Biography

Albert Austin Harding (February 10, 1880 – December 3, 1958) was the first Director of Bands at the University of Illinois. He was also the first band director at an American university to hold a position of full professorship. The Harding Band Building, the first dedicated building for a University Band Department, was named for him. At the age of 17, he joined the Paris Concert Band. Before graduating high school, he became the leader of the band, and later he succeeded W. D. Wooley as the band director. Meanwhile, his career as an independent musician was thriving, and he was invited to participate in many musical groups including marching bands, dance bands, and orchestras. After high school, he joined the Illinois National Guard, where he spent most of his time as company bugler, battalion bugler, and regimental bugler. For the most part, he was stationed at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois.

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