James R. Brooks Urbana Middle School and High School Band Photographs and Papers, 1958-2001

Collection Overview

Title: James R. Brooks Urbana Middle School and High School Band Photographs and Papers, 1958-2001

ID: 12/9/181

Creator: Brooks, James R. (1934-2001)

Extent: 0.75 cubic feet

Arrangement: Orangized in two series: Series 1: Urbana Middle School and High School Photographs, Newsclippings, and Papers, 1968-1992; Series 2: Family Photographs and Personal Papers, 1958-1974.

Date Acquired: 04/19/2024

Languages: English [eng]

Scope and Contents of the Materials

Consists of photogrphs, newspaper clippings, a concert program and poster, Brooks's teaching certification, and the family scrapbook documenting his work as the Assistant Director (1968-1972) and Band Director (1975-1992) of the Urbana Middle School Band, as well as the Band Director (1972-1975) of the Urbana High School Band.

Biographical Note

James R. Brooks (1934-2001) was born on November 4, 1934 and married Margaret L. Brooks (1934-2020) in 1958. Brooks was the Assistant Director at the Urbana Middle School from 1968-1972, and later the Middle School Band Director from 1975-1992. From 1972-1975, he was the Urbana High School Band Director. During this time the Urbana High School Band traveled playing concerts in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mississippi. James R. Brooks passed away on August 6, 2021 in Burnsville, Minnesota and was survivied by his daughters, Carolyn Corzine and Julie Belford, as well as five grandchildren and seven great-grand children.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Source: Carolyn Corzine, the daughter of James R. Brooks.

Acquisition Method: Gift

Box and Folder Listing

Series 1: Urbana Middle School and High School Photographs, Newsclippings, and Papers, 1968-1992

Consists of photogrphs, newspaper clippings, a concert program and a poster documenting Brooks's time as the Assistant Director (1968-1972) and Band Director (1975-1992) of the Urbana Middle School Band, as well as the Band Director (1972-1975) of the Urbana High School Band.

Box 1

Folder 1: Urbana Middle School Band Photographs, 1968-1980
Folder 2: Newspaper Clippings - UHS Band, 1969-1974
Folder 3: Urbana High School Band Photographs, 1971-1974
Folder 4: Newspaper Clippings - UMS Band, 1980-1992
Folder 5: Urbana Middle School Band - Retirement Party Photographs, 1992
Folder 6: Urbana Middle School Concert Program, undated

Oversize Portfolio Case 1

Item 1: New Orleans Tour - Honorary Citizen Poster, 1974: Given to Brooks and the Urbana High School Band by the city of New Orleans when they performed there.

Series 2: Family Photographs and Personal Papers, 1958-1974

Consists of an Illinois teaching certification and the Brooks family scrapbook of photographs from the family's trip to Colorado and New Orleans, and a get well card.

Box 1

Folder 7: Illinois Teaching Certificate, 1958
Folder 8: Brooks Family Scrapbook, 1973-1974: Consists of phtographs of family trips, newspaper clippings, and a get well card. Of note is photographs and newspaper clippings from the New Orleans trip James Brooks went on with the Urbana High School Band.