The Myron Welch Papers covers the period from 1931 to 2017; the bulk of the materials date from 1954 to 2010. The collection consists of both personal and professional papers including published and unpublished writings, correspondences, committee reports, memorabilia, awards, addresses, clippings, tapes, and articles related to Welch’s education and work as a music educator in in the Midwest, including materials related to his time as President of the American Bandmaster’s Association and the Iowa Bandmasters Association.
Myron Welch was born in Michigan and attended Michigan State University before receiving his Doctorate in Music Education from the University of Illinois. While at Illinois he studied conducting with Dr. Harry Begian, and was the first candidate selected for the Band Conductor Internship program. After completing his dissertation, he worked first as the director of band and orchestra at Okemos High School in Okemos, Michigan. Then Dr. Welch was appointed the Director of Bands and Coordinator of Music Education at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. Most of his career was spent at the University of Iowa, where he conducted the Symphony Band and Chamber Wind Ensemble, was director of bands, coordinated the graduate band conducting program, and taught a variety of courses. Dr. Welch received numerous awards throughout his career as a bandmaster, including the National Band Association's Citation of Excellence.
