Office of the Commandant/Naval Academy Band: Office Files, 1882-2002: Finding Aid
Published in October 2019
Summary Information
- Publisher: United States Naval Academy. Special Collections & Archives.
- Publisher Address:
589 McNair Road
Annapolis, Maryland 21402-5029, USA
Phone: 410-293-6922
https://www.usna.edu/Library/sca/index.php - Call number: RG 405.3.1 Entry 151g
- National Archives Identifier:
- Location: Special Collections & Archives Department - Archives
- Title: Office of the Commandant/Naval Academy Band: Office Files
- Dates: 1882-2002
- Size: 3.42 linear feet
- Container Summary: 2 half-manuscript boxes, 2 flat boxes
- Creator: United States Naval Academy. Band
- Language(s) of material: English
- Abstract: The Naval Academy Band's Office Files, comprising 3.42 linear feet of documentation span from 1882 to 2002. The materials pertain to band personnel records and oaths of office, records of the Naval Academy Band Welfare Association, certain publications of the Naval Academy Band, and musical scores and phonograph records of popular Navy songs, including the original musical score for "Anchors Aweigh," by Naval Academy Bandmaster Charles Adams Zimmermann (1887-1916).
History of the Naval Academy Band
The United States Naval Academy Band is the oldest band in the United States Navy. Although instrument music can be traced back to the establishment of the Naval Academy in October, 1845, the Naval Academy Band was officially founded on November 22, 1852. Originally consisting of 11 musicians and a band master, the Naval Academy Band grew to 27 members after the Civil War. In 1887 Charles Adams Zimmerman, composer of the 1907 Navy song "Anchors Aweigh" became bandmaster, a position he held until 1915. By 1931 the band grew to 78 Navy and Marine Corps musicians. Presently, the Naval Academy Band is headquartered in Bancroft Hall and consists of 35 active duty musicians. The primary mission of the Naval Academy Band is to provide musical support for the Brigade of Midshipmen, and for official functions of the United States Naval Academy. Additionally, the band represents the Department of the Navy in a musical capacity, promoting community relations and enhancing the Navy's image. The Naval Academy Band participates in parades, ceremonies, athletic events, public concerts, educational outreach, Navy recruiting and retention efforts, and official affairs attended by government officials and Department of the Navy. For a more detailed history, please see the Naval Academy Band's official website (https://www.usna.edu/USNABand/about/history.php).
Description of Contents
The Naval Academy Band's Office Files, comprising 3.42 linear feet of documentation span from 1882 to 2002. The materials pertain to band personnel records and oaths of office, records of the Naval Academy Band Welfare Association, certain publications of the Naval Academy Band, and certain musical scores and records of popular Navy songs, including the original musical score for "Anchors Aweigh," by Naval Academy Bandmaster Charles Adams Zimmermann (1887-1916). The personnel records contain oaths of office for band members, renewals of their contracts, along with remarks related to leave, misconduct, and other notable events, including resignations and discharges during their service in the band. The Welfare Association Records largely consist of meeting minutes detailing deliberations, motions, and actions taken by the association. The band publications presently consist of a quarterly published newsletter entitled "Serenade."
Bandmasters:
- Charles A. Zimmermann, Bandmaster (1887-1916)
- Adolph Torovsky, Bandmaster (1916-1921)
- H. J. Peterman, Bandmaster (1921-1932)
- Alexander Cecil Morris, Bandmaster (1946-1955)
- William J. Phillips, Bandmaster (1972-1975
- John Richard Bledsoe, Bandmaster (1975-1979)
Arrangement
The Office of the Commandant/Naval Academy Band: Office Files are organized into the following four series:
- Series 1: NAVAL ACADEMY BAND PERSONNEL RECORDS, 1882-1895
- Series 2: RECORDS OF THE NAVAL ACADEMY BAND WELFARE ASSOCIATION, 1928-1933
- Series 3: NAVAL ACADEMY BAND PUBLICATIONS, 1997-2002
- Series 4: MUSICAL RECORDS, 1907-1979
Access and Use
Access
Restricted - Partly. These records must be screened for personal privacy and law enforcement information under 5 U.S.C. 552(b) prior to public release. Per review, select records may be withheld or redacted in accordance with FOIA (b)(6) Personal Information, and FOIA (b)(7) Law Enforcement.
Copyright and Permission
Generally, materials produced by Federal agencies are in the public domain and may be reproduced without permission. Any non-government publications held herein may still be subject to copyright. For further information, consult the Head, Special Collections & Archives.
Acquisition and Appraisal
Custodial History
RG 405 Records of the United States Naval Academy is the property of the National Archives and Records Administration. The materials are housed at the United States Naval Academy, William W. Jeffries Memorial Archives, an affiliated archive, as per a Memorandum of Agreement between the National Archives and Records Administration and the United States Naval Academy.
Related Materials
Related Archival Material
Operational subject files of the Naval Academy Band may be found Entry 151f: "SSIC Subject Files, 1976-2010." Additional material is also available in multiple series of the Records of the Office of the Superintendent.
Materials Cataloged Separately
No materials have been removed from this collection and cataloged separately.
Processing and Other Information
Preferred Citation
Office of the Commandant/Naval Academy Band: Office Files, RG 405.3.1 Entry 151g
Special Collections & Archives Department
Nimitz Library
United States Naval Academy
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Samuel Limneos in September 2019. Finding aid written by Samuel Limneos in September 2019.
Subject Headings
Name and Subject Terms
- Bands (Music) -- United States - History
- United States Naval Academy
- United States Naval Academy -- History -- 19th century
- United States Naval Academy -- History -- 20th century
- United States Naval Academy. Band
- United States. Navy -- Songs and music
- Zimmermann, Chas. A. (Charles A.), 1862-1916
Genre Terms
- Minutes (administrative records)
- Newsletters
- Phonograph records
- Registers (lists)
- Sound recordings
Contents List
Series 1: NAVAL ACADEMY BAND PERSONNEL RECORDS, 1882-1895 Box 1
Series DescriptionSeries 1: NAVAL ACADEMY BAND PERSONNEL RECORDS contain oaths of office, renewals of oaths, and descriptive lists for band members stating their name, date and place of birth, along with remarks related to leaves, misconduct, and other notable events. Some entries contain date of first entry into service, total length of service in the band, and any previous enlisted Navy service or discharges. Interfiled in entries for some band members are written letters of resignation and requests for discharge from the band. Also included is a short history of the Naval Academy Band from 1852 to 1885.
Series ArrangementArranged chronologically.
Series 2: RECORDS OF THE NAVAL ACADEMY BAND WELFARE ASSOCIATION, 1928 September-1933 March Box 2
Series DescriptionSeries 2: RECORDS OF THE NAVAL ACADEMY BAND WELFARE ASSOCIATION consists of meeting minutes detailing deliberations, motions, and actions taken by the association. The majority of the deliberations relate to drafting the association charter and laws; association position appointments and resignations; meeting expenditures; congressional legislation related to band member numbers and pay; health and status of association members; and preparations for and status of band members while on cruise; Interfiled throughout the record book is loose correspondence related to association finances, personal affairs of association members, and copies of congressional legislation related to the band.
Series ArrangementArranged chronologically.
Series 3: NAVAL ACADEMY BAND PUBLICATIONS, 1997-2002 Box 2
Series DescriptionPublished quarterly from spring, 1997 to fall 2002 the "Serenade" newsletter contains noteworthy band-related news and upcoming events, contact information for the band, information regarding the bands various sub-divisions and musical groups, programs for seasonal concert series, and spotlights on certain band members and their accomplishments.
Series ArrangementArranged chronologically.
Series 4: MUSICAL RECORDS, 1907-1979 Boxes 3-4
Series DescriptionSeries 4: MUSICAL RECORDS consists of various musical scores and records as written and directed by various Naval Academy Bandmasters, and played by the Naval Academy Band and Midshipman Choir.
Series ArrangementArranged by document type.
Parts for Anchors Aweigh, 1916-1921
Consists of musical scores on 5 by 8 cards for the song "Anchors Aweigh," by C. A. Zimmermann as arranged by bandmaster (1916-1921) Adolph Torovsky. There are separate cards for drums, baritone, trombone, bassoons, saxophone, and clarinet among other instruments.