Scope and Content Note
The Sammy Nestico Papers chiefly contain original compositions, arrangements, and some sketches by Nestico dating from 1950 to 2007. The collection consists of one series, Music, divided into five subseries: Nestico Feature Albums, Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, Small Dance Band and Combo, and Other Arrangements.
The first subseries, Nestico Feature Albums, consists of original works and arrangements that Nestico wrote for the solo albums he produced and conducted. Most works are represented by photocopied scores and parts. Some works exist in multiple versions. A partial discography is located here.
The Jazz Ensemble subseries consists of printed compositions and arrangements, primarily by Nestico. These pieces range from beginner to professional level jazz ensemble repertoire. The Concert Band subseries contains printed Nestico arrangements for concert band, most of which were completed for Kendor Music throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
The Small Dance Band and Combo subseries contains printed Nestico arrangements for small jazz combo that tend to be reworkings of Romantic Era orchestral works. The Other Arrangements subseries consists of arrangements, primarily by Nestico, for ensembles such as marching band, orchestra, chamber ensemble, and chorus. There are a small amount of works present that Nestico did for hire, such as charts for Count Basie, film, television, and radio scores, and arrangements for popular vocal artists.