Acton Eric Ostling, Jr. was Assistant Director of Bands (1962) and eventually Director of Bands (1965) at the University of Maryland. He later came to Iowa State University and served as Director of Bands (1968) and as an Assistant Professor (1968-1972). The collection contains biographical information, awards, correspondence, and files associated with the Music Department.

Acton E. Ostling, Jr. was born June 30, 1936, in Endicott, New York. He received a Bachelor of Music Degree in music education from the University of Michigan (1958), and a Master of Music in wind instruments from the University of Michigan (1959). After graduation, Ostling was appointed Assistant Director of Bands (1962) and eventually Director of Bands (1965) at the University of Maryland. Ostling then came to Iowa State University and served as Director of Bands (1968) and as an Assistant Professor (1968-1972).

Ostling was married to Janet Bertha Ostling in 1959. They had two children, Eric Acton and Kristin Janet.

This collection (1968-1972, undated) contains biographical information, correspondence, newspaper clippings, press releases, awards, and files associated with the Department of Music. The correspondence is primarily between Ostling and students, including correspondence with members of the marching band about performing in the Sun Bowl (1971). The collection contains original marching fundamentals taught to his students.

This collection is organized alphabetically by topic; correspondence files are organized chronologically.