Queens Symphonic Band collection
Collection
0181-SCPA
Dr. Raoul Camus founded the Queens Symphonic Band in 1970. Initially named the Queensborough Community Band, it became the Queens Symphonic Band in 1989. The collection primarily contains programs from the band’s concerts, as well as promotional materials, photographs, and correspondence.
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. Please make an appointment with the curator: Tel: 301.405.9220, Email: scpa@umd.edu
1.00 Linear Feet
The Queens Symphonic Band Collection covers the period from 1971 to 2009; the bulk of the materials date from 1971 to 1980. The collection consists of programs from band performances, as well as brochures and advertisements to promote concerts, photographs of the band in performance, and correspondence.
Dr. Raoul Camus founded what would become the Queens Symphonic Band in 1970. After joining the faculty at Queensborough Community College in 1970, he was tasked with organizing both a community band and a community orchestra. After the success of both units in their first year, an orchestra conductor was brought in and Camus was able to turn his focus to the band.
Often comprised of musicians that ranged in age from teenagers to octogenarians, the Queens Symphonic Band was at ease with a variety of styles of source material. Programs could include contemporary hits alongside 19th-century marches. The band performed frequently through the 1970s but, by the end of the decade, budget cuts limited the band's schedule to a few performances per year.
Initially named the Queensborough Community Band, it became the Queensborough Symphonic Band in 1974. The name changed again in 1989, this time to the Queens Symphonic Band. Dr. Camus retired from his position as band-leader in 1996, but the Queens Symphonic Band continues today.
This collection is organized into four series.
Gift of Dr. Raoul Camus, July 2009.
Part of the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library