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Robert L. Hoffman papers

 Collection 0112-SCPA

Robert L. Hoffman was an accomplished clarinetist who played under Arturo Toscanini, Leopold Stokowski, Leonard Bernstein and Edwin Franko Goldman. Hoffman studied at the Ernest Williams School of Music, New York University, and Columbia University. He taught at NYU and Queens College. Hoffman also conducted the Princeton University Band, the Westbury Fire Department Band, and the Roslyn Recreation Band. The Robert L. Hoffman papers consists of correspondence, programs, clippings, memorabilia, scores, manuscripts and an audiotape documenting his performing and teaching career. The materials date from 1905 to 1995, with the bulk of the materials dating from 1931 to 1981.

Dates

  • 1905-1995
  • Majority of material found within 1931-1981

Use and Access to Collection

The collection is open for research use. Materials from this collection must be used in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library's Irving and Margery Morgan Lowens Special Collections Room during SCPA’s operating hours. Please contact the curator for an appointment or if you have questions related to digital access of the materials.

Duplication and Copyright Information

Copyright was not transferred to the University of Maryland with the gift of any copyrighted materials. All rights remain with the creators and rights holders. The University of Maryland Libraries is granted permission for the use in scholarly research by the Libraries’ patrons under fair use in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act.

To inquire about duplication of materials for research or for publication, please contact SCPA’s curator.

Extent

1.50 Linear Feet

Scope and Contents of Collection

The Robert L. Hoffman papers consist of correspondence, programs, clippings, memorabilia, scores, manuscripts and an audiotape documenting his performing and teaching career. The materials date from 1905 to 1995, with the bulk of the materials dating from 1931 to 1981.

Biography

Robert L. Hoffman was born in Joliet, Illinois on February 23, 1914. He was the Illinois State Clarinet Solo Champion in 1930 and 1931. Hoffman moved to New York City at the age of 16 to study at the Ernest Williams School of Music; he received his degree from that school in 1934, and earned a B.S. from New York University in 1939. Hoffman was the first chair clarinet for the NBC Symphony Orchestra under Arturo Toscanini, and played for Leopold Stokowski and Leonard Bernstein. In later years, he performed in Goldman Band summer concert series under Edwin Franko Goldman. Hoffman taught at NYU and Queens College, and later taught wind instruments in Lindenhurst, NY. From Columbia University, he earned a Masters degree in 1964 and a Teacher's College Professional Diploma in 1967. Hoffman conducted the Princeton University Band, the Westbury Fire Department Band, and the Roslyn Recreation Band.

Hoffman married Lillian Macheras in 1940. He died July 26, 2003.

Arrangement

This collection is organized into two series.

  1. Collected materials
  2. Scores and manuscripts

Custodial History and Acquisition Information

The collection was donated by Robert Hoffman in 1996.

Related Material

American Bandmasters Association records, Special Collections in Performing Arts, University of Maryland Libraries. (finding aid)

Ernest S. Williams papers, Special Collections in Performing Arts, University of Maryland Libraries. (finding aid)

Title
Robert L. Hoffman papers
Status
Completed
Author
David Travis (2011); revised by Amanda May (2012).
Date
October 2011; revised August 2012
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English

Library Details

Part of the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library

Contact:
University of Maryland Libraries
8270 Alumni Drive
College Park MD 20742 United States