Recorded Collections

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

Description: In addition to its large document holdings, the American Bandmasters Association Research Center contains thousands of recordings, ranging from Edison cylinders to compact discs. In celebration of the 2003 ABA Convention in Baltimore/College Park, MD, the ABA Research Center produced a CD featuring highlights of the ABA recordings collections entitled For the Record... The major recorded collections that make up the ABA Research Center are described below:

1. The American Bandmasters Association Collection of Recordings

With over 2,600 cassette tapes, records, and compact discs, this collection acts as a catch all for band recordings. Especially well represented are military service bands and university bands from the University of Illinois, Clarion State College, the University of Notre Dame, Cornell University, and other institutions. The collection also contains some five hundred historic band recordings on 78 rpm discs. The ABA record collection also contains most of the march recordings distributed by Robert Hoe under the title Heritage of the March. Military V-discs donated by David Burchuk are included in the collection. Only portions of the record collection are indexed, and patrons should consult with the Special Collections in Performing Arts Curator to determine the availability of recordings. An unpublished index to the Hoe records is available in the repository. The ABA recorded collections also contain more than 400 reel-to-reel tapes of ABA conventions, university bands, historic performances, and broadcasts. An unpublished finding aid for most of these tapes in also available.

2. Herbert Hazelman Tape Collection

More than 150 taped performances make up a portion of the Herbert Hazelman Collection. These are mostly performances of Hazelman's own high school band from Greensboro, North Carolina. An unpublished finding aid is available in the repository.

3. George Howard Air Force Band Transcription Disks

Some 750 sixteen-inch 78 rpm acetate radio transcription disks made by the United States Air Force Band make up a portion of the George Howard Collection. Many of these recordings are in extremely fragile condition, but most of them have been transfered to tape and are available for listening. A partial inventory is available in the repository.

4. Frank McGrann Record Collection

Some 410 historic 78 rpm recordings make up a portion of the Frank McGrann Collection. These include performances by the bands of Arthur Pryor, Patrick Conway, John Philip Sousa, Edwin Franko Goldman, and many others. Because of the fragile nature of these recordings, access is limited. An unpublished finding aid is available in the repository

SCPA shelf location: Most recordings are located in paged collections. The Howard and McGrann collections are in the SCPA Collections Room, Oversize Aisle.

Access: A number of other collections in the ABA Research Center include recordings. Patrons should consult the curator about specific performances or pieces. Materials from these collection 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.

return to top