The ‘La Stella Philharmonic Society’’s music archive : organisation and analysation

Abstract

The Purpose of this research is to make the readers aware while informing the interested stakeholders about the importance of the music archives which are kept in band clubs, while providing a framework of how an archive should be organised and preserved. In this regard, the La Stella Philharmonic Society’s archive was chosen in order to serve as an example. Here, the current situation, the needs and the infrastructural challenges were identified so that good suggestions could be given.

This research presents an in-depth critique of the collection being studied through international literature and standards, in the light of the historical circumstances surrounding this archive and others like it. In this regard, ethnographic research enabled also a deep understanding of the current challenges and hindrances that the collection faces. Moreover, qualitative research enables good results in suggesting preservation methods, as well as means which could enable the archive to move forward.

This research demonstrates the urgency with which these archives should be tackled by their owners, considering that the unique music which they contain; which sheds light on an obscure segment in local culture; is on the brink of being lost once and for all.