The School Band of America – School Chorus of America was founded July 1, 1959 and established itself as an integral part of the American music education scene. The primary purpose of the European Concert Tour was for giving outstanding American school musicians an opportunity to use their talents in an area of international understanding while acquiring first-hand knowledge of the cultural centers in Europe. They also toured throughout Eastern and Western United States as the American Concert Tour appearing in Central Park in New York as well as the Mormon Tabernacle in Utah.
Membership in the organization focuses on students, aged 15-21, selected through nationwide auditions on the basis of musicianship, character, and personality.
This collection reflects Arthur Drake’s 1970 experience, and includes Bulletins/newsletters, programs, Arthur Drake’s anniversary tour documents/souvenirs, newspaper clippings, American concert applications, tourist items – brochures, maps, photos, reunion concerts, 1970 and 1971 European tour, tenth anniversary tour participants info, and miscellaneous items.