Finding Aid for Austin J. McDowell Music and Papers, 1899-2004 | The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music

Title: Austin J. McDowell Music and Papers, 1899-2004

ID: 12/5/86

Primary Creator: McDowell, Austin J. (1920-2013)

Extent: 2.5 cubic feet

Arrangement: Organized into two series: Series 1: Musical and Professional Papers, 1899-2001; organized into four sub-series: Sub-Series 1: UIUC Faculty Papers, 1936-2001, arranged chronologically; Sub-Series 2: Educational Papers, 1938-1983, arranged chronologically; Sub-Series 3: Sheet Music, 1899-1942, arranged by type of material; Sub-Series 4: Summer Camps, 1947-1963, arranged chronologically; and Series 2: Personal and Family Papers, 1943-1984, arranged chronologically.

Date Acquired: 11/20/2023

Subjects: Music, Music, School of, University of Illinois

Formats/Genres: Sheet music

Consists of pedagogical materials, research papers, correspondence, event programs, and sheet music documenting Austin J. McDowell's musical and professional career, including as Woodwind Instructor and director of the School of Music at UIUC. Also includes newclippings, photographs, and personal papers of McDowell's family members.

Austin Johnston McDowell was born September 15, 1920, in Heyworth, IL, and died at the age of 93 on December 4, 2013, in Urbana, IL. McDowell was a Professor Emeritus and former director of the University of Illinois School of Music. McDowell received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music from the University of Illinois. After completing his Bachelor's degree, he served as a United States Navy pilot during World War II, after which he returned to UIUC to complete his Master's degree. On January 23, 1947, he married Ellen Jane Attebery, with whom he had seven children. In 1946, along with being a clarinetist with the Illinois Woodwind Quintet and the Champaign-Urbana Symphony, McDowell was appointed Woodwind Instructor at the UIUC School of Music and University Bands. He eventually became Chairman of the Wind Instrument Division and later served as the Director of the School of Music, before retiring in 1988. Over the summers, McDowell also taught at the National Music Camp in Interlochen, MI, The Bemidji Summer Camp in Bemidji, MI, and Western State University in Gunnison, CO. He attended Holy Cross Church in Champaign and was a member of Phi Mu Alpha, Pi Kappa Lambda, the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors, and the Music Educators National Conference. Despite being struck with Alzheimer's disease later in life, McDowell found great satisfaction in his work with his students and left a legacy of patience, good humor, courage, and grace.

Music
Music, School of
University of Illinois

Repository: The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music

Acquisition Source: John McDowell

Acquisition Method: Gift.