The Paul Lavalle Collection is organized by published vs unpublished works and then separated by genre (band, jazz, and string orchestra). A lettering system was devised with each letter denoting a separate category. The pieces within each category are then given a number based on acquisition order.  In order to preserve the collection, each item was bound in an acid-free folder and placed in a climate-controlled room within the Music Library. 

While the collection is primarily about Paul Lavalle, it also provides insight into the other influential people he worked with. These collaborators either arranged various works within the collection or are mentioned in some way. For instance, Joe Tarto (1902-1986) was a jazz tubist and bassist who was a longtime friend of Paul Lavalle and worked with him in various ways, such as working with him as side musicians for Vincent Lopez’ dance band and working with him in the Freedomland Band and the Band of America in the 1950s. George Siravo (1916-2000) was a composer, arranger, saxophonist, and clarinetist who arranged concert band pieces with Paul Lavalle. Bob Freedman (1934-2018) was a Grammy winning arranger, jazz pianist and saxophonist who was known for his big band arrangements and artist orchestrations. Peter Ecklund (1945-2020) was a cornetist who primarily worked as a sideman but also arranged/composed music. Jerry Herman (1931-2018) was a conductor, composer, and lyricist primarily known for his work with Broadway theater. James Burke (1923-1981) was a trumpet/cornet soloist who played with Paul Lavalle’s Band of America from 1950-1956. Al G. Wright (1916-2020) worked as a bandleader and was the director of Purdue University’s All-American Band. He also assisted Paul Lavalle by handling the marching aspects of the McDonald’s All-American High School Band.   Mark L. Leter would tour with Paul in 1976.

The collection was donated to James Madison University by Suzanne Lavalle Bothamley, Paul’s daughter. Paul Lavalle and his wife moved to Harrisonburg in 1989 in order to be closer to Suzanne, who had been working on Harrisonburg’s TV 3. During this time Joseph Estock, who was the head of JMU’s Music Department from 1976 to 2000, reached out to Paul about conducting at the JMU School of Music, which he hoped would be the beginning of a longer partnership. A concert on November 13, 1990 by the JMU University Wind Symphony was guest conducted by Paul and the ticket profits went to a music scholarship honoring him. While the full extent of Paul’s relationship with James Madison University isn’t known, he did serve on the arts committee at JMU before his death on June 24th, 1997.

To view the full inventory list click here. The collection is not available for lending; however, unless the item is available for purchase or rent, the Music Library has been given permission to make photocopies, upon request, for use by library patrons.   Please consult this list of sources for items not in our collection and to determine the availability of items for rent and/or purchase.

To request a photocopy or for questions or comments, please contact the music library at (540) 568-3542 or at library-music@jmu.edu. Please include your shipping address as well as a phone number and/or an e-mail address.