| Keffer Collection of Sheet Music,
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| Introduction |
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James Hemmenway, composer and band leader, was born in Philadelphia and led a successful musical career there as one of the first generation of African-American musicians in the United States. Hemmenway may have performed as a member of Frank Johnson's popular band, but eventually his own band was in competition with Johnson's ensemble. In 1824 Hemmenway's band was one of the groups that performed at the festivities held in honor of General Lafayette's return to Philadelphia. Hemmenway's band performed at many other functions in the city, including concerts of sacred music at local African-American churches. The band had a permanent home at Washington Hall, located at Third Street near Spruce Street.
| Item No. | Title | Imprint | Plate No. | Illustration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box 34 no. 8 | The Fifth Set of Quadrilles / composed for the piano forte by James Hemmenway, leader of the orchestra at Washington Hall, Philada. | Philadelphia : Geo. Willig, 1828 | None | None |
| Box 11 no. 59 | Philada. Serenading Grand March : arranged for the piano forte with an accompaniment for the flute or violin / by J. Hemmenway | Philadelphia : Geo. Willig, between 1826 and 1830 | None | None |
| Box 39a no. 40 | The Philadelphia Hop Waltz / as performed by Hemmenway's Band at the Washington Hall, and respectfully dedicated to the ladies of Philadelphia by J. Hemmenway | Philadelphia : Geo. Blake, between 1815 and 1841 | None | None |
| Composers |