The Hubert P. Henderson papers

Hubert P. Henderson was the director of the University of Maryland's band program from 1955 to 1965; he was elected a member of the American Bandmasters' Association (ABA) in 1961 and left the organization in 1968. Before arriving at the University of Maryland, Henderson graduated at the University of North Carolina in 1941, served two tours of duty in the Army Air Force, holding the position of Warrant Officer Bandleader during two years of his service. In 1954 Henderson was appointed instruction and Director of Bands at Montana State University.

Henderson became the director of bands at the University of Maryland in 1955. The position he assumed was newly created; for the previous five years Air Force Captain Robert Landers directed the University's College Park band during his off-duty hours. Before Henderson became director, the band had been administered by the Military Department. Starting in the fall of 1955, however, the band became part of the Music Department.

These administrative changes had significant ramifications for the identity of the band and Henderson, with the help of student leaders and music faculty led this difficult transition. He formed a symphonic band and required the performance of contemporary band compositions in the band's concert series. He encouraged local high school bands and band competitions at both the high school and collegiate levels.

Starting in the 1960s, Henderson became increasingly involved in the ABA. In 1964, he was appointed the first editor of the ABA Journal. That year he also participated in the creation of the ABA Research Center at the University of Maryland, of which this collection is a part. The 1965 ABA Conference was held in College Park and Henderson made arrangements for conference venues and performances. His affiliation with both the University of Maryland and the ABA ended in 1968 when he began an administrative position at the University of Kentucky.