Earl Slocum Collection

Individual Collection name: Earl Slocum Collection

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

Type: Scrapbooks, papers, photographs, and music

Collection dates: c. 1919-1990

Extent: 3 linear feet

Description: The Earl Slocum Collection contains materials related to Slocum's career as a band director and his term as President of the American Bandmasters Association.

Finding Aid: An unpublished finding aid is available in the repository.

Statement of provenance: Earl Slocum had sent materials to the American Bandmasters Association Research Center several times throughout his career. These include 86-40-ABA, 86-55-ABA, and 87-63-ABA. In his last will and testament he left his remaining scrapbooks, and published and unpublished band and orchestra music and scores to the American Bandmasters Association. His flute music was left to Stetson University.

Governing documents: Slocum's will and testament covers a portion of the collection. The remaniner is governed as part of the ABA Archives.

SCPA shelf location: SCPA Collections Room, Aisle C

Access: Materials from this 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.

Biography: Earl Slocum was born near Concord, Michigan on June 17, 1902. He graduated from Albion, Michigan public schools in 1921. After beginning a degree in engineering, Slocum changed his major and became the first male student to graduate from Albion with a public school music certificate. After teaching in Detroit, Slocum married Beatrice Watson and took a new teaching assignment in Greensboro, North Carolina. In 1931, Slocum earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Michigan. He then took a position as director of bands at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and conductor of the University Symphony Orchestra. He remained at the University until his retirement in 1967, when he moved to DeLand, Florida where he served as a member of the Board of Advisors of the Stetson School of Music. He received a Master of Music degree from the University Michigan in 1936, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Albion College in 1960. Slocum was elected to the American Bandmasters Association in 1942, and was elected President in 1963. He is best remembered for his transcriptions for concert band.

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