The Mary Pappert School of Music will honor the career, accomplishments and years of service of Professor Emeritus Dr. Joseph Willcox Jenkins during a special birthday celebration and luncheon this Saturday, Feb. 16, on campus.
Dr. Joseph Willcox Jenkins
Jenkins, who turns 85 this Friday, began teaching in the School of Music in 1961.
“Dr. Joseph Willcox Jenkins is revered as one of Duquesne University’s most beloved music professors, and he has continued his prolific compositional career since his retirement from the Mary Pappert School of Music,” said Music Dean Dr. Edward Kocher. “Most summers, Dr. Jenkins offers a course for graduate students, and once his classes are announced, they fill up quickly. We are honored to know this remarkable gentleman.”
A composer of more than 200 works, Jenkins received his formal music training from the Eastman School of Music, where he earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. In addition, he studied composition and counterpoint with renowned American composer/pianist Vincent Persichetti at the Philadelphia Conservatory and earned his doctorate from the Catholic University of America.
During his time in the military, Jenkins served on the arranging staff of the U.S. Army Field Band and the Armed Forces Radio Network before being appointed chief arranger and assistant conductor of the new U.S. Army Chorus.
Jenkins’ compositions include works for band, orchestra, chorus, voice and instrumental selections. Many of his works have been performed, and even premiered, at Duquesne for noted events and special celebrations, according to Kocher.
“His critically acclaimed Requiem Mass, Opus 198, was premiered in April 2001, in blessed memory of (former Duquesne President and Chancellor) Father Henry Joseph McAnulty,” said Kocher. “And in 2004, the trombone ensemble premiered Jenkins’ Nunc Dimittis in honor of the late Music Professor Matty Shiner.”
Last October, Professor Christine Jordanoff, director of choral organizations, led the Voices of Spirit in the world premiere of Jenkins’ most recent composition, An Advent Psalm.