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Alfred Harding Yopp Papers

 Collection
Identifier: SC-MS-030

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of photocopies of music scores and sheet music primarily composed by Alfred Harding Yopp, Wilmington musician and businessman, as well as correspondence, newspaper clippings, and programs.

Dates

  • 1896-1976 (photocopies)

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research use.

Copyright Statement

Copyright retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

Biographical Note

Alfred Harding Yopp, Wilmington musician, music teacher, composer and businessman, began his music career as a teenager, when his parents arranged for music lessons in an effort to steer him away from a career as a machinist. After three years of tutelage by Miss Cannie Chasten, Yopp enrolled in the New England Conservatory of Music where he studied piano, organ and composition. Upon his return to Wilmington in 1897, he began his career as music teacher and church organist.

Yopp served as organist for Temple of Israel Synagogue for over twenty years, and also served lengthy stints as church organist for local Baptist, Presbyterian, and Episcopalian churches. He composed a Sabbath service for the Temple in Hebrew, as well as music ranging from secular rag time to sacred hymns and choral works. He also played in the orchestra at Thalian Hall and performed in concerts.

In 1915, he and Thomas R. Woody launched their piano store. Yopp was an aggressive business man and by the next year was able to buy out his partner and form the Yopp Piano Company. The business later expanded to include organs, sheet music, and records and tapes, and through Yopp's astute management, weathered the economic ups and downs of pre-World War II America. At the same time, Yopp maintained an active interest in music composition and performance, an interest which lasted through out his 96 year life.

Note written by Patricia B. McGee

Extent

0.4 Linear Feet (Contains 1 document box)

Language

English

Source of Acquisition

This collection was donated by Ms. Nancy Ping (UNCW Faculty member of the Music Department) on June 12, 1979.

Processing Information

Originally processed by Patricia B. McGee in March, 1997. In 2014, this manuscript collection was re-foldered and re-housed with current archival standard materials by Kate Edwards.

Title
Alfred Harding Yopp Papers
Status
Completed
Author
Patricia B. McGee
Date
1997 March 17
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Randall Library Special Collections Repository

Contact:

910-962-7810