Finding Aid for University Bands Collection, circa 1840-2021 | The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music

By Tracy Parish, Adriana Cuervo, Kelly A. Carlson, and William Fisher

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Collection Overview

Title: University Bands Collection, circa 1840-2021

ID: 12/9/93

Primary Creator: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. University Bands

Extent: 113.5 cubic feet. More info below.

Arrangement: Arranged by type of material.

Date Acquired: 09/16/2004. More info below under Accruals.

Subjects: Band Department, Brass Instruments, Musical Instrument Collections, Musical Instrument Makers - Europe, Musical Instrument Makers - United States, Woodwind Instruments

Formats/Genres: Papers

Languages: English

Abstract

abs

Scope and Contents of the Materials

Includes musical instruments, band uniforms, photographs, music, newsclippings, audiovisual recordings, concert programs, and administrative records that document the University of Illinois Bands Department since its creation in 1905. The 1982 Chief Illiniwek Regalia was deaccessioned in 2009. The three boxes of administrative records include band conference and clinic programs, festival adjudications, Illinois commencement programs and band concerts, Marching Illini programs, ISYM programs, and WILL Radio broadcasts that were managed by the Assistant Directors of Bands between 1956 and 1974, including Eldon Oyen who joined the University Bands staff in 1969.

Collection Historical Note

bioghist

Biographical Note

The University of Illinois Military Band was established in 1870 for the purpose of providing music for functions within the military department of the Illinois Industrial University. From 1868 to 1894, the band was administered by student leaders and from 1895 to 1904 was led by various university faculty members. From 1905 to 1948, Albert Austin Harding led the university band program during which time he brought it to a position of national prominence. Subsequent directors of the Band Department include Mark H. Hindsley (1948-1970), Dr. Harry Begian (1970-1984) and the current director James F. Keene. The Band Department is currently a unit of the University of Illinois School of Music, which is in turn a unit of the College of Fine and Applied Arts. Ensembles under the administration of the Band Department include the UI Wind Symphony, two symphonic bands, three concert bands, a British Brass Band, Clarinet Choir, the UI Basketball Band, the Orange & Blues and the Marching Illini.

Subject/Index Terms

Band Department
Brass Instruments
Musical Instrument Collections
Musical Instrument Makers - Europe
Musical Instrument Makers - United States
Woodwind Instruments

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Series:

[Series 1: Instruments],
[Series 2: Photographs],
[Series 3: Uniforms],
[Series 4: Ephemera, 1912-2000],
[Series 5: Music],
[Series 6: Pressbooks],
[Series 7: University of Illinois Band Films and Audiovisual Recordings, 1932-2004],
[Series 8: Bound Concert Programs, 1906-1985],
[Series 9: University of Illinois Band Videocassettes, 1979-1999],
[Series 10: Administrative Records, 1956-1974],
[Series 11: Direct Cut Discs, 1937-1956],
[All]

Series 4: Ephemera, 1912-2000

Box 41

Folder 5: Concert Programs, ca. 1925-1958

Folder 6: Advertisements, Brochures and News Clippings, ca. 1936-1999

Folder 7: Correspondence, ca. 1912-2000

Folder 8: Maps of Harding Band Building, ca. 1958

Folder 9: Illinois Alumni News, April, 1930

Folder 10: Rhythm Magazine, January, 1931

Folder 11: Audio Cassette Recordings

Item 1: A.A. Harding, ca. 1947-1958: Side One: Introduction of and comments by A.A. Harding at Dedication Convocation of new Band Building, March 7, 1958. Side Two: Presentation of Awards to A.A. Harding at Band Concert, March of 1948. A.A. Harding interview with Harold Hill on radio concerning the Sousa Museum and Library, July 17, 1947.
Item 2: Marching Illini, ca. 1980

Box 70

Folder 4: Spring and Commencement Concert Programs, 1980
Folder 5: The Sudler Trophy certificate, presented to the University of Illinois Marching Band, 1984
Folder 6: Card for Dan Maloney from His Parents Commemorating the Final Chief Performance, 2007

Box 76

Item 4: AAU Baton Twirling Collegiate Regional Champion plaque, presented to Julia Arciola, 2020: Accession No. 2023.120993.004.

Item 1: University Bands Press Book, 1935-1958

Item 2: University Bands Press Book, 1958-1970

Item 3: University Bands Press Book, 1970-1975

MapCabinet 3

MapDrawer 1

Folder 1: University Bands Posters
Folder 3: Correct Posture Chart (poster), 1938
Folder 5: Map of Microphone Locations in Harding Band Building, circa 1958

Oversize Portfolio Case 1: Chief Illiniwek Commemorative Poster, 1986

Illustrated poster of Chief Illiniwek, produced to commemorate the Chief's 60th anniversary. 2 copies; one copy signed by Michael Rose, who portrayed Chief Illiniwek from 1986-1987.

Box 79

Item 1: Fighting Illini Duffle Bag with Chief Logo, Undated: Part of plastic trim is broken. Used to carry Chief regalia. 2023.120993.005