘Old Time Music,’ ‘Old Time Dance Traditions,’ ‘Lawrence Welk: America’s Bandleader’, together with his ‘Closing Observations’ and References. It also includes a copy of the ‘Interview Consent Form’ used in the project. A copy of the signed consent form by each participant was included in the donation and are on file at the Institute. The form does state that the ‘project and its research materials’ will be deposited at the NDSU and/or UND Special Collections departments. In his closing observations, Aune states old-time dance bands on the Northern Plains were significant for several reasons, including passing down the cultural music from one generation to another; embracing the significance of the family; and appreciation of the value of ethical behavior. The majority of the paper consists of transcripts of the interview conducted with each of participants. All were done in June 2007 by Mr. Aune. Dr. Towne also participated in all of them except with Jennifer Michalenko. Each interview gives a little background on the person interviewed with the main portion devoted to the person’s musical background and knowledge related to old-time music and dance bands in the region. The Oral Histories Series consists of the seven original tapes of the interviews conducted for this research paper. Each is on a 90 minute cassette. The interviewees were Michel Wittgraf of Grand Forks, Jennifer Michalenko of Jamestown, Robert Groves of Fargo, Dan Anderson of Ray, Janice Hoffarth of Grand Forks, LeRoy Rieger of Esmond, and Darrell Michalenko of Minot, N.D.

Dates

  • 2007

Creator

Access

The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.

Copyrights

Copyrights to this collection are not held by the Institute.

Biography

Kenneth M. Aune at the time of this work was a graduate student at the University of North Dakota, pursuing a Masters of Music degree. His advisor was Gary Towne, Professor of Music History at the University of North Dakota Music Department. This was Aune's research product for the course Music 500--Introduction to Graduate Studies in Music.

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet (0.2 linear feet)

Language of Materials

English

Provenance

Donated by Kenneth M. Aune & Gary Towne, 2008 (Acc. 2960).

Property rights

The Institute for Regional Studies owns the property rights to this collection.
Title
Finding Aid to Dance Band Traditions of the Northern Plains, Their Influence and Spread
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Institute for Regional Studies Repository

Contact:
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States