Originally recorded on 1 sound tape reel. Reformatted in 2010 as 1 digital wav file. Duration is 1 hr., 2 min.
Transcript: Patrons must use microfilm copy.
An interview of Valter Poole conducted in 1964, by Heyward Ehrlich, for the Archives of American Art.
Poole speaks of his background and education; his musical training; his years prior to the Federal Music Project; getting the directorship of the Federal Music Project in Detroit, and later becoming orchestra conductor; the activities of the orchestra, including regular concerts in schools and museums; introducing new music and new composers to Detroit; the effect of the Project on the musicians involved; the project's benefits to the community.
Transcript: 35mm microfilm reel 3949 available at Archives of American Art offices and through interlibrary loan.
Valter Poole (1903-1984) was a symphony conductor, violist, and music professor in Detroit, Mich.
Conducted as part of the Archives of American Art's New Deal and the Arts project, which includes over 400 interviews of artists, administrators, historians, and others involved with the federal government's art programs and the activities of the Farm Security Administration in the 1930s and early 1940s.