The American Bandmasters Association

Research Center

Founded in 1931, The American Bandmasters Association (ABA) is committed to the preservation of American band history. In addition to the administrative papers, the ABA Research Center includes the collections of Merle Evans, Patrick Conway, Patrick S. Gilmore, Edwin Franko Goldman, Lynn Sams and many other band conductors, as well as historic band recordings, the Minichini Band Score Collection and other score collections, serials, reference books, photographs and a vertical file.
Click here for the ABA Research Center at the University of Maryland website

Items in the ABA Research Center include:

ABA members may document their careers and help the Research Center acquire band history that might otherwise be lost to future generations. Please contact the if you wish to discuss donating items to the Center.

PAPERS-
Letters, memos, notes, manuscripts, diaries, journals, lectures, speeches, class books, day books, reports, minutes, proceedings, agendas, rosters, legal documents, certificates, summaries, surveys, financial statements, committee files, etc.

SCORES-
We collect new band scores, as well as out-of-print editions, historical collections, and manuscripts. We are particularly interested in band arrangements and compositions of members.

RECORDINGS-
We would like to have the best band recording collection to be found, both old and new. We have high school, college, state, and professional band recordings as well as recordings by military bands.

PERIODICALS-
We aim to have every issue of every band magazine, journal, newsletter, and house organ printed.

BOOKS-
Can you contribute any volumes on band history, biography, reference, or method?

PHOTOGRAPHS-
ABA history, band activities, personalities, instruments, etc.

INTERVIEWS-
Recorded interviews related to band history and people.

SCRAPBOOKS-
Clippings, programs, photos, subjects, etc.

INFORMATION-
We file biographical information on individual conductors and their bands. We also keep a band subject file.

For more information about the Journal of Band Research or other University of Maryland music sites, please click here.

For more information about the ABA Research Center please contact:

V i n c e n t J. N o v a r a
Curator, Special Collections in Performing Arts
Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library
University of Maryland
vnovara@umd.edu
tel 301.405.9220 fax 301.314.7170
e-mail: