The documented story
The source confirms the ensemble’s existence and program context but does not identify its city, formal name, venues, dates, repertoire, or performances.
People and leadership
Dean Richardson directed the statewide Federal Music Project, but the African American dance band’s own director and personnel have not been identified.
Community and organization
The ensemble was part of the federally funded Works Progress Administration/Federal Music Project relief program.
Reading the evidence
The current project heading is a descriptive catalog label, not a documented formal band name. It must not be confused with the separately mentioned Ardmore and Shawnee dance bands.
Questions for further research
Core identity work is still required: locate the underlying Chronicles article and WPA records; determine locality, formal name, director, personnel, dates, and activities before publishing a standalone band page.
Dated evidence in this record
- 1935 – 1943
The 1985 Chronicles of Oklahoma article Politics of Culture: The Federal Music Project in Oklahoma discusses Oklahoma Federal Music Project activity, including an African American dance band and small band projects associated with Ardmore and Shawnee.
- 1935 – 1939
The official OHS Federal Music Project article documents an African American dance-band project in Oklahoma during the late-1935–1939 period.
- 1937 – 1939
The OHS Federal Music Project article documents public concern over possible disappearance of the Ardmore, Okmulgee, and Shawnee orchestras after federal budget cuts, supporting sustained public and community importance during 1937–1939.