Arthur Brandenburg Papers

Individual Collection name: Arthur Brandenburg Papers

Repository name: Special Collections in Performing Arts,
Performing Arts Library, University of Maryland

Type: Professional papers, programs, scores, clippings, photographs, recordings, and books.

Collection dates: c.1926-1983

Extent: 28 linear feet

Statement of provenance: Bulk received as gift of Arthur Brandenburg, 12 January 1984 [84-73-ABA]. Several previous donations by Brandenburg were incorporated into the collection, and another large amount of materials was received from Lois Beck in 1995 [95-60-ABA].

Finding Aid: A finding aid prepared by Bradley Mariska is available in the repository. [View Online]

SCPA shelf location: SCPA Collections Room, Aisle C

Access: There are no restrictions on access to items in this collection, however materials must be used in the Performing Arts Library's Irving and Margery Morgan Lowens Special Collections Room, 10 to 5, Monday through Friday. Please make an appointment with the curator.

Biography: The music educator, bandleader, and first director of the American Bandmasters Association Research Center, Arthur H. Brandenburg, was born in Waverly, Iowa in 1899. He graduated from Grinnell College in 1920 with degrees in music and political science. After a single year as principal of the Donnybrook, North Dakota Consolidated High School, Brandenburg enrolled in Columbia University, where he earned a masters degree in music under the tutelage of Daniel Gregory Mason.

Between 1924 and 1960, Brandenburg taught music in the Elizabeth, New Jersey Public Schools. There he organized the city's first high school and junior high school bands. By 1942, Brandenburg was overseeing a music faculty of twenty-one, covering three high schools, four junior high schools, and nineteen grade schools. In addition, Brandenburg worked as a church organist and a summer music instructor at Rutgers University, the Ernest Williams Summer Camp, and New York University, where he began his doctorate in 1937.

Brandenburg was elected to the American School Band Directors Association in 1954, and served as president in 1957. He was elected to the American Bandmasters Association in 1960. Arthur Brandenburg died in 1986.

Series Arrangement:
Series 0 – Collection Management Documents
Series I – ABA Research Center
Series II – Teacher/Administrator Materials
Series III – Manuscripts
Series IV – Photographs
Series V – Professional Organizations and Activities
Series VI – Professional Interests
Series VII – Music
Series VIII – Memorabilia/Realia
Series IX – Recordings
Series X – Personal

Scope and Content Note: The Arthur Brandenburg Papers contain materials relating to Brandenburg’s activities as a music educator and administrator, and his responsibilities as director of the ABA Research Center. Information regarding the establishment of this collection, its organization, and any correspondence between the repository and the donor are included in Series 0, Collection Management Documents.

Materials from Brandenburg’s tenure at the ABA Research Center are contained in Series I, ABA Research Center, consisting primarily of correspondence with ABA members and official documents related to the day-to-day operations of the Center. A detailed inventory of these materials (c. 1 linear foot) has not been completed.

Series II, Teacher/Administrator Materials, contains materials relating to Brandenburg’s position as a music teacher and administrator in the public schools of Elizabeth, New Jersey. This series comprises programs, administrative documents, curriculum materials, pedagogy/instructional materials, and a large amount of information about school music contests, 1926-1949.

Series III, Manuscripts, represents Brandenburg’s interest in composition and arranging. Approximately thirty-five (35) manuscript copies of works for various ensembles are included, as well as some published music on which these or other works were based. Most of these works were never published.

Series IV, Photographs, include portraits of Brandenburg, friends and associates, photos of ensembles, as well as several unidentified subjects. A highlight of this series is a signed portrait of Percy Grainger [removed to SCPA manuscripts and autographs].

Series V, Professional Organizations and Activities, include Brandenburg’s professional correspondence, materials relating to his work with New Jersey Boys State and All-State bands, and professional organizations (primarily ASBDA). Papers, presentations, and articles written by Brandenburg are also located within this series.

Brandenburg’s association with and interest in other professional musicians, ensembles, and programs are found in Series VI, Professional Interests. From this series, programs and information regarding Brandenburg’s work with the Ernest Williams Summer Camp, correspondence with Edwin Franko Goldman, and Percy Grainger programs are particularly of interest.

Assorted published music and orchestra scores comprise Series VII, Music. Conductor scores for several hundred band compositions were also donated and have been added to the ABA Scores Collection [inventory available].

Series VIII, Memorabilia/Realia, comprises a single item, a bugle.

Series IX, Recordings, are housed with other ABA Recordings in PAL Paged Collections; an inventory of these band and orchestra LPs is available.

Finally, Series X, Personal, contains assorted materials relating to Brandenburg’s community service with the Kiwanis, as well as his personal and family life.

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