Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Birth

:

1925

Death

:

2015

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Kenneth Jennings was a renowned American classical music artist, known for his exceptional skills as a choral conductor, singer, and educator. Born on December 20, 1925, in Danville, Illinois, Jennings grew up in a family that valued music and education. His father was a music teacher, and his mother was a pianist, which exposed him to music at an early age. Jennings attended the University of Illinois, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1948 and a Master of Music degree in 1950. During his time at the university, he studied under renowned choral conductor Harold Decker, who had a significant influence on his career. Jennings also sang in the university's Men's Glee Club, which helped him develop his vocal skills. After completing his studies, Jennings began his career as a choral conductor and singer. He served as the director of choral activities at the University of Michigan from 1952 to 1957, where he conducted the Men's Glee Club and the University Choir. In 1957, he joined the faculty of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he served as the director of choral activities until his retirement in 1990. During his tenure at Oberlin, Jennings established himself as one of the most respected choral conductors in the country. He conducted the Oberlin Choir, which was renowned for its exceptional performances of choral music from various periods and styles. Under his leadership, the choir performed at major venues across the United States and Europe, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. Jennings was also a prolific arranger and composer of choral music. He arranged numerous works for the Oberlin Choir, including pieces by Bach, Handel, and Mozart. He also composed several original works, including "The Lord is My Shepherd," which became one of his most popular compositions. In addition to his work at Oberlin, Jennings was also a sought-after guest conductor and clinician. He conducted numerous all-state and regional honor choirs and served as a guest conductor for major orchestras, including the Cleveland Orchestra and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Jennings received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1985, he was awarded the Robert Shaw Choral Award by the American Choral Directors Association, which recognized his outstanding contributions to the choral art. He was also inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 1999. Jennings retired from Oberlin in 1990 but continued to be active in the music community. He served as a guest conductor and clinician and continued to compose and arrange choral music. He also wrote a book, "The Choral Experience: Literature, Materials, and Methods," which became a standard text for choral conductors and educators. Kenneth Jennings passed away on April 13, 2015, at the age of 89. His legacy as a choral conductor, singer, and educator continues to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers.

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