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Stella Castellucci papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 7825

Scope and Contents

This collection contains materials collected by Stella Castellucci ranging from approximately 1955 to 2009. It includes press clippings, correspondence, photographs, and CDs which Stella recorded. Also contains Harp Column journals in which Stella was featured, and an American Harp Society (AHS) pin and harp necklace.

Dates

  • approximately 1955-2009

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Open to public research.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the Stella Castellucci papers must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Board of Curators.

Biographical History

Stella Castellucci (born 1930) is a prominent jazz harpist and composer who studied under Alfred Kastner and Ann Stockton.

Stella Castellucci was born in 1930 in southern California. Her father, Louis Castellucci, was a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and came from a long line of Italian bandmasters. At age five, Stella started playing the piano. It wasn't until she was eleven that she picked up an interest in the harp. Stella studied the Oberthür method with Aïda Dagort and was later introduced to the Salzedo method by Mary Jane Barton. By 1945, Stella was referred by May Cambern to study with Alfred Kastner. When she turned eighteen, Stella took her first job as the harpist for the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) Radio Orchestra. In 1951, she decided to explore her career as a harpist and began to freelance. After two years of studio work, Stella received a call from Pete Candoli, who was in the ABC orchestra with her. He was working with Peggy Lee, who decided she wanted a harpist as part of her jazz quintet. Throughout her years of touring with Peggy Lee, Stella played at many vicinities such as a Beverly Hills night club named Ciro's, the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas, and the Fairmont in San Francisco. Eventually Stella became so busy with studio work, that in 1960, she stopped touring with Peggy. Stella was always busy and enjoyed trying new things. In 1973, she worked with Verlye Mills to write the book, "Rhythm for Harp." After that, she started writing more books and producing arrangements. Finally Stella decided to slow down and keeps a schedule of jazz coaching and freelancing.

Extent

2 cartons (2 linear ft.)

Language of Materials

English

Arrangement

Original order of the collection has been maintained.

Custodial History

Donated by Stella Castellucci in 2009.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated; Stella Castellucci; 2009.

Appraisal

Prominent Harpists, (Section IV.a.i. International Harp Collection Development Policy January 2011).

Processing Information

Processed; Lynzi Phillips; 2011.

Title
Register of Stella Castellucci papers
Status
Completed
Author
Lynzi Phillips
Date
2011 May 9
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English in Latin script.

Repository Details

Part of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Repository

Contact:
1130 HBLL
Brigham Young University
Provo Utah 84602 United States