Scope and Content Note
The Joe Roccisano Papers span the years 1950 to 1997, the bulk of which date from 1970 to 1997. The Music series primarily consists of holograph scores, lead sheets, and parts for works composed or arranged by Roccisano. The Performance Library subseries, consisting of approximately 97 titles, comprises the largest portion of this collection. The two original libraries combined in this subseries supported the performances of his two 15-piece bands, Rocbop and the Joe Roccisano Orchestra, as well as his Nonet. Included are multiple arrangements for each title appropriate for the different ensembles.
Additional music materials that were not present in either performance library are located in the Other Music subseries. This subseries contains scores and parts for specific performances, albums, commissions, and other projects Roccisano completed, including material for his large-scale work, Synthesis for Orchestra, arrangements for the Hoops McCann Band, and scores and parts used for his Nonet album. Additional notable items include composition notes and exercises he wrote while studying with Harry Huffnagle and film composer Albert Harris.
The subseries Music by Others contains scores and parts by other composers and arrangers. Some of this material is accompanied by correspondence.
A variety of non-music material comprises the final two series of the collection, Biographical Materials and Business Papers. The former contains clippings, photographs, correspondence, ephemera, and other items documenting Roccisano's life and career. The Business Papers capture a fraction of his work as a composer and arranger while leading the Nonet and the Joe Roccisano Orchestra.