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Augustana College Band records

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 235

Scope and Contents

The Augustana College Band records, 1875-2016 and undated, consists of eight series: Programs, Minutes, Financial Records, Correspondence, Publicity, Other Bands, Video Recordings, and Sound Recordings.

The Programs series (1875-2013 and undated) consists of programs for band performances spanning nearly the entirety of the group's existence on campus.

The Minutes series (1882-1924) consists of two bound books containing the band constitution and minutes of Augustana Band meetings, which often occurred before band practice. Membership was limited mainly to band members.

The Financial Records series (1923-1928) consists of the Band Manager's records of expenses, including uniforms, instruments, booking fees, and logistics of touring.

The Correspondence series (1924-1930 and undated) mainly includes letters written by the band manager booking events, publicizing the band's touring schedule, or inquiring after financial matters.

The Publicity and Performances series (1923-2024 and undated) mostly contains posters, flyers, and newspaper clippings that advertise or review various band performances. A few of the earlier clippings are gathered in a scrapbook along with a written introduction. Included in this series are also materials from the band's sesquicentennial celebration.

The Other Bands series (1926, 1961 and undated) consists of programs and publicity from other college bands, including those from Valparaiso University, Luther College, and Gustavus Adolphus College.

The Video Recordings series (1928 and undated) contains documentary footage of the Augustana College Band's tour of Europe in 1928.

The Sound Recordings series (1958-1979 and undated) mainly includes recordings from the band's concert seasons in the 1960s and 1970s.

Dates

  • Creation: 1875-2024 and undated

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on the use of this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from Augustana College Special Collections and the copyright holder.

Historical Note

The Augustana Concert Band is the oldest musical organization on campus, founded in 1874. Since its founding, the band has toured multiple times throughout the United States as well as in Europe, notably being one of the first American collegiate groups to travel through Europe in 1928. In 1976 the band was selected by the Illinois and Washington D.C. Arts Councils to perform at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for its bicentennial observance. In spring of that same year the band also performed for King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden during his visit to the Augustana campus. In November 2024, the Augustana Symphonic Band celebrated their 150th anniversary.

Extent

5.1 Cubic Feet (/ 5 boxes and 4 AV boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Augustana Concert Band is the oldest musical organization on campus, founded in 1874. Since its founding, the band has toured multiple times throughout the United States as well as in Europe, notably being one of the first American collegiate groups to travel through Europe in 1928. The Augustana College Band records, 1875-2016 and undated, consists of eight series: Programs, Minutes, Financial Records, Correspondence, Publicity and Performances, Other Bands, Video Recordings, and Sound Recordings.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Immediate source of acquisition unknown. 2018 accession transferred from Kai Swanson via the Office of the President. 2024 accession from Evan Sammons and James Lambrecht, December 2024

Processing Information

Processed by Special Collections staff. Revised and Updated by Allison James, 2009, Julia G. Westblade, 2013, Caroline McPherson, December 2014, Atticus Garrison, January 2016, and Micaela Terronez, 2024.

Title
Augustana College Band records, 1875-2024 and undated.
Status
Completed
Author
Atticus Garrison
Date
January 2016
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Augustana College Special Collections Repository

Contact:
639 38th Street
Thomas Tredway Library
Rock Island Illinois 61201 United States