Jenks Public Schools Vocal Music Department: A 100 Year History

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to research, document, and detail the activities of the Jenks Public School Vocal Music Department from the establishment of the district in 1908 through its first one-hundred years. The study covers the vocal department from its first choir of record in 1916 under the direction of Mr. Ralph Head to the 2008 choirs. The project included exhaustive archival research of early newspapers, school board minutes, and interviews of former students and teachers. The study is divided by decades into ten chapters documenting philosophies, instructors, honors, repertoire, and performances. Under the leadership of Danna Decker the choir grew exponentially to what it is today. Hard work, commitment to excellence, vast and varied education opportunities for students, and the belief that the interest of the student should come first have contributed to the department's continued success.