Frank Mancini Papers

Individual Collection name: Frank Mancini Papers

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

Type: Professional papers and biographical materials

Collection dates: c.1926-1970

Extent: .5 linear feet

Description: This collection chronicles the life and work of Frank Mancini, an influential music educator in the Modesto, California area.

Finding Aid: An unpublished finding aid prepared by Bradley Mariska is available. [View Online]

Governing documents: The Frank Mancini Papers were deposited at the ABA Research Center, University of Maryland, by Lynn Sams on 27 January 1976.

SCPA shelf location: SCPA Collections Room, Aisle D

Access: Materials from this collection must be used in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library's Irving and Margery Morgan Lowens Room for Special Collections, 10 to 5, Monday through Friday. Please make an appointment with the curator.

Scope and Content Note: The Frank Mancini papers were entrusted to Lynn Sams for the writing of a biography and subsequently transferred to the ABA Research Center. The collection focuses on Mancini’s teaching and conducting career in Modesto, California, which began in the late 1920s. The collection includes:

• series of music programs of many of Mancini’s ensembles and guest conducting appearances
• correspondence with important musicians of the time including William Revelli, Edwin Franko Goldman, and others
• instructional materials from Mancini’s years as an educator - a date book, sketchbook, adjudication notes, etc.
• awards earned by Mancini and his bands (e.g. American Bandmasters Association Certificate of Membership and medals awarded to the Modesto High School Band)
• audio recordings of an interview with Mancini and a performance of the Modesto High School band under his direction
• a significant portion focusing on Mancini’s legacy. The passing of Mancini and the establishment of Modesto’s Mancini Park are documented through newspaper articles, a scrapbook, and a dissertation on Mancini’s life.

Biography: Frank Mancini (1886-1964) studied the clarinet while growing up in Italy. He came to the United States in 1907 to play as a soloist with Ellery’s Royal Italian Band. Between 1908 and 1915, he played with both Sousa’s and Conway’s bands, as well as numerous opera companies. Mancini settled in Modesto, California in 1921 to lead the Stanislaus County Boys Band.

He became an important educator and conductor in the area for the next four decades, directing the band programs in the Modesto Public Schools and Modesto Junior College. His bands won many awards, and Mancini was very active as a guest conductor and adjudicator. Mancini was elected into ABA in 1940 at the convention in Hagerstown, MD.

Mancini had a close relationship with the community of Modesto. In their wills, Mancini and his wife left cash, stocks, and other investments for a considerable music scholarship fund for music students at Modesto High School. They also left their 23-acre ranch to the City of Modesto, later dedicated Mancini Park.

Life Chronology:
1886            Born in Serramonacesca, Italy
1898-1906   Music studies in Italy
1907-1909   Comes to U.S., plays with Ellery’s Band
1908-1915   Plays with professional bands
1911-1915   Plays for numerous opera companies
1915            Comes to San Francisco with Sousa for Panama-Pacific Exposition
1915-1921   Plays with many ensembles in and around San Francisco
1921            Settles in Modesto
1921            Begins direction of Stanislaus County Boys Band
1922            Appointed Director of Instrumental Music at Modesto HS
1923            Wins first state band championship
1927            Appointed Director of Modesto Jr. Coll. Band and Orch.
1930            Named Director of Modesto Symphony Orchestra
1940            Elected into membership of the ABA
1964            Died in Modesto, California

Series Arrangement:
            Series I: Biographical Materials
            Series II: Correspondence
            Series III: Articles
            Series IV: Programs
            Series V: Instructional Materials
            Series VI: Honoraria
            Series VII: Publications
            Series VIII: Other
            Series IX: Photographs

View Selected Items from the Collection

• Photograph of Frank Mancini, 1925
• Stanislaus County Boys' Band program, 1926
• Nino Marcelli correspondence, 1935
• Photograph of Frank Mancini, c. 1945
• Mancini/Goldman program, 1955

Series Description:
Series I, Biographical Materials, contains biographical materials on the life of Frank Mancini. It includes information from Mancini himself as well as materials collected by Lynn Sams.

Series II, Correspondence, contains letters relating to the life of Mancini, 1927-1976. Arranged chronologically.

Series III, Articles, comprises newspaper and magazine articles relating to Mancini’s career, 1926-1970.

Series IV, Programs, is composed of concert programs of ensembles led by Mancini, 1926-1963.

Series V, Instructional Materials, document Mancini’s work with school bands including adjudication forms, teaching materials, etc.

Series VI, Honoraria, are awards bestowed upon Mancini and memorials in his honor.

Series VII, Publications, includes a Mancini method book, two Goldman Band Program Books (inscribed by E.F. Goldman), and other published materials.

Series VIII, Other, contains assorted personal and professional items, including band contest medals, personal sketchbook, greeting cards, business cards, etc.

Series IX, Photographs, comprises photographs of Frank Mancini

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