John Whitwell papers
Collection
0467-SCPA-ABA
John Whitwell is a twenty and twenty-first century American conductor, music educator, and professor of collegiate bands. Whitwell served as director of bands for Abilene Christian University, Stephen F. Austin State University, and Michigan State University, where he retired in 2006. Additionally, he was a member of the American Bandmasters Association, and served in leadership roles for the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, the National Band Association, and the College Band Directors National Association. The John Whitwell papers cover the period from 1977-2021. The collection consists of concert programs, correspondence, photographs, newspaper and magazine clippings, publications, and recordings related to Whitwell's work as a director of bands and music educator.
There are no restricted files in this collection.
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
0.5 Linear Feet
English
The John Whitwell papers cover the period from 1977-2021. The papers consist of concert programs, correspondence, photographs, newspaper and magazine clippings, publications, and recordings related to Whitwell's work as a conductor, educator, and director of wind bands.
John Whitwell (b. 1942) is an American conductor and director of collegiate wind bands. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Whitwell received an Associate of Arts from Rochester College in 1962, a Bachelor of Music Education from Abilene Christian University in 1965, and a Master of Music from the University of Michigan in 1975. He began his career as a band director at the Nortwest Public Schools of Michigan from 1965-1975 and at Huron High School of Michigan from 1975-1981.
In 1981, Whitwell was appointed director of bands at Abilene Christian University, where he served until 1987. Following, Whitwell served as director of bands at Stephen F. Austin State University from 1987-1993. Finally, Whitwell became director of bands at Michigan State University in 1993, remaining there until his retirement in 2006. At Michigan State University, Whitwell served as chair of the conducting area, directed the top wind band, and mentored graduate conducting students.
Under Whitwell's leadership, the Michigan State University Wind Symphony performed at national and international conferences, including the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic and the College Band Directors National Association conference. Throughout his conducting career, Whitwell premiered over 60 new works for band by prominent composers, including David Maslanka, Frank Ticheli, Joan Tower, Michael Colgrass, and Michael Daugherty. The Michigan State University bands also released seven recordings during Whitwell's tenure.
In addition to serving as director of bands, Whitwell was a frequent guest conductor, clinician, and presenter. He served as a clinician for over 100 honor bands and music festivals, including all-state bands and university conducting symposia. Additionally, he has presented sessions at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, the Texas Bandmasters Association conference, and for Bands of America.
Whitwell currently serves as Director of Bands Emeritus at Michigan State University, a title he has held since his retirement in 2006.
This collection is arranged into five series.
Gift of John Whitwell, received in March 2024
Part of the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library