Role

:

Composer

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Choral

 

Joseph Wilcox Jenkins was an American composer of classical music, born on March 11, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father, Joseph Jenkins Sr., was a violinist and conductor, and his mother, Ruth Wilcox Jenkins, was a pianist and organist. Jenkins began his musical education at an early age, studying piano and violin with his parents. Jenkins attended the University of Kansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition in 1950. He then went on to study at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned a Master of Music degree in composition in 1952. While at Eastman, Jenkins studied with the renowned composer Howard Hanson, who had a significant influence on his musical style. After completing his studies, Jenkins began his career as a composer and music educator. He taught at several universities, including the University of Kansas, the University of Florida, and the University of Tennessee. He also served as the composer-in-residence for the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra from 1979 to 1982. Jenkins was a prolific composer, with a catalog of over 200 works. His compositions include orchestral works, chamber music, choral music, and music for solo instruments. He was particularly known for his works for wind band, and his music has become a staple of the wind band repertoire. One of Jenkins' most famous works is his "American Overture for Band," which was commissioned by the United States Air Force Band in 1955. The piece is a lively and energetic tribute to American music, featuring elements of jazz, folk music, and classical music. It has become a popular piece for wind bands and has been performed by numerous ensembles around the world. Another notable work by Jenkins is his "Songs of the Earth," a choral cycle based on poems by Walt Whitman. The piece was commissioned by the University of Kansas in 1969 and was premiered by the university's choir in 1970. The cycle consists of six movements, each of which explores a different aspect of nature. The music is lush and evocative, with rich harmonies and soaring melodies. Jenkins also wrote several works for solo instruments, including his "Sonata for Trumpet and Piano." The piece was commissioned by the International Trumpet Guild in 1980 and has become a popular work for trumpet players. The sonata is a virtuosic showcase for the trumpet, featuring fast runs, intricate rhythms, and soaring melodies. Throughout his career, Jenkins received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. He was a recipient of the National Band Association's "Citation of Excellence" award and was inducted into the American Bandmasters Association in 1982. He was also a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and was awarded the ASCAP Standard Award for his contributions to American music. Jenkins continued to compose and teach until his death on May 21, 2014, at the age of 86. His music remains popular and is performed by ensembles around the world. His contributions to the wind band repertoire have been particularly significant, and his music has helped to elevate the status of wind bands as a serious and important genre of classical music.

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