Ernest S. Williams Collection
Abstract
Ernest S. Williams (1881-1947) was associated with many ensembles during his career as a cornetist, educator, and bandmaster. As a cornetist, he performed with the Sousa and Goldman bands and the Philadelphia Symphony under the baton of Leopold Stokowski. He founded the Ernest Williams School of Music in Brooklyn, New York in the 1920s and a summer music camp in Saugerties, New York in 1930. The Ernest S. Williams Collection consists of professional papers including photographs; published and unpublished scores; newspaper clippings; programs; correspondence; memorabilia; and sound recordings related to the Ernest Williams School of Music, the Ernest Williams Band and Orchestra Camp, and other ensembles that Williams worked with in his career as a music educator and performer. Also included in the collection are files associated with the Ernest Williams Alumni Association.
Important Information for Users of the Collection
The collection is open for research use.
Ernest S. Williams 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
Ernest Samuel Williams was born on 27 September, 1881, in Washington, Indiana. He began playing the cornet at a very early age under the tutelage of his father. With the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, Williams joined the Army and at the age of 18 became the bandmaster of the 161st Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Williams left the military in 1899 to pursue a performance career.
During his performance career, Williams performed with the John Philip Souza Band in 1902 and 1903; as a soloist with the bands of Alessandro Liberati, Mace Gay, Frederick Innes, and Patrick Conway in the years that followed; as principal trumpet player with the Philadelphia Symphony under Leopold Stokowski from 1917 to 1923; and as a soloist with the Goldman Band from 1918 to 1922 during its summer series at Columbia University.
In 1922, Williams began teaching students at his home in Brooklyn, founding the Ernest Williams School of Music. In June of 1929, following the death of Patrick Conway, Williams was appointed Dean of the Conway Military Band School, affiliated with the Ithaca Conservatory of Music. In 1931, he returned to the Ernest Williams School of Music, which lasted until 1943 when World War II took away much of the student body. He established the companion Ernest Williams Band and Orchestra Camp in 1930, located in Saugerties, New York. Faculty members at the camp include Arthur Pryor, Arthur Brandenburg, Mayhew Lake, Erik Leidzen, Percy Grainger, Morton Gould, and Henry Cowell. The camp operated until Williams's death in 1947. In 1948, the camps main building and many of the camps records were destroyed by fire.
Scope and Contents of the Collection
The Ernest S. Williams Collection covers the period from 1917 to 2002; the bulk of materials date from 1925-1948. The collection consists of professional papers including photographs, published and unpublished scores, newspaper clippings, programs, correspondence, memorabilia, and sound recordings related to the Ernest Williams School of Music and Band and Orchestra Camp and other ensembles that Williams worked with during his career as a music educator and performer. Also included in the collection are files associated with the Ernest Williams Alumni Association.
Custodial History and Acquisition Information
Gift of John E. "Ned" Mahoney, Ernest Williams Alumni Association, 1995. The collection comprises donations from members of the Ernest Williams Alumni Association.
Processing Information
Vin Novara and Laura Drake, June 1995. Revised by Patrick Warfield, May 2002; Bradley Mariska, January 2004; and David Travis, August 2010.
EAD markup created using EAD database in Microsoft Access. Markup begun by Colleen McKnight, August 2007. Markup completed by Cassandra N. Berman, December 2010.
Arrangement of Collection
This collection is organized into twelve series.
- Series 1: Correspondence
- Series 2: Music Schools and Summer Music Camp
- Series 3: Programs
- Series 4: Summer Camp Newspapers
- Series 5: Publications
- Series 6: Biographical Materials
- Series 7: News Clippings
- Series 8: Photographs
- Series 9: Memorabilia
- Series 10: Ernest Williams Alumni Association
- Series 11: Sound Recordings
- Series 12: Oral History
Detailed Description of the Collection
Series 1: Correspondence, 1936-1961 and Undated (6 folders)
Series 1 contains correspondence between Williams and friends, students, musicians and business associates. Also included are correspondence from teachers and administrators from the Ernest Williams School of Music and the Music Camp.
The correspondence is arranged alphabetically by the correspondent's last name.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lillian Brewster, 1936-1937 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 1 | |
| Mayhew "Matt" Lake, undated | series 1 | box 1 | folder 2 | |
| Robert McCutchan, 1939 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 3 | |
| Ernest S. Williams, 1931-1946 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 4 | |
| Gladys Williams, 1947-1952 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 5 | |
| Katherine Williams-Manley, 1961 | series 1 | box 1 | folder 6 | |
Series 2: Music Schools and Summer Music Camp, 1930-1946 (9 folders)
Series 2 consists of materials related to Williams's career as a teacher and contains brochures, advertisements, and documents related to the Ithaca Military Band School and Ithaca Conservatory, the Ernest Williams Band and Orchestra Camp, and the Ernest Williams School of Music.
These materials are arranged by school.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ithaca Military School and Ithaca Conservatory, 1930-1931 and undated | series 2 | box 1 | folder 7 | |
| Ernest Williams Band and Orchestra Camp: Advertisements, 1935-1939 and undated | series 2 | box 1 | folder 8 | |
| Ernest Williams Band and Orchestra Camp: Brochures, 1930-1946 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 9 | |
| Ernest Williams Band and Orchestra Camp: School Records, 1935-1941 and undated | series 2 | box 1 | folder 10 | |
| Ernest Williams School of Music: Advertisements, 1936-1938 and undated | series 2 | box 1 | folder 11 | |
| Ernest Williams School of Music: Brochures, 1934-1942 and undated | series 2 | box 1 | folder 12 | |
| Ernest Williams School of Music: School Documents, 1932-1939 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 13 | |
| Ernest Williams School of Music: Programs for Commencement Exercises, 1934-1942 | series 2 | box 1 | folder 14 | |
| Ernest Williams School of Music: Autograph Sheet, undated | series 2 | box 1 | folder 15 | |
Series 3: Programs, 1918-1983 (6 folders)
Series 3 consists of programs from ensembles conducted by Williams or his former students and from events honoring Williams. This series contains programs from the New York Military Band; the Ithaca Military Band School; concerts and recitals from the Ernest Williams Band and Orchestra Camp and the Ernest Williams School of Music; the Kismet Temple Band of Brooklyn; as well as programs with Williams as a guest conductor and a 100th birthday concert given by the United States Army Concert Band "Pershing's Own."
The programs are arranged by school, ensemble, or event.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Military Band, 1918 | series 3 | box 1 | folder 16 | |
| Ithaca Conservatory and Military Band School, 1930-1931 | series 3 | box 1 | folder 17 | |
| Kismet Temple Band, 1927-1935 | series 3 | box 1 | folder 18 | |
| Ernest Williams Band and Orchestra Camp, 1931-1943 | series 3 | box 2 | folder 1 | |
| Ernest Williams School of Music, 1931-1941 | series 3 | box 2 | folder 2 | |
| New York University Symphonic Band, 1935-1937 | series 3 | box 2 | folder 3 | |
| Ernest Williams as a Guest Conductor, 1936-1939 | series 3 | box 2 | folder 4 | |
| Ernest Williams School Alumni as Conductors, 1934-1940 | series 3 | box 2 | folder 5 | |
| Concerts in Honor of Ernest Williams, 1981-1983 | series 3 | box 2 | folder 6 | |
Series 4: Summer Camp Newspapers, 1936-1938 and undated (4 folders)
Series 4 contains newspapers from the Ernest Williams Band and Orchestra Camp.
The newspapers are arranged by title.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williams Band and Orchestra Camp, 1936 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 7 | |
| The Camp Musician, 1937 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 8 | |
| Overtones, 1937-1938 | series 4 | box 2 | folder 9 | |
| News and Notes for Music Folks, undated | series 4 | box 2 | folder 10 | |
Series 5: Publications, 1925-1980 and undated (2.25 linear feet)
Series 5 contains publications by or related to Ernest Williams. These publications are organized by type: Catalogs and Music Scores (sorted into: marching band, solo/small ensemble, concert band, methods, proof sheets, and manuscripts.)
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music Catalogs, undated | series 5 | box 3 | folder 1 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. The Noble Commander March. N.d. New York: Carl Fisher, 1925. Print. (Marching Band Parts) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 2 | |
| Lake, Mayhew. The Ernest Williams Band School March. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1932. Print. (Marching Band Parts) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 3 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. March "Moderne." N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1938. Print. (Marching Band Parts) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 4 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. The Gallantries. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1941. Print. (Marching Band Parts) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 5 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Con. Dykeman's March. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1942. Print. (Marching Band Parts) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 6 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. The Three Blujeackets. N.d. New York: Ernest S. Williams School of Music, 1942. Print. (Marching Band Parts) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 7 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. The Captivator/Bedford. N.d. New York: Charles Colin, 1941. Print. Ernest S. Williams Two-in-One Series. (Marching Band Parts) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 8 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. March "Moderne"/Neoteric March. N.d. New York: Charles Colin, 1942. Print. Ernest S. Williams Two-in-One Series. (Marching Band Parts) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 9 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. The Noble Commander March/Con. Dykeman's March. N.d. New York: Charles Colin, 1925. Print. Ernest S. Williams Two-in-One Series. (Marching Band Parts) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 10 | |
| Lake, Mayhew. "The Chief" (Ernest Williams March). N.d. New York: Charles Colin, 1932. Print. Ernest S. Williams Two-in-One Series. -- Williams, Ernest S. The Gallantries. N.d. New York: Charles Colin, 1941. Print. Ernest S. Williams Two-in-One Series. (Marching Band Parts) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 11 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Con. Dykeman's March. N.d. New York: Carl Fischer, 1923. Print. (Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 12 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. The Captivator (March). N.d. New York: Carl Fischer, 1924. Print. (Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 13 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. The Noble Commanders March. N.d. New York: Carl Fischer, 1925. Print. (Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 14 | |
| Smith, Leonard B. Spanish Caprice. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1936. Print. (Cornet and Piano) Note: score is signed by composer. | series 5 | box 3 | folder 15 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Capriccio "Onteora." N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1936. Print. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 16 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Waltz Caprice "Tahoe Charms." N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1936. Print. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 17 | |
| Rogers, Walter B. Concert Waltz "Lulle." N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1936. Print. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 18 | |
| Rogers, Walter B. War Song with variations (also known as the "Columbian Fantasy"). N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1936. Print. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 19 | |
| Rogers, Walter B. "The Harp of Tara" Irish Fantasie. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1936. Print. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 20 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Rondo Concertante. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1936. Print. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 21 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Fantasie "Auld Lang Syne." N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1936. Print. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 22 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Orion. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1937. Print. (Cornet Trio with Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 23 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. The Triumvirate. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1937. Print. (Cornet Trio with Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 24 | |
| Rogers, Walter B. Minnehaha Waltz. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1938. Print. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 25 | |
| Rogers, Walter B. Land of the Free. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1938. Print. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 26 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Fascination. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1938. Print. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 27 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Prelude and Scherzo. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1941. Print. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 28 | |
| Clarke, Herbert L. King Neptune. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1941. Print. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 29 | |
| Rogers, Walter B. Lasca. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1941. Print. (Cornet Trio with Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 30 | |
| Rogers, Walter B. In Dixie. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1941. Print. (Cornet Trio with Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 31 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. The Three Bluejackets. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1942. Print. (Cornet Trio with Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 32 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. and Walter Rogers. "Five" Top Brass Trios. N.d. New York: Charles Colin, 1942. Print. (Cornet Trio with Piano) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 33 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Little Classics. N.d. New York: Charles Colin, 1946. Print. (Cornet) | series 5 | box 3 | folder 34 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Concertone. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1946. Print. Little Classics for Cornet. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 4 | folder 1 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Sarabande and Bourrie. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1946. Print. Little Classics for Cornet. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 4 | folder 2 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Wyalusing Polka. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1946. Print. Little Classics for Cornet. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 4 | folder 3 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Third Concertino. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1941. Print. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 4 | folder 4 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Cornet Duets. N.d. New York: Edwin D. Morris, 1954. Print. (Cornet Duo) | series 5 | box 4 | folder 5 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Chemung Rondino. N.d. New York: Charles Colin, 1946. Print. Little Classics for Cornet. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 4 | folder 6 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Chenango Schottische. N.d. New York: Edwin H. Morris, 1946. Print. Little Classics for Cornet. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 4 | folder 7 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Winema Waltz. N.d. New York: Edwin H. Morris, 1946. Print. Little Classics for Cornet. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 4 | folder 8 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Osseo Fantasia. N.d. New York: Edwin H. Morris, 1946. Print. Little Classics for Cornet. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 4 | folder 9 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Temecula Waltz. N.d. New York: Charles Colin, 1946. Print. Little Classics for Cornet. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 4 | folder 10 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. The Catskills Polka. N.d. New York: Charles Colin, 1946. Print. Little Classics for Cornet. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 4 | folder 11 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Waltz Caprice "Tahoe Charms." N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1936. Print. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 4 | folder 12 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Sonata for piano and cornet. N.d. New York: Charles Colin, 1942. Print. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 4 | folder 13 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Concerto No.1 for cornet and piano. N.d. New York: Charles Colin, 1936. Print. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 4 | folder 14 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Concerto No.6 for cornet and piano. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1938. Print. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 4 | folder 15 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Fifth Concerto for cornet. N.d. New York: Charles Colin, 1938. Print. (Cornet and Piano) | series 5 | box 4 | folder 16 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. 'Lulle' Concert Waltz. N.d. New York: Charles Colin, 1936. Print. (Cornet or Baritone and Piano) | series 5 | box 4 | folder 17 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Bolero. N.d. New York: Charles Colin, 1937. Print. (Cornet quartette) | series 5 | box 4 | folder 18 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Symphony in C Minor. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1938. Print. (Symphonic Band: score and parts) | series 5 | box 4 | folder 19 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Revolutionary Fantasy. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1939. Print. (Symphonic Band: score and parts) | series 5 | box 4 | folder 20 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. The Three Bluejackets. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1942. Print. (Band parts) | series 5 | box 5 | folder 1 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Hall of Fame, symphonic march. (Unpublished manuscript: band parts) | series 5 | box 5 | folder 2 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Symphony in C minor, second movement (larghetto). N.d. New York: Charles Colin, 1938. Print. (Symphonic Band: score and parts) | series 5 | box 5 | folder 3 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Symphony in C minor, first movement. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1938. Print. (Conductor's score) | series 5 | box 5 | folder 4 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. America. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1941. Print. (Orchestra: full score) | series 5 | box 5 | folder 5 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Symphony in C Minor. N.d. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1938. Print. (Symphonic Band: full score) | series 5 | box 5 | folder 6 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. The Ernest S. Williams Modern Method for cornet or trumpet. New York: Charles Colin, 1936. | series 5 | box 5 | folder 7 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. The Ernest S. Williams Modern Method for cornet or trumpet. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1936. | series 5 | box 5 | folder 8 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. The Ernest S. Williams Modern Method for cornet or trumpet. Volume II. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1936. | series 5 | box 6 | folder 1 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. The Ernest S. Williams Modern Method for cornet or trumpet. Volume III. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1937. | series 5 | box 6 | folder 2 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Modern Method for Trumpet or Cornet. Revised and Expanded. New York: Charles Colin, 1961. | series 5 | box 6 | folder 3 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. The Ernest S. Williams Modern Method for cornet or trumpet. Volume I. New York: Charles Colin, 1936. | series 5 | box 6 | folder 4 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. The Ernest S. Williams Modern Method for cornet or trumpet. Volume I: Piano Accompaniment. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1937. | series 5 | box 6 | folder 5 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. The Ernest S. Williams Modern Method for Transposition as it applies to the B-flat trumpet. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1938. | series 5 | box 6 | folder 6 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. Supplementary Studies for Advanced Students of the trumpet or cornet. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1943. | series 5 | box 6 | folder 7 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. The Secret of Technique-Preservation for trumpeters and cornetists. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1946. | series 5 | box 6 | folder 8 | |
| The Best of Ernest S. Williams. New York: Charles Colin, 1980. | series 5 | box 6 | folder 9 | |
| Williams, Ernest S. America. New York: Ernest Williams School of Music, 1940. Print. (Mixed Voices and Organ) | series 5 | box 6 | folder 10 | |
| Proof sheet for "Neoteric March" by Ernest S. Williams | series 5 | box 6 | folder 11 | |
| Proof sheets for "Sonata" by Ernest S. Williams | series 5 | box 6 | folder 12 | |
| Manuscript Encore Arrangements by Katherine Williams (Note: This series contains further oversize materials that are housed in Box 13.) | series 5 | box 6 | folder 13 | |
| "Hudson River Overture" by Ernest S. Williams; Arranged by Ray Huston (Oversize), undated | series 5 | box 13 | folder 1 | |
| "The Three Bluejackets" by Ernest S. Williams; Arranged by Erik Leidzen (Oversize), undated | series 5 | box 13 | folder 2 | |
| "Con. Dykeman's March" by Ernest S. Williams; Arranged by Erik Leidzen (Oversize), undated | series 5 | box 13 | folder 3 | |
| Bagley, E. E. National Emblem Song. N.d. Boston: Ernest S. Williams, 1908. Print. (Piano) (Oversize) | series 5 | box 13 | folder 4 | |
| "Just for Fun" by Victor Herbert (Oversize), undated | series 5 | box 13 | folder 5 | |
Series 6: Biographical Materials, 1917-1983 and undated (4 folders)
Series 6 contains biographical materials about Williams, including advertisements of endorsements by Williams; personnel lists for the Philadelphia Orchestra; excerpts from the New York University and Julliard School of Music Faculty Directories; and several articles.
This series is arranged chronologically.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biographic Articles, 1917-1964 and undated | series 6 | box 7 | folder 1 | |
| Endorsements by Williams, undated | series 6 | box 7 | folder 2 | |
| National Band Association Hall of Fame Nomination (This series contains further oversize materials that are housed in SCPA Map Case 1, Drawer 2.), 1961 | series 6 | box 7 | folder 3 | |
Series 7: News Clippings, 1921-1981 (1 folder)
Series 7I contains news clippings about Ernest Williams, Katherine Williams-Manley, the Williams Schools, and Williams's students.
The clippings are arranged chronologically.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newspaper Clippings, 1921-1981 | series 7 | box 7 | folder 4 | |
Series 8: Photographs, 1929-1938 and undated (2.0 linear feet)
Series 8 contains photographs of Williams, his students, family and friends, the schools and the faculty, and the ensembles he directed. There are also photographs that have been signed by Percy Grainger, Georges Barrère, Frank Elsass, Mayhew Lake, and Frank Fischer.
The series is contained in photo albums and one folder of oversize and loose photographs.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williams Band and Orchestra Camp Photo Album (small), undated | series 8 | box 8 | folder 1 | |
| Photo Album, undated | series 8 | box 8 | folder 2 | |
| Photograph of Cecil Jacobson, undated | series 8 | box 8 | folder 3 | |
| Photograph of Leonard Maretto, Madaline Bogle, and Donald Jacoby, undated | series 8 | box 8 | folder 4 | |
| Photograph of William Method Book and horn, undated | series 8 | box 8 | folder 5 | |
| Williams Band and Orchestra Camp Photo album (large), undated | series 8 | box 9 | folder 1 | |
| Ernest S. Williams image on photographic printing block, undated | series 8 | box 10 | folder 1 | |
| Photocopy reproductions of photo album (Box 8, Folder 1), undated | series 8 | box 10 | folder 2 | |
| Photocopy reproductions of photo album (Box 9, Folder 1), undated | series 8 | box 10 | folder 3 | |
| Photocopy reproductions of photo album (Box 8, Folder 2), undated | series 8 | box 10 | folder 4 | |
| Xerox copies of photos to go in case w/ t-shirt, undated | series 8 | box 10 | folder 5 | |
| Rankin & Williams cornetists, undated | series 8 | box 10 | folder 6 | |
| Reunion Photographs, undated | series 8 | box 10 | folder 7 | |
| Oversize and Loose Photos, 1929-1938 and undated | series 8 | box 10 | folder 8 | |
Series 9: Memorabilia, 1934-1948 and undated (2.0 linear feet)
Series 9 contains various print materials related to Williams, the Williams Schools and his students. This series contains Williams's trumpet.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-shirt from Williams Band and Orchestra Camp, undated | series 9 | box 11 | folder 1 | |
| Pin from Williams Band and Orchestra Camp, circa 1946 | series 9 | box 11 | folder 2 | |
| Medal from Williams Band and Orchestra Camp presented to Lena Hartzell, 1942 | series 9 | box 11 | folder 3 | |
| Writings, Cards, Mementos, and Menus (This series contains further oversize materials (Box 13, Map Case 1 - Drawer 2).), 1937-1941 and undated | series 9 | box 11 | folder 4 | |
| Advertisement for Ernest Williams concert band, 1934 | series 9 | box 13 | folder 6 | |
| Ray Crisara's Phi Mu Alpha Pledge Card, undated | series 9 | box 13 | folder 7 | |
| Cover of Etude magazine with a photo from Williams Band and Orchestra Camp, 1941 | series 9 | box 13 | folder 8 | |
| Retrieved Music from the fire in Saugerties, 1948 and undated | series 9 | box 13 | folder 9 | |
| Scrapbook Pages, 1935-1942 | series 9 | box 13 | folder 10 | |
| Ernest Williams's Trumpet; Conn N.Y. Symphony Model 2B, serial #300376, manufactured 1935 | series 9 | box 14 | folder 1 | |
| Diploma from the Ernest Williams School of Music presented to John Edward Mahoney (Locted in Map Case 1, Drawer 2), 1934 | series 9 | box 15 | folder 1 | |
| National Band Association Hall of Fame Certificate (Locted in Map Case 1, Drawer 2), 1983 | series 9 | box 15 | folder 2 | |
Series 10: Ernest Williams Alumni Association, 1956-2002 and undated (8 folders)
Series 10 contains newsletters and photographs related to the members and activities of the Ernest Williams Alumni Association.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "The Chief", 1957 | series 10 | box 12 | folder 1 | |
| Reunions, 1956-1992 | series 10 | box 12 | folder 2 | |
| Reunion Photographs (removed to box 10), undated | series 10 | box 12 | folder 3 | |
| Program from 1991 International Trumpet Guild Conference, 1991 | series 10 | box 12 | folder 4 | |
| Video and Audio Cassette from Ernest S. Williams Collection Ceremony, 1995 | series 10 | box 12 | folder 5 | |
| Alumni Directory, 1982, 1992, 2002 | series 10 | box 12 | folder 6 | |
| "A Tribute to Ernest Williams" Program, 1995 | series 10 | box 12 | folder 7 | |
| Phi Mu Alpha fraternity paddle register of signatures, undated | series 10 | box 12 | folder 8 | |
Series 11: Sound Recordings, 1981 (1 folder)
Series 11 contains cassette recordings of performances in Williams's honor on audio cassette format at the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Williams's birthday.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "100th Anniversary of the Birth of Ernest S. Williams", 1981 | series 11 | box 12 | folder 9 | |
Series 12: Oral History, 1990-1992 (3 folders)
Series 12 contains recordings of interviews of Williams Alumni pertaining to their memories of Williams and the history of the Williams schools.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase, Crisara, and Mitchell, 1990-1991 | series 12 | box 12 | folder 10 | |
| Mahoney and Smith, 1990-1992 | series 12 | box 12 | folder 11 | |
| Williams School Reunion, 1991 | series 12 | box 12 | folder 12 | |
Related Material
- Keith Winking: "Ernest Williams, Virtuoso and Educator: A Biographical Survey of his philosophies and techniques." Dissertation. [SCPA Research Paper Collection (RP 1645)]
- Lake, Mayhew "Mike." Great Guys: Laughs and Gripes of Fifty years of Show-Music Business. Grosse Point Woods, Michigan: Bovaco Press, 1983. [Lowens Special Collections Room ML410.L2433A3 1983]
- Williams, Ernest S. Modern Method for Cornet or Trumpet. New York: Charles Colin, 1936. [Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library Folio MT 442.W5]
- The Arthur Brandenburg Papers, Special Collection in Performing Arts, University of Maryland Libraries; contain information about Brandenburg's time as a teacher with the Ernest Williams School of Music and the Band and Orchestra Camp.
- Additional photographs of Williams may be found in the Mabel Rosenthal Collection on Edwin Franko Goldman and in the ABA Personnel Photograph file (CRII 5-2 and CRII 6-1)
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
- Conservatories of music -- New York (State) -- New York.
- Educators -- United States.
- Ernest Williams Alumni Association.
- Ernest Williams Band and Orchestra Camp.
- Ernest Williams School of Music.
- Music camps -- New York (State) -- New York.
- Music -- Instruction and study -- United States.
- Music teachers -- United States.
- Trumpet players -- United States.
- Williams, Ernest S. (Ernest Samuel), 1881-1947 -- Archives.
- Williams, Ernest S. (Ernest Samuel), 1881-1947 -- Correspondence.