The purpose of this study was to: (a) investigate through exploration and inquiry, (b) trace by way of chronology, and (c) report in detail by means of descriptive commentary the history of the New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA) from its organization in 1980, up to and including the 30th anniversary of the Annual Symposium in March of 2011. After meticulous analysis of reports, documents and proceedings of the New York State Band Directors Association and organizing the information contained in these sources, the author has articulated in writing the major activities and labors of the organization. The author initiated the study by securing official permission from the 2010-2011 Executive Board of the New York State Band Directors Association. The author then followed the procedure of collecting data by contacting relevant personalities of the Association and requested that: (a) Association documents, (b) meeting minutes, (c) programs, (d) records, and (e) correspondence be transferred for evaluation. By means of thorough review and categorizing of materials a timeline of relevant events that described the formation and advancement of the Association was created. The New York State Band Directors Association was formed to satisfy a specific need for professional growth and support for instrumental music professionals working at all academic levels, public, private and community in New York State. The origin of the Association was in direct relation to the success of a weekend symposium in 1977 designed expressly for band directors. The NYSBDA grew from a small ‘steering committee’ under the leadership of Richard Snook. The group stated its primary purpose to be the improvement and promotion of instrumental music in New York State. Throughout its history, NYSBDA has provided assistance to instrumental music educators and band directors through its many initiatives. NYSBDA provides and exhibits: (a) professional growth opportunities by means of its annual symposium and regional workshops, (b) performance opportunities for instrumental ensembles, (c) potential for student participation in NYSBDA statewide honor bands, (d) instrumental teacher and professional recognition by means of awards, (e) the promotion of new literature by sponsoring and commissioning new band compositions, and (f) cooperation with other state associations. The Executive board and Membership of NYSBDA have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement and improvement of instrumental music and its professionals. This is in agreement and fulfillment with its stated Constitutional objectives. / School of Music