Earl Slocum Collection
Abstract
Dr. Earl A. Slocum was born near Concord, Michigan and became the first male student to graduate from Albion College with a public school music certificate. After receiving his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Michigan, Slocum took a position as director of bands at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and conductor of the University Symphony Orchestra. He remained at the University until his retirement in 1967. Dr. Slocum was elected to the American Bandmasters Association in 1941, and was elected President in 1962. He is also known for his transcriptions for concert band. This collection consists of photographs, scores, memorabilia, and scrapbooks collected by Dr. Slocum.
Important Information for Users of the Collection
The collection is open for research use.
Earl Slocum Collection, 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
Dr. Earl A. Slocum (1902-1994) was born near Concord, Michigan on June 17, 1902. He graduated from Albion, Michigan public schools in 1921. After beginning a degree in engineering, Dr. Slocum changed his major and became the first male student to graduate from Albion College with a public school music certificate. After teaching in Detroit, Dr. Slocum married Beatrice Watson and took a new teaching assignment in Greensboro, North Carolina. In 1931, Dr. Slocum earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Michigan. He then took a position as director of bands at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and conductor of the University Symphony Orchestra. He remained at the University until his retirement in 1967, when he moved to DeLand, Florida where he served as a member of the Board of Advisors of the Stetson School of Music. He received a Master of Music degree from the University Michigan in 1936, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Albion College in 1960. Dr. Slocum was elected to the American Bandmasters Association in 1941, and was elected President in 1962. He died in 1994. He is best remembered for his transcriptions for concert band.
Scope and Contents of the Collection
The Earl Slocum collection covers the period from 1875 to 1990. The collection consists of photographs, scores, memorabilia, and scrapbooks collected by Dr. Slocum.
Custodial History and Acquisition Information
Earl Slocum had sent materials to the American Bandmasters Association Research Center several times throughout his career. In his last will and testament he left his remaining scrapbooks, and published and unpublished band and orchestra music and scores to the American Bandmasters Association.
Processing Information
Sally Roberts, July 2007
EAD markup created using EAD database in Microsoft Access. Markup completed by Colleen McKnight, August 2007.
Arrangement of Collection
The collection has been organized into eight series.
Detailed Description of the Collection
Series 1: Correspondence, 1933-1990 (30 Items)
This series contains approximately thirty letters spanning from 1933 to 1990, arranged chronologically. They include correspondence from the University of North Carolina, ABA members, and Andy Griffith, a student of Dr. Slocum.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accessions Information, ca.1987-1990 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 1 | |
| Correspondence, 1933-1990 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 2 | |
Series 2: Photos, 1923-1985, and undated (0.25 Linear Feet)
This series contains approximately fifty photographs, spanning from 1923 to 1985, unarranged. They include photos of bands Dr. Slocum participated in and conducted, ABA conventions, and portraits.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photos- Information, undated | series 2 | box 1 | folder 3 | |
| Photos, 1923-1985 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 4 | |
| Photos-Photograph 13 (Oversize), undated | series 2 | box 10 | folder 1 | |
| Photos- Photograph 18 (Oversize), undated | series 2 | box 10 | folder 2 | |
| Photos- Photograph, Al Sweets White House Band (Oversize), 1923 | series 2 | box 10 | folder 3 | |
Series 3: Writings, 1919-1986, and undated (0.25 Linear Feet)
This series contains magazines, articles and an essay, spanning from 1919 to 1986, arranged by type of material. They include The Albion High School Breeze, which Dr. Slocum served as advertising manager, concert programs, and a copied essay used by Dr. Slocum.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Writings- Albion High School Breeze, 1919-1921 | series 3 | box 1 | folder 5 | |
| Writings- Programs, 1926-1986 | series 3 | box 1 | folder 6 | |
| Writings- Alumni Magazines, 1960, 1977 | series 3 | box 1 | folder 7 | |
| Essay on The Fugue: Subject and Answer, The Exposition, The Development, undated | series 3 | box 1 | folder 8 | |
Series 4: Arrangements, 1977, and undated (0.50 Linear Feet)
This series contains nine arrangements by Dr. Slocum, undated, arranged alphabetically. They include band arrangements of orchestra works and arrangements of school songs at the University of North Carolina.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arrangements- Elgar. Enigma Variations, (2 copies), undated | series 4 | box 2 | folder 1 | |
| Arrangements- The Night Before Christmas, UNC Band Show, undated | series 4 | box 2 | folder 2 | |
| Arrangements- Franck. Prelude from Prelude, Fugue, Variations, undated | series 4 | box 2 | folder 3 | |
| Arrangements- Jarnefelt. Praeludium, undated | series 4 | box 2 | folder 4 | |
| Arrangements- Newman. An American Tragedy, undated | series 4 | box 2 | folder 5 | |
| Arrangements- Saint- Saens. Symphony No. 3: Finale, undated | series 4 | box 2 | folder 6 | |
| Arrangements- Smetana. Vysehrad, undated | series 4 | box 2 | folder 7 | |
| Arrangements- Various. Songs of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1977 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 8 | |
Series 5: Music Books, 1875-1890 (0.50 Linear Feet)
This series contains sixteen music books collected by Dr. Slocum, spanning from 1875 to 1890, arranged chronologically.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music Books- Shane and Davis Quadrille Band: Cornet, 1875 | series 5 | box 3 | folder 1 | |
| Music Books- Shane and Davis Quadrille Band: Bass, 1875 | series 5 | box 3 | folder 2 | |
| Music Books- Shane and Davis Quadrille Band: Violin, 1875 | series 5 | box 3 | folder 3 | |
| Music Books- White's Ball Room Orchestra, Vol. II: Piano, 1882 | series 5 | box 3 | folder 4 | |
| Music Books- White's Ball Room Orchestra, Vol. II: First Violin, 1882 | series 5 | box 3 | folder 5 | |
| Music Books- White's Ball Room Orchestra, Vol. II: Second Violin, 1882 | series 5 | box 3 | folder 6 | |
| Music Books- White's Ball Room Orchestra, Vol. II: Clarinet, 1882 | series 5 | box 3 | folder 7 | |
| Music Books- White's Ball Room Orchestra, Vol. II: Cornet, 1882 | series 5 | box 3 | folder 8 | |
| Music Books- White's Ball Room Orchestra, Vol. II: Bass, 1882 | series 5 | box 3 | folder 9 | |
| Music Books- Roger's Orchestra: 1st Violin, 1890 | series 5 | box 4 | folder 1 | |
| Music Books- Roger's Orchestra:1st Clarinet, 1890 | series 5 | box 4 | folder 2 | |
| Music Books- Roger's Orchestra: "Drums", 1890 | series 5 | box 4 | folder 3 | |
| Music Books- Roger's Orchestra: "Bass", 1890 | series 5 | box 4 | folder 4 | |
| Music Books- Roger's Orchestra: 1st Cornet, 1890 | series 5 | box 4 | folder 5 | |
| Music Books- Roger's Orchestra: "Trombone", 1890 | series 5 | box 4 | folder 6 | |
| Music Books- Cornet Book, undated | series 5 | box 4 | folder 7 | |
Series 6: Original Works, Undated (0.50 Liinear Feet)
This series contains three items composed by Dr. Slocum, all undated, unarranged. They include a manuscript and a copy of his Method for Flute and a Flute and Clarinet Duet.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Works- The Slocum Method For Flute (manuscript), undated | series 6 | box 4 | folder 8 | |
| Original Works- The Slocum Method For Flute (copy), undated | series 6 | box 4 | folder 9 | |
| Original Works- Flute-Clar. Duet, undated | series 6 | box 4 | folder 10 | |
Series 7: Memorabilia, 1924-1988 (0.50 Linear Feet)
This series contains thirty items collected by Dr. Slocum, spanning from 1924 to 1988, unarranged. They include diplomas from The University of Michigan and Albion College, items from various fraternities, and certificates of membership from the American Bandmasters Association.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memorabilia- Appreciation Plaque, Stetson University, 1988 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 1 | |
| Memorabilia- Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music, Albion College, 1960 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 2 | |
| Memorabilia- Letter and picture from Albion College, undated | series 7 | box 5 | folder 3 | |
| Memorabilia- State of Michigan Teachers' Certificate, Albion College, 1924 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 4 | |
| Memorabilia- Bachelor of Music, University of Michigan, 1931 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 5 | |
| Memorabilia- Alpha Rho Chapter, Sinfonia Fraternity, 1934 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 6 | |
| Memorabilia- Master of Music, University of Michigan, 1936 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 7 | |
| Memorabilia- Active Member, American Bandmasters Association, 1942 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 8 | |
| Memorabilia- Chi Chapter, Pi Kappa Lambda, 1945 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 9 | |
| Memorabilia- American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, 1963 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 10 | |
| Memorabilia- Alpha Rho Chapter, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, 1964 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 11 | |
| Memorabilia- Tar Heel Marching Band, 1967 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 12 | |
| Memorabilia- Life Loyal Sig, 1975 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 13 | |
| Memorabilia- Certificate, Crossed the Dateline, 1978 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 14 | |
| Memorabilia- Certificate of Recognition, Stetson University, 1980 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 15 | |
| Memorabilia- Certificate of Appreciation, United States Army Field Band, 1982 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 16 | |
| Memorabilia- Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary Foundation, 1982 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 17 | |
| Memorabilia- Honorary Life Member, American Bandmasters Association, 1986 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 18 | |
| Memorabilia- Life Membership, North Carolina Music Educators Association, 1987 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 19 | |
| Memorabilia- Stockwell Society, Albion College, 1988 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 20 | |
| Memorabilia- Certificate of Appreciation, Florida Department of Education, 1988 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 21 | |
| Memorabilia- Proclamation of Earl Slocum Day, City of DeLand, Florida, 1988 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 22 | |
| Memorabilia- Award, Florida Music Educators Association, 1988 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 23 | |
| Memorabilia- Honorary Membership, Florida Bandmasters Association, 1988 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 24 | |
| Memorabilia- Semi-Century Sig, Sigma Chi Fraternity, undated | series 7 | box 5 | folder 25 | |
| Memorabilia- Presidents Plaque, American Bandmasters Association, 1963 | series 7 | box 5 | folder 26 | |
| Memorabilia- Award of Demerit, ABA Band, undated | series 7 | box 5 | folder 27 | |
| Memorabilia- Newspaper Photograph, undated | series 7 | box 5 | folder 28 | |
| Memorabilia- Newspaper Clipping, undated | series 7 | box 5 | folder 29 | |
| Oversize- Memorabilia- Certificate of Retirement, State of North Carolina, 1967 | series 7 | box 10 | folder 1 | |
| Oversize- Memorabilia- Poster, University Symphony Orchestra, North Carolina, undated | series 7 | box 10 | folder 2 | |
| Memorabilia- E. F. Goldman Award, 1988 | series 7 | box 11 | folder 1 | |
Series 8: Scrapbooks, 1920-1973 (1.50 Linear Feet)
This series contains eight scrapbooks of material relating to Dr. Slocum, spanning from 1930 to 1973, arranged chronologically. They include a scrapbook made by the University of North Carolina Band and a scrapbook from the 1963 ABA Convention.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scrapbook, 1930-33 | series 8 | box 6 | folder 1 | |
| Scrapbook (preservation copy), 1930-33 | series 8 | box 6 | folder 2 | |
| Scrapbook (preservation copy), 1933 | series 8 | box 6 | folder 3 | |
| Scrapbook (preservation copy), 1940-52 | series 8 | box 6 | folder 4 | |
| Scrapbook (preservation copy), 1953-63 | series 8 | box 6 | folder 5 | |
| Scrapbook- ABA Convention, 1963 | series 8 | box 6 | folder 6 | |
| Scrapbook- ABA Convention (preservation copy), 1963 | series 8 | box 6 | folder 7 | |
| Scrapbook (preservation copy), 1963-68 | series 8 | box 6 | folder 8 | |
| Scrapbook (preservation copy), 1970-73 | series 8 | box 6 | folder 9 | |
| Scrapbooks- UNC Band, 1956-1957 | series 8 | box 7 | folder 1 | |
| Scrapbooks- UNC Band (preservation copy), 1956-1957 | series 8 | box 7 | folder 2 | |
| Scrapbooks (preservation copy in box 6), 1953-1963 | series 8 | box 8 | folder 1 | |
| Scrapbooks (preservation copy in box 6), 1970-1973 | series 8 | box 8 | folder 2 | |
| Scrapbooks (preservation copy in box 6) (Oversize), 1933 | series 8 | box 9 | folder 1 | |
| Scrapbooks (preservation copy in box 6) (Oversize), 1940-1952 | series 8 | box 9 | folder 2 | |
| Scrapbooks (preservation copy in box 6) (Oversize), 1963-68 | series 8 | box 10 | folder 1 | |
Related Material
This collection is part of the American Bandmasters Association Research Center
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.
- Arrangers (Musicians) -- United States.
- Bandmasters -- United States.
- Music -- Manuscripts.
- Slocum, Earl -- Archives.
- Slocum, Earl -- Correspondence.
- Slocum, Earl -- Manuscripts.
- University of North Carolina (1793-1962) -- Bands.