Scope and Content Note
The John Herbert McDowell Papers span McDowell's musical and theatrical career, through his early childhood performances to his mature compositions. The collection consists of holograph scores and sketches, recording notes, personal and professional correspondence, scripts, programs, clippings, and photographs, and is divided into seven series.
The Music series includes holograph sketches and scores of McDowell's works, including dance, film, theatrical, sacred, and concert music. These include many of his collaborations with choreographers, including Paul Taylor and James Waring, as well as filmmaker Brian de Palma and writers Diane di Prima, Gertrude Stein, Arthur Williams, and Michael Smith.
The Biographical Material series includes information pertaining to McDowell's life, including his education, military service, resumes, financial records, and teaching engagements.
The Files series is divided into two subseries. The Subject Files include information about institutions such as the Judson Dance and Poets Theatres and the New Gaiety. The Project Files include scripts, notes, and recording information for specific works by McDowell and his collaborators.
The Programs and Promotional Material series includes programs of McDowell's compositions as well as his collaborators, including programs for productions at the Judson Memorial Church, La Mama, Caffe Cino, and the New Gaiety. It also includes flyers, posters, and clippings pertaining to these performances.
The Correspondence series comprises personal correspondence between McDowell and his friends and family, particularly Ezra Sims, Elaine Summers, James Waring, and McDowell's mother, and professional correspondence regarding McDowell's performance and teaching engagements.
The Photographs series includes mostly candid photographs of McDowell throughout his life and career, as well as photographs of his collaborators and performance photographs.
The Artwork series includes artwork by McDowell and others.