Eldon A. Janzen Papers
Abstract
Eldon A. Janzen (1928-) is known as a conductor and educator. A longtime Director of Bands at the University of Arkansas, Mr. Janzen received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Oklahoma State University and his Master of Music Education degree from North Texas State University. Mr. Janzen's professional affiliations include American Bandmasters Association, Music Educators National Conference, College Band Directors National Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, and Lions International. He has served as President of Texas Bandmasters Association, President of Southwest Division of CBDNA, President of Arkansas Bandmasters Association, and President of Phi Beta Mu International. He has been recognized for his contribution to music education by membership in the Arkansas Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame, received the Phi Beta Mu International award for outstanding contribution to music, was recently named Life President of Arkansas Bandmasters Association, and is a recipient of the "Distinguished Service" citation by Kappa Kappa Psi. Mr. Janzen was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Hall of Fame in Chicago on December 8, 2008. The collection consists of programs, articles, correspondence, facsimile photographs, video (DVD), and recordings related to Janzen's career.
Important Information for Users of the Collection
The collection is open for research use.
Eldon A. Janzen Papers, Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries.
Materials from this collection must be used in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library's Irving and Margery Morgan Lowens Special Collections Room, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Contact the curator for an appointment: http://www.lib.umd.edu/scpa/contact
This collection is PROCESSED.
Historical Note
Eldon A. Janzen was Director of Bands at the University of Arkansas from 1970 to 1995. In addition to serving as director of the marching band and conductor of the symphonic band, Janzen taught instrumental methods and conducting at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He was Interim Chair of the Music Department in 1983 and continued as Coordinator of Music Education from 1983 to 1995.
Mr. Janzen graduated from Medford High School in 1945. He learned to play trombone and baritone in the Medford band and began his teaching career in his hometown. While a high school student, he was a member of the Oklahoma All State football team and was offered a full athletic scholarship to Oklahoma A & M (later Oklahoma State University). However, he chose to accept a scholarship from that institution to major in music (trombone). Professor Janzen received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Oklahoma State University and his Master of Music Education degree from North Texas State University, where he also served as assistant to the Director of Bands. After serving two years in the Army, he continued his teaching career in New Boston and Greenville, TX. He was appointed Director of Music Activities for the Irving Texas school system and served in that capacity until 1969.
Janzen frequently serves as a clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator throughout the United States and Canada. His professional affiliations include American Bandmasters Association, Music Educators National Conference, College Band Directors National Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, and Lions International. Mr. Janzen has served as President of Texas Bandmasters Association, President of Southwest Division of CBDNA, President of Arkansas Bandmasters Association, and President of Phi Beta Mu International. He organized the Arkansas Winds Community Concert Band and served as its first Conductor/Artistic Director.
He has been honored for his contribution to music education by membership in the Arkansas Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame, received the Phi Beta Mu International award for outstanding contribution to music, was recently named Life President of Arkansas Bandmasters Association, and is a recipient of the "Distinguished Service" citation by kappa Kappa Psi. His textbook, Band Director's Survival Guide, is still used in instrumental methods courses throughout the country. Janzen was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Hall of Fame in Chicago on December 8, 2008.
Scope and Contents of the Collection
The Eldon A. Janzen Papers cover the period from ca. 1941 to 2008; the bulk of the materials date from 1970 to 1993. The collection consists of programs, correspondence, facsimile photographs, clippings, articles, video, and recordings related to Janzen's work as a music educator, most notably his work with the Bands at the University of Arkansas.
Custodial History and Acquisition Information
Gift of Eldon A. Janzen received in two shipments, September 2008.
Processing Information
Processed by Amanda Holgate, February 2009.
EAD markup created using EAD database in Microsoft Access. Markup completed by Mary Crauderueff, February 2009.
Arrangement of Collection
This collection is organized into two series.
Detailed Description of the Collection
Series 1: Scrapbooks, ca. 1941-2008 (0.50 linear feet)
This series contains programs, articles, correspondence, facsimile photographs, video (DVDs), and recordings related to Janzen's career.
Subseries 1.1: Professional History, ca. 1941-2008 (1 folder)
This subseries contains biographical information, facsimile photographs, and clippings compiled by Janzen to document his professional activities. Materials are arranged in Janzen's original order.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Subseries 1.2: University of Arkansas Concert Bands, 1970-1985 (1 folder)
This subseries contains programs for concerts conducted by Janzen; concert and marching bands alike. Materials are arranged in chronological order.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Subseries 1.3: University of Arkansas Concert Bands and Selected Writings, 1986-1993 (1 folder)
This subseries contains selected writings by Janzen and programs for concerts conducted by him. Materials are arranged in chronological order.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Subseries 1.4: Clinics, Judging, and Guest Conducting, 1970-2004 (1 folder)
This subseries contains programs for concerts and clinics for which Mr. Janzen was a guest speaker, judge, or conductor. Also contains some correspondence and facsimile photographs. Materials are arranged in Janzen's original order.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Series 2: LPs, 1973-1978, undated (18 LPs)
This series contains 18 LPs featuring Eldon A. Janzen as a conductor.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas Symphonic Band Volume II; University of Arkansas Symphonic Band; Eldon Janzen, conductor: ABAR2728, 1974 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 1 | |
| University of Arkansas Symphonic Band MENC; University of Arkansas Symphonic Band; Eldon Janzen, conductor: ABAR2729, 1977 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 2 | |
| University of Arkansas Bands in Concert Bicentennial Year; University of Arkansas Symphonic Band and Concert Wind Ensemble; Eldon Janzen, conductor; Chalon Ragsdale assistant: ABAR2730, 1976 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 3 | |
| The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Symphonic Band ; The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Symphonic Band; Eldon Janzen, conductor; Chalon Ragsdale, assistant: ABAR2731, 1978 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 4 | |
| College Band Directors National Association Southwester/Western Division Conference: University of Arkansas Symphonic Band; University of Arkansas Symphonic Band; Eldon Janzen, conductor; Chalon Ragsdale, assistant: ABAR2732, undated | series 2 | box 2 | folder 5 | |
| The Symphonic Band; Eldon Janzen, Conductor; The University of Arkansas Symphonic Band; Eldon Janzen, conductor: ABAR2733, undated | series 2 | box 2 | folder 6 | |
| The University of Arkansas Razorback Band (The Arkansas Razorbacks); The University of Arkansas Razorback Band; Eldon Janzen, director; Chalon Ragsdale, assistant: ABAR2734, undated | series 2 | box 2 | folder 7 | |
| 1973 University of Arkansas Summer Music Camp; Symphony Orchestra, Choir; Jay Decker, Don H. Jaeger, Richard Brothers, Gene Kenney: ABAR2735, 1973 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 8 | |
| 1974 University of Arkansas Summer Music Camp Vol. I; Symphonic Band, Concert Band; Eldon Janzen, Robert Jager, Larry Colvin, George Brite: ABAR2736, 1974 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 9 | |
| 1974 University of Arkansas Jr. High Music Camp Eldon Janzen, Larry Colvin, Ron Bramme: ABAR2737, 1974 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 10 | |
| 1976 University of Arkansas Music Camp Vol. II; Symphonic Band, Concert Band; Eldon Janzen, Dennis Johnson, Robert Umiker, George Brite: ABAR2738, 1976 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 11 | |
| 1975 University of Arkansas High School Summer Music Camp Vol. II; Orchestra, Choir; A. Clyde Roller, Lynn Whitten, Richard Brothers: ABAR2739, 1975 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 12 | |
| University of Arkansas Bands: University of Arkansas Centennial: 16th Annual Summer Music Camp Vol. I; Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, A Cappella Choir; Eldon Janzen, John Giordano, Theodor Avitahl, Gene Kenney: ABAR2740, undated | series 2 | box 2 | folder 13 | |
| University of Arkansas Bands: University of Arkansas Centennial: 16th Annual Summer Music Camp Vol. II; Concert Band, Concert Orchestra, Varsity Band; -- Larry Calvin, Irby Martin, Ed Gibble, Joseph McSpadden, Ron Branner, Larry Colvin: ABAR2741, undated | series 2 | box 2 | folder 14 | |
| University of Arkansas 1977 Senior High Music Camp; Symphonic Band, Concert Band - I, Concert Band - II; Eldon Janzen, Howard Dunn, Chalon Ragsdale, George Brite, Harlon Lamkin, Herbert Lunday: ABAR2742, 1977 | series 2 | box 2 | folder 15 | |
| "Hail to Thee;" Irving High School Symphonic Band; Eldon Janzen, David Clark: ABAR2743, undated | series 2 | box 2 | folder 16 | |
| Irving High School presents Symphonic Band; Irving High School Symphonic Band; Eldon Janzen: ABAR2744, undated | series 2 | box 2 | folder 17 | |
| Irving High School Concert Band; Irving High School Concert Band; Eldon Janzen, Jim Herrington: ABAR2745, undated | series 2 | box 2 | folder 18 | |
Related Material
Janzen, Eldon A. Band Director's Survival Guide: Planning and Conducting the Successful School Band Program. West Nyack, N.Y.: Parker Pub. Co., c1985. Also available in Performing Arts Library stacks: MT733 .J36 1985
For other related archival and manuscript collections, please see the following subject guides.
Selected Search Terms
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the University of Maryland Libraries' Catalog. Researchers desiring related materials about these topics, names, or places may search the Catalog using these headings.
Subjects
- American Bandmasters Association.
- Band directors -- United States -- Archives.
- Bands (Music) -- United States -- 20th century.
- Janzen, Eldon A. -- Archives.
- University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Dept. of Music.
















