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Performing Arts Library Special Collections in Performing Arts ABA Research Center
Related Information
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William J. Stannard Papers
Umbrella Collection name: American Bandmasters AssociationResearch Center
Individual Collection name: William J. Stannard Papers
Repository name: Special Collections in Performing Arts,
Performing Arts Library, University of Maryland
Type: Professional and personal papers
Collection dates: 1904-1950
Extent: 1 linear foot
Description: The William J. Stannard Papers include documents relating to Stannard's U. S. Army appointments, promotions and discharge, copies of letters of recommendation concerning both his appointment and retirement, miscellaneous letters of appreciation (originals and copies), the typescript of an essay by Stannard entitled "How to Induce Prominent Composers to Write for the Band," newspaper clippings, programs, personal papers, a photocopy of a piano music manuscript for Stannard's march, "The Washington Evening Star," and photographs. These materials document his career as an Army bandleader, his role as a founder of the American Bandmasters Association, and his personal life. Correspondents include John J. Pershing, John Philip Sousa, Lister Hill (Member of Congress), Franklin Adams (of the Pan American Union) and John W. Weeks (Secretary of War).
Statement of provenance: Purchased in 1995. Accession number 96-78-ABA.
Finding Aid: An unpublished finding aid is available in the repository.
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: William Jennings Stannard (1893-1950) was the first person appointed to the position of Leader of the Army Band in the United States Army. Stannard's entire career was spent as an Army musician, from his first enlistment with the Tenth Band of the Coast Artillery Corps in 1901, through his years on scholarship at the Army Music Training School at the Institute of Musical Arts in New York City and appointment as Leader of the newly-formed Army Band in 1923, to his retirement in 1935. He was a member of the Army Officers Reserve Corps until July 11, 1942. He was survived after his death by his wife, Mary Frances Hook Stannard (b. August 10, 1886) and their son, William H. Stannard (born c. 1925).
Life Chronology:
Under Stannard's leadership, the Army Band played at the funerals of Presidents Harding and Taft. It led the homecoming parade for Charles Lindbergh and played at the reception for Lindbergh given by President Calvin Coolidge, thus becoming the first band to be broadcast over a coast-to-coast network of 52 radio stations (NBC). It led the inaugural parades for Presidents Coolidge, Hoover and Roosevelt and was the official band of the 1926 Philadelphia Sesquicentennial Exposition commemorating the founding of the United States. In 1929 the Army Band traveled to Spain, musically representing the Pan-American Union at two Spanish exhibitions. In fact, the U.S. Army Band under Stannard was designated by the Pan-American Union to introduce Latin American music to the United States and Europe.
1893 Born in Guilford, Connecticut, August 14
1901 Enlists in the Army as clarinetist
1911 Marries Mary Frances Hook, 26 October
1923 Appointed Leader of the Army Band, 23 January
1935 Retires, June 30
1950 Dies, 12 July, in Washington, DC
