Arthur Williams Collection

Individual Collection name: Arthur Williams Collection

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

Type: Professional Papers

Collection dates: 1936-1971

Extent: 2 linear feet

Description: The Arthur Williams collection primary contains materials related to Williams's work with the ABA. Most of the collection is Williams's personal correspondence with ABA members.

Statement of provenance: Arthur Williams made several contributions to the Research Center, but the major portion of his collection was received from Lt. Col. Dale Harpham, Director, United States Marine Band on 18 March 1974. When Williams died, his widow also donated some of his materials to the MENC Historical Center and to the Ohio Music Educators Association. Additional papers of Arthur Williams are held at Oberlin College.

Governing documents: Notice of receipt from Dale Harpham, signed by Fred Huette, 18 March 1974.

Finding Aid: An unpublished finding aid is available in the repository.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: Arthur Lyman Williams was born on April 21, 1902 in Oberlin, Ohio. As a young man, Williams was a charter member of Jack Wainwright's Oberlin Boys Band. He earned an A.B. from the Oberlin College of Arts and Sciences and a Bachelor of School Music from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music in 1925. In 1932-1933 he was a student of Gordon Jacob at the Royal College of Music in London. Williams also earned an A.M. from the Western Reserve University Graduate School in 1943. Williams has highly active in music education, especially in Ohio. After teaching high school in Michigan, Williams was appointed to the faculty of the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music in 1928. He founded the Ohio Intercollegiate Band Festival in 1929, the Ohio School Orchestra Contests in 1929. He served as President of the Ohio Music Education Association in 1931-1932 and founded the state music education publication Triad. Williams married Mary Eleanor Maltbie on June 23, 1932 and was elected to the American Bandmaster's Association in 1950. He died on February 19, 1973.

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