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Lynn Sams Papers
Umbrella Collection name: American Bandmasters AssociationResearch Center
Individual Collection name: Lynn Sams Papers
Repository name: Special Collections in Performing Arts,
Performing Arts Library, University of Maryland
Type: Papers and letters
Collection dates: 1930-1990
Extent: 33 linear feet
Description: This collection contain correspondence, notes, photographs, sound recordings, and publications that document the band movement and the development of the American Bandmasters Association in the United States in the 20th century. It also contains notes and sources to be used in Sams's book, "History of School Bands," and the manuscript as completed. Correspondents include notable band figures Harold B. Bachman, Jaroslav "Jerry" Cimera, Herbert L. Clarke, Merle Evans, William P. Foster, Karl L. King, Caesar LaMonaca, Frank Mancini, Williams Santelmann, Al Wright, and Paul Yoder.
Statement of provenance: The Lynn Sams Photograph Collection was deposited by Sams at the University of Michigan. Sams withdrew the collection on May 16, 1983 and it was transferred to the Research Center from the University of Michigan on May 17, 1984. The papers and other documents were in the care of Charles Payne until they were given to the Research Center some years later.
Finding Aid: A finding aid prepared by Bradley Mariska is available in the repository [View Online].
SCPA shelf location: Scores and documents are in SCPA Collections Room, Aisles C and D.
Access: Materials from this collection must be used in the 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.
Biography: Bandsman and businessman, Lynn L. Sams (1896-1990) was a founding member of the American Bandmasters Association, and a leader in the music industry. He served as editor of the ABA newsletter for many years and also served as that organization's historian--both in official and unofficial capacities. Over his lifetime, Sams collected biographical and photographic materials documenting the history of the band in America and also the prominent people in the band world. Sams began his music career as a traveling salesman for the Conn Corporation and eventually became president of that company. Sams's early days as a traveling salesman became the basis for Meredith Willson's character Professor Hill from Willson's musical The Music Man. Sams was an activist in the musical instrument industry and was instrumental in the passing of the Excise Tax Repeal in 1965 on musical instruments. After leaving Conn in 1955, Sams started work at Buescher Instrument Company and eventually became president of that company. Sams's final years were devoted to the writing of a book, "History of School Bands," which was never completed. In 1948, Sams was made an Honorary Life Association Member of the American Bandmasters Association.
