In a remarkable discovery, the River Raisin Ragtime Revue (R4) has added over 1,400 pieces of sheet music from the turn of the 20th century to its already impressive collection. This trove of musical gems, once owned by a New York City orchestra leader, has been meticulously preserved and is now poised to captivate audiences with the timeless sounds of ragtime, marches, and waltzes that defined the era.

Unlocking the Melodies of a Bygone Era

Unearthing a Musical Treasure Trove

The recent acquisition of this expansive collection is a testament to the dedication and passion of the R4 team, led by Executive Director William Pemberton and his wife, Diane. The journey to secure these musical artifacts began with a Craigslist listing, which led the Pembertons on a road trip to Missouri to personally retrieve the collection from a fellow music enthusiast, Jeff Latham. The sheer volume of the collection, coupled with the exceptional condition of the sheet music, has left the R4 team both elated and eager to share these hidden gems with their audiences.

Preserving America's Musical Heritage

As one of only three full-time professional ragtime orchestras in the country, the R4 has a steadfast commitment to educating and entertaining audiences through the performance and preservation of America's original style of popular music. This latest addition to their collection joins an already extensive archive of sheet music and historic musical artifacts, including the life's work and collection of renowned scholar Karl Koenig, a leading expert on early New Orleans ragtime and jazz.

Transforming a Historic Venue into a Musical Sanctuary

In a move that further solidifies their dedication to the preservation and celebration of this musical legacy, the R4 is currently in the process of renovating Haviland Hall, an 1882 chapel on the PlaneWave Instruments campus in Adrian, Michigan. This historic venue will serve as the orchestra's new performance space and home for their ever-growing archive, ensuring that these musical treasures are not only protected but also shared with the world.

Uncovering Rare Gems and Forgotten Masterpieces

As the R4 team delves into the newly acquired collection, they have already discovered numerous rare and forgotten gems, including works by Michigan composers and arrangers. These musical discoveries are a testament to the richness and diversity of the ragtime era, and the R4 is eager to bring these compositions to life on stage, captivating audiences with the timeless melodies and rhythms that defined the turn of the 20th century.

Sharing the Joy of Ragtime with the World

The River Raisin Ragtime Revue's mission to educate and entertain through the performance and preservation of America's original style of popular music is more than just a passion – it's a calling. With this latest addition to their collection, the orchestra is poised to take audiences on a captivating journey through the golden age of ragtime, unearthing forgotten masterpieces and introducing a new generation to the infectious energy and timeless appeal of this quintessential American art form.