Scope and Content of Collection
The Kenneth Slater papers cover the period from 1859 to 1997; the bulk of the materials date from 1940 to 1980. The papers consist of correspondence, administrative records, programs and tour itineraries, military documents, books, newsletters, articles, newspaper clippings, scores: published and manuscript, photographs, regalia, and other memorabilia related to Slater's career; the ensembles with which he was involved including the United States Marine Band, the United States Army Field Band, the Hagerstown Municipal Band, and the Almas Temple Band; and the colleagues with whom he had close relationships including Merle Evans, Joseph Losh, Leonard Smith, and his father, George H. Slater.
Prior to its arrival at the American Bandmasters Association Research Center in 1997, the Kenneth Slater Collection was arranged around the individuals, ensembles, and professional organizations with which he was involved. That organization has been retained wherever possible. As a result, the collection is divided into ten series.
