The Sousa Archives acquired the Austin McDowell Music and Papers on November 20th and will begin the arrangement and description of this new collection in 2024.  Austin Johnston McDowell was born September 15, 1920, in Heyworth, IL, and died in Urbana, IL at the age of 93 on December 4, 2013.  McDowell was a Professor Emeritus and former director of the University of Illinois School of Music. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in music from the University of Illinois, and after graduating he served as a United States Navy pilot during World War II.  After his return from military service in 1946, McDowell was appointed Woodwind Instructor for the University’s School of Music and University Bands. He eventually became Chairman of the Wind Instrument Division and later served as the Director of the School of Music.  He retired in 1988. During the summers, McDowell also taught at the National Music Camp in Interlochen and The Bemidji Summer Camp, both in Michigan, and Western State University in Gunnison, CO.  He was a member of Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity,  and Pi Kappa Lambda honor society, the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors, and the Music Educators National Conference.   For information about this collection either call 217-333-4577 or email schwrtzs@illinois.edu.