Society for ethnomusicology

The Society for Ethnomusicology (SEM) was founded in 1955 by David McAllester, Alan Merriam, Willard Rhodes, and Charles Seeger to promote the research, study, and performance of music in all historical periods and cultural contexts. One of the Societys main goals is promote the understanding and appreciation of all types of music to academics as well as members of the general public. Through its publications and its national and regional meetings, the Society provides a forum for discussion of current scholarly research and fosters the promotion and development of a variety of traditional art forms. Ethnomusicology, the Societys journal is a leading publication in its field. The Society meets annually in October or November and its ten regional chapters meet between January and May. Although it is based in the United States, SEM currently has more than 1,800 international members ranging from scholars and researchers to archivists, performers, and institutional members consisting primarily of libraries. The SEM archives consists of administrative records; presidential and other executive committee member papers; minutes; reports; membership rosters; financial reports and audits; committee records; chapter records; conference materials; associated organization materials; and publications including the SEM Journal, Newsletter, and audio-visual and monograph series.

From the guide to the Society for Ethnomusicology Archives, 1953-present, 1955-present, (Special Collections in Performing Arts)