The MIT Music Library holds an audio recording of an interview with John Corley, director of the MIT Concert Band for 51 seasons, oversaw the commission of about 50 new works, developed a repertoire of more than 350 pieces and worked with more than 1,000 MIT students. The MIT Concert Band was founded in 1948 when an excess of clarinet, horn and oboe players tried out for the MIT Symphony. In 1953, the Concert Band became one of the first ensembles to devote itself entirely to original works for band in the belief that the wind band is an important and unique means of musical expression and that its repertoire is deserving of performance.

John Corley died in Oct. 2000 at the age of 81. Shortly before his death, he recorded this interview with Forrest Larson of MIT's Music Library. In addition to his work with the MIT Concert Band, Corley was also involved with the MIT Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Brass Ensemble, the Boston Conservatory of Music and the Boston Conservatory's Wind Ensemble.