Samesmn - Posted - 04/24/2023:  06:48:20

Hey all,

A little while ago I got in touch with Brown University who has a few of Dwight Diller's instructional material. I asked them about if there were any plans to long-term preserve this material, and they just recently informed me that they cannot do so as there is a question of copyright. Brown University does not have any information regarding who has the copyright for this material.

They asked about reaching out to his heirs to find out more and then they can see about preserving his material in a more permanent format as they are currently in VHS condition which will eventually rot.

I know some of you knew Dwight personally and may have some contact information as to who his heirs may be (I believe he has a son) or who else may have the copyright. If anyone else is interested in preserving Dwight's work and you have any information on this, please feel free to reach out to me. Dwight worked hard to preserve the old music and I feel like it would be nice to preserve as much of his work as we can.

JollyRogers - Posted - 04/24/2023:  11:23:04

Have you considered contacting yewpineculturaltraditions.org/...ects.html

Samesmn - Posted - 04/24/2023:  16:01:26

quote:

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Originally posted by JollyRogers

Have you considered contacting yewpineculturaltraditions.org/...ects.html

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After talking with a few others, I think I will try just that. Thanks for your info.

OldPappy - Posted - 04/26/2023:  08:47:34

I was at Dwight's place a couple of weeks ago to pick up Dwight's old dog "Pug" to bring him back down South for retirement. . Caleb had mentioned that his oldest son is taking banjo lessons so while there I reassembled a light weight banjo I had made for Dwight a couple of years ago which I thought would be perfect for a kid.

I have no official connection with YPCT, but am friends with the members of the group. I was with them at Dwight's house as they discussed preservation of Dwight's music and other materials.

I will ask them if they can provide a response to these questions, and if there is anything we can do to help.

OldPappy - Posted - 04/30/2023:  19:10:07

I have been in discussion with YPCT board members, and can say that a lot of work is being done to preserve Dwight's legacy, and a project is underway to get all of his music, and instructional material into a digital format and at some point making more of it available to the public. There is an incredible amount of material to process, and it will take some time.

Samesmn - Posted - 05/01/2023:  04:02:35

Thank you for yhe response, I had actually gotten that same reply from them when I contacted them. It is good to know there are people working on this. If needed I can put them in touch with the Universities or help in any way but it sounds like they have this handled.

OldPappy - Posted - 05/01/2023:  07:02:50

If what the university has are VHS tapes of the instructional series Dwight produced they have all that in a more modern format, including a remastered version of "Just Rhythm" which is the one most requested.

YPCT has a very small staff and is underfunded, but both situations are improving. Please be patient, good things will come to those who wait.

BrooksMT - Posted - 05/02/2023:  12:55:52

I sent a donation to:
Michael Brooks
Yewpine Cultural Tradition
397 Schoolhouse Way
Hedgeville WV 25427

re: Dwight Diller music preservation

Hope this helps; Mr. Diller was a great banjoist and teacher.