On the Fringe, 2005

The Compositions (1959-2011, undated) series contains manuscripts and printed music of compositions, arrangements, and sketches by Ross. Many works are pieces written for and performed by his piano jazz band wRen, and several manuscripts are printed on paper with the band’s bird insignia. This series also contains a folder of works primarily composed or arranged for vibraphone, some of which may have been used for teaching purposes by Berklee College of Music faculty member Dave Samuels, to whom there are several pieces of correspondence interfiled.

Many but not all compositions are numbered according to an original cataloging system devised by Ross. When provided, these numbers have been added to the collection inventory in parentheses, styled as (R.###), however several numbers conflict; these may have been repurposed, applied to a work whose title later changed, or may be page numbers mistaken for catalog numbers by Berklee Archives processing staff.

Ross dedicated many of his compositions to family members, friends, or other individuals. Dedication information enclosed in square brackets were supplied by Janet Ross; supplied folder titles or other explanatory notes by processing staff are also enclosed in square brackets.