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Creator
National Association for American Composers and Conductors
Call number
JPB 03-15
Physical description
27.7 linear feet (65 boxes)
Preferred Citation

National Association of American Composers and Conductors Papers, JPB 03-15. Music Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

Repository
Music Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.

The National Association for American Composers and Conductors, Inc. (NAACC) was founded by Henry K. Hadley in 1933. It was an organization dedicated to the task of fostering American Music. The collection contains correspondence, legal and financial statements, minutes of meetings, programs, bulletins, clippings, photographs, reports, membership records, plots and wood block prints.

Biographical/historical information

The National Association of American Composers and Conductors (NAACC) was founded in 1933 by Henry K. Hadley, a distinguished conductor and composer. The NAACC was a non-profit organization dedicated to the task of fostering American music. It relied principally on membership dues for funds, but also received occasional assistance from individual or organizational donors. All services of officers and committee members were entirely voluntary.

The NAACC sought to provide the opportunity for the performance of new works by American composers, while also presenting compositions of established composers who had already made valuable contributions to America’s musical heritage. Henry Hadley initially created the group because at that time, unless an artist was famous, he or she could not perform at the established musical venues.

The NAACC was one of the longest standing organizations in the United States devoted to the promotion and performance of American concert hall music. The organization maintained chapters in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Colorado, Indiana and the District of Columbia. Each year, musical concerts were offered to the public free of charge. Members could submit their work for possible performances at the concerts usually held at Town Hall and Carnegie Hall in New York City. During its first twenty-five years of existence, the association presented over 3,500 new works by 200 composers through the media of the concert stage, radio and recordings. Many of America’s most distinguished composers were among its members.

The history of the association shows it carried out its ideals through orchestral and chamber music concerts, the establishment of the Henry Hadley Memorial Library in the New York Public Library and the awards and honors it bestowed on those who have helped and encouraged American creative talent. In addition, the NAACC generated greater interest among the public in original American musical compositions.

The NAACC was led by Henry Hadley until his death in 1937. He had only seen the association in existence for four years. After his death, his wife, Inez Barbour Hadley took over and ran the association until her death in 1971. Without Hadley or his wife in charge, the association began to lose focus. Then, UCLA professor and conductor John Vincent took on the leadership of the NAACC in 1975. He changed the association’s name to National Association of Composers, USA (NACUSA) and moved the headquarters from New York City to Los Angeles. Today, NACUSA presents several chamber concerts each year featuring music by its members. It also publishes a newsletter and holds a national contest for young composers aged 18 – 30. NACUSA also honors people who have made appreciable contributions to modern music.

Scope and arrangement

The collection consists of correspondence, legal and financial statements, administrative files, and clippings. In addition to providing insight into the NAACC, the material includes personal correspondence between Henry Hadley and his family. There are extensive records of the organization’s operations, including calendars, financial expenditures, membership lists, contracts and budgets. Promotional material represented in the collection includes photographs, clippings and awards. The collection has very little material from individual concerts and programs, including a very small number of scores.

The National Association of American Composers and Conductors records are arranged in six series:

  • Series I: Correspondence
    1894-1984, Undated
    21 Boxes

    This series consists of correspondence regarding organizational matters, including social events and promotional materials. The Correspondence series provides historical information about the NAACC’s supporters. It also includes personal correspondence between Henry Hadley and his family. The series is arranged alphabetically by correspondent.

  • Series II. Administrative Files
    1909 - 1971; Undated
    12 boxes

    The Administrative Files consist of calendars, contact lists of members and guests, records of office expenditures, invitations and fliers for NAACC events, biographical sketches, telegrams, program notes, newsletters, notes and cards. This series also contains application forms and various types of membership cards. The series is arranged alphabetically by subject.

  • Series III: Legal & Financial Papers
    1904 - 1971; Undated
    22 boxes

    The Legal & Financial Papers consist of certificates, contracts, budgets and expense reports for social events, by-laws, and a will. This series also includes bank statements, cancelled checks, receipts, invoices and tax forms. The series is arranged alphabetically by subject.

  • Series IV: Writings
    1894 - 1963; Undated
    2 boxes

    The Writings series contain notes regarding NAACC events and meetings. This series also includes lyrics, poems and texts. The series is arranged alphabetically by subject.

  • Series V: Publicity Materials
    1904 - 1971; Undated
    6 boxes

    The Publicity Materials contain photographs and clippings regarding NAACC performances and events. Also included are wood block and silver medal prints, featuring such subjects as the logo of NAACC. Other highlights include awards and a notary seal, as well as Inez Hadley’s picture, Henry Hadley’s signature and his pictures. Most of the materials in this series are arranged alphabetically by subject, except for the clippings, which are arranged chronologically.

  • Series VI: Oversized Materials
    1897 - 1970; Undated
    2 boxes

    The Oversized Materials consist of floor plans, such as those of Waldorf-Astoria hotel rooms used for the organization’s social events, and music scores by Noel Goemanne, Elliot Griffis, Henry Hadley and Bruce Levine. Plots are arranged chronologically and music scores are arranged alphabetically by the composer’s last name.

Administrative information

Processing information

Processed by Lai Chu Tong; Machine-readable finding aid created by Lai Chu Tong and Lee Spilberg.

Using the collection

Location

Music Division
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center
40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-7498
Third Floor

Conditions Governing Use

For permission to publish, contact the Chief, Music Division.