Founded in 1929, The American Bandmasters Association (ABA) is committed to the preservation of American band history. In addition to the administrative papers, the ABA Research Center includes the collections of Merle Evans, Patrick Conway, Patrick S. Gilmore, Edwin Franko Goldman, Lynn Sams and many other band conductors, as well as historic band recordings, the Minichini Band Score Collection and other score collections, serials, reference books, photographs and a vertical file.
Click here for the ABA Research Center at the University of Maryland website
Items in the ABA Research Center include:
ABA members may document their careers and help the Research Center acquire band history that might otherwise be lost to future generations. Please contact John Davis, Curator, if you wish to discuss donating items to the Center. His contact information is listed below.
Papers
Letters, memos, notes, manuscripts, diaries, journals, lectures, speeches, class books, day books, reports, minutes, proceedings, agendas, rosters, legal documents, certificates, summaries, surveys, financial statements, committee files, etc.
Scores
We collect new band scores, as well as out-of-print editions, historical collections, and manuscripts. We are particularly interested in band arrangements and compositions of members.
Recordings
We would like to have the best band recording collection to be found, both old and new. We have high school, college, state, and professional band recordings as well as recordings by military bands.
Periodicals
We aim to have every issue of every band magazine, journal, newsletter, and house organ printed.
Books
Can you contribute any volumes on band history, biography, reference, or method?
Photographs
ABA history, band activities, personalities, instruments, etc.
Interviews
Recorded interviews related to band history and people.
Scrapbooks
Clippings, programs, photos, subjects, etc.
Information
We file biographical information on individual conductors and their bands. We also keep a band subject file.
For more information about the ABA Research Center please contact:
John Davis
Curator, Special Collections in Performing Arts
Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library
8270 Alumni Drive
University of Maryland
Phone: (301) 405-9220
Email: jrdavis@umd.edu