Theron Kirk was born in 1919 and died October 1999. He is the composer of more than 1,000 published works for chorus, chamber groups, symphony orchestra, vocal solo, organ, carillon, and a one-act opera. The Philadelphia Orchestra, Chicago Chamber Orchestra and the orchestras of Winnipeg Canada, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Memphis, Detroit, San Antonio and Houston have performed his symphonic works.
Theron Kirk has held the national office of president of the American Choral Directors Association. He has taught as a visiting lecturer in the summer program at the University of Southern California, the University of Illinois, Central Missouri State University College and at the National Music Camp, Interlochen, Michigan, in the University of Michigan Music Division.
Kirk joined the San Antonio College faculty in 1955 and served
as chairperson of the music department
and director of the chorale, band, and
chamber orchestra for many years before
his retirement in 1986. After retirement, he became active as a docent at the San Antonio Museum of Art.
His education includes study at Baylor University, Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University and the Eastman School of Music.
His honors include
the Orpheus Award by the national music
fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia for “significant and lasting contributions to
the cause of Music in America” and the
Minnie Stevens Piper Professor Award for
teaching excellence in 1975.
Survivors are his wife Carla, three sons Padriac, Kevin, and Sean, two daughters, Laura Reimers and Meaghan Welch, and seven grandchildren.
Material consists of music composed by Theron Kirk (he often used aliases when composing). There are also cassette tapes of performances, photographs, tapes and reels of music performances, music composed by others, correspondence, royalties and contracts, clippings, biographies of Theron Kirk, calendars, music notes, retirement mementos, and certificates.
This collection is housed at UTSA's Main Campus and must be accessed via the John Peace Library Special Collections reading room. To request access, please use the Collections Request Form.
The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright,
property, and libel laws as they apply.
[Identification of item], Theron Kirk papers, MS 277, University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries Special Collections.
Received from Carla Griffin in May 2008
(Acc. 2008-024).
The collection is in one accession, 2008-024 and was inventoried by Carla Griffin. More detailed processing is not anticipated at this time.
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Original Deposit of May 2008 (Acc. 2008-024) |
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The following inventory was provided by the donor, Carla Griffin. |
| Box |
| 1 |
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Diversions on Folklike Tunes for String Orchestra by Theron Kirk 2 sets |
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Now Let All Sing, instrument accomp |
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Selected List of Compositions (Large works, Smaller works, Christmas, General Sacred & Secular, Orchestral & Band) |
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Reassignment of Rights and Releases |
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Alphabetical filing of published music |
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“Sleep, Oh Sleep” This was his first publication 20 Oct 1949 along with “This Night” and “I Can’t Be Talkin’ of Love (The latter is in Art Songs by Contemporary Texas) |
| Box |
| 2 |
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Prayers from the Ark – Soprano, Tenor and Bass/Baritone |
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Terly Terlow – 3 part treble choir with string quartet or string orchestra |
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Hemis Dance- String Orchestra & Percussion |
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Sextette – Brass & Percussion |
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Adagietto – Symphony Orchestra |
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Divertimento – Flute, Violin, II Violin, Viola, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn in F, Cello, Bass & Timpani |
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Scherzo – Flute (Piccolo), Oboe I & II, Clarinet I & II, Bassoon I & II, Horn I & II, Trumpet I & II, Timpani, Viola, Cello, Bass, Cello & Bass Variations |
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Latham Suite – String Orchestra 5 full score books (Oxford UN Press # 92.706) |
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An Orchestra Primer for Narrator and Orchestra |
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Reston Overture |
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Sinfonia – Brass Quintet 3 complete sets, one partial |
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Art Songs by Contemporary Texas Composers – two books: I Can’t Be Talking of Love & An Old Person of Dover by Theron Kirk |
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Intrada – Full Score Orchestra |
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Smoky Mountain Suite – Concert Band - Full Score |
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Cambiata Contempora! Contemporary 4-Part Music for Young Choruses with Changing Voices – Theron Kirk, editor (Herzegovina Dance Song [SACB w/ optional tambourine & finger cymbals] & Sing a Song of Happiness [SACB accompanied] are by Theron Kirk) |
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Vignettes by Theron Kirk for orchestra |
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Extra sets of Intrada and Hemis Dance |
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An Old Man of the Isles – for Medium Voice and Piano – 2 books |
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Dalby Suite – 1 fl (Picc), 2 Oboe, 2 cl, 2 bassn, 2 Hn, 2 Trpt, Timp, Strings |
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Aylesford Variations – Kalmus Concert Band Series |
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King David’s Deliverance – 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, etc for orchestra |
| Box |
| 3 |
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Symphony No. 1 & Parts |
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Aperite Mihi Portas Justitiae 2 copies |
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Concerto Grosso Parts |
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Let Us Now Praise Famous Men – Written for Pres. Johnson. |
| Box |
| 4 |
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String Trio |
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Sonata for Viola & Piano |
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Sextette for Brass |
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Praise God |
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Baile Frontera |
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Sonatine |
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For The Younger Generation |
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Rejoice in the Lord 3 Trpts, 3 trb, tuba & timp |
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Piano Concerto (Concerto for Piano and Band in One Movement) |
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Antiphon (Parts 1st Bb Trumpet, 2nd Bb Trumpet, 1st Trombone & 2nd Trombone) |
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Sing For Joy |
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Sonata da Chiesa |
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Triptych Violin & Piano 12-2-55 |
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Kaleidoscope returned 12-27-73 |
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Kaleidoscope returned second copy 7-8 min |
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Reston Overture parts 4:35 |
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Reston Overture second copy |
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Amherst Festival 7:00 |
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Concerta Grosso for Fl & Strings 11:15 |
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Bell Suite for 4 Wind Instruments & Cello 13:15 11-7-60 |
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Ballet Music score only 6/18/63 25 parts |
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Fantasy and Frolic for Piano and Orchestra 27 parts 9:45 in two parts 5:35 & 4:10 5/21/59 |
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String Trio 8/26/57 |
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Symphony #1 24 parts 2/1/57 |
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Symphony #1 113 parts |
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Sonata for Viola & Piano 8-23-56 |
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Symphonic Scherzo 6 parts 8/18/53 |
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Divertimento 5:00 12/14/53 |
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Antiphony Organ & Brass 4 parts 7 ½ min |
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Request from Bill Prather for his funeral, inside You Made Me Love You (Trumpet Voluntary) |
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Incline Thine Ear |
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Ode To Music |
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Twelve Days of Christmas Brass |
| Box |
| 5 |
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Concerto Grosso for piano and strings by Theron Kirk 3 year rental agreement letters on top of Box |
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Symphony No. 2 Saga of the Plains (in one movement) 3 copies |
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Concerto for Orchestra (in one movement) 2 copies Score & parts on rental from Theodore Presser Co., 1111 West 57th St., NY, NY 10010 |
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Fantasy and Frolic for Piano and Orchestra Score & parts available without rental fee from Theodore Seder, curator, Fleisher Music Collection, The Free Library of Philadelphia, Logan Square, Philadelphia 3, PA |
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Night of Wonder (title changed by Shawnee Press from Christmas Night) for Soprano and Alto soloists and Chorus with String Orchestra or String Quintet Full Score and Parts on Rental – Shawnee Press, Delaware Water Gap, PA |
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King David’s Deliverance for Chorus & Orchestra 5 copies J. Fischer & Bro., Harristown Rd, Glen Rock, NJ. |
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Kaleidoscope by Theron Kirk Commissioned by The Topeka Civic Symphony, Everett Fetter, conductor for the opening of the Fine Arts Center, Washburn University |
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Baile Frontera (Dance of the Border) by Theron Kirk Commissioned by the Rio Grande Arts Commission of Laredo, Texas for the San Antonio Symphony, Victor Alessandro, conductor in honor of the Symphony’s 25th Anniversary Duration 6 min Available from the Fleisher Music Collection, The Free Library of Philadelphia 2 copies |
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Festival by Theron Kirk Commissioned to commemorate 25th Anniversary Martin High School Band of Laredo, Texas, Elmo Lopez, director 5 min |
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Prayers from the Ark Sop., Ten., & Bass-Bar. Soli with Orchestra or Piano 3 copies 45 min Available from Hinshaw Music in NC Performed in full by Memphis Symphony and Omaha Symphony |
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The Lib 393 B.C. opera in one act 53 mins 5 copies |
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Triptych for Violin and Piano 5 copies |
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Bell Suite for Wind instruments, Cello and Bells - 3 copies |
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HemisFair Fanfare dedicated to William R. Sinkin, president San Antonio Fair, Inc. |
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Sonatine for Piano |
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Antiphon for Organ & Brass by Theron Kirk 71/2 min Commissioned by The Alamo Chapter of The American Guild of Organists first performed by Madolyn Swearingen |
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Symphony for Band III Movements |
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Aria and Allegro for Band |
| Box |
| 6 |
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MS Sketches |
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Two Limericks |
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Aylsford Variations Concert Band |
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El Perico Folk Song of Mexico 2 part Treble Voices or SATB |
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Arietta for Stringed Orchestra 1-16-98 unpublished |
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Hey Nonny No / Estonian Wedding Song |
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The Fiddler of Dooney |
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Joseph Heard the Angel Sing (Theron’s final letter to publisher, written 25 Sept. 1999 He died Oct.1) |
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Aria for Carla for Jan Roller with letter from Jan. |
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Spring Wakens & Clouds |
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Angel Carols Brilee 97-99 |
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Come Again to Days of Joy & El Perico (revised) |
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Kyrie 10-10-97 1:45 Boosey Hawkes |
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Happy is the Man Who Finds Wisdom |
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Easter Day |
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Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano Program for World Premier by SOLI Chamber Ensemble |
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Trio has program and review |
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Trio for Brass |
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Songs 1986 |
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String Quartet |
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String Quartet hand written |
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Arietta, Threnody & Three Short Pieces for Organ: 1. Arietta for Pedal 2. Pastorella 3. |
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Prelude on a Bach Motif |
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Trilogia Catalan: 1. La Mare de Deu, 2. La Filoseta, 3. El Cant dels Ancells |
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Frivolities for Musicopia and program 4 movements 10-12 min total 20 Feb 93 |
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Christ of the Upward Way for Harold Decker SATB & Organ |
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Fanfare and Celebration Commissioned by the Choir of Central Christian Church, SA, TX in honor of George Gregory on his 35th Anniversary as Organist |
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Sextette for Brass with Percussion 4:00 min Commissioned by the San Antonio Brass |
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Baile Bolivia for Flute, String Orchestra & Folk Drum |
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Two Dalby Songs and program |
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Misc. music, reviews, etc |
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Festival of Carols with program U of Delaware 3 Dec 94 |
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March for Organ |
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Misc. handwritten, not in folders |
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Sing a New Song parts |
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Woodwind Quartet and program for World Premiere by Musicopia in San Antonio, Texas Original score and parts + the one in Concert Pitch 8 min . Mar 1999 |
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String Quartet for the 75th Anniversary of the Tuesday Musical Club Artist Series, 1998, San Antonio, Texas (I found the second movement a deeper sorrow than that expressed in the prior Trio for clarinet, cello and piano work for Soli. Score corrected 10-29-98. |
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See the Conquering Hero Comes |
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Two envelopes with Theron’s music and as his non de plums. |
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Treatise by April Abraham 1984 |
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Recital Document by Becky Walker |
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Black folder of Theron’s for some program? |
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Black folder of America’s Youth in Concert 1978 at Carnegie Hall |
| Box |
| 7 |
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Files of Programs, Ads, etc., and several talks that he made through the years. Also many quotations of others that he values. |
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1989 calendars |
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American Youth in Concert package. Theron conducted choir at Kennedy Center July 1972 |
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From The Psalms for Soprano & Viola |
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Now is the Month of Maying 3-part mixed a cappella Thomas Morley arr by Theron Kirk 2 copies |
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Diversions on Folklike Tunes 1991 |
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Quintet for Flute and Strings Master Copies + Folder with another set |
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Quintet for Flute & Strings for Dan Reinker and Musicopia (with pasted corrections) |
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Quintet-Fl and Strings Hand written |
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The Holy Spirit for Danny Hart Biblical Cantata for Pentecost or General Festive Occasion SATB with 3Bb Trpts., 2 Trbs., Bells & Organ Duration 9-10 min |
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Limericks! Limericks! I. An Old Man In a Boat, II.The Bee, IV A Bird In a Bush (mixed with following) |
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Silly Songs I. There Was a Young Lady II. That Delorous Old Man III. An Old Person of Cromer |
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Dalby Suite for Chamber Orchestra |
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O Praise the Lord Our God SAB accompanied Steffano Bernardi arr. by Kent Harris |
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Happy We Sing to the Lord SATB chorus with 3 Bb Trpts., Trb and Keyboard Words and music by Kent Harris (non de plum) |
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To the Lord Sing Alleluia SATB Chorus with Keyboard Words and Music by Kent Harris (non de plum) |
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Te Deum (To My Wife) Trumpet and Reeds Theron Kirk |
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Three Songs of Love (Songs of Life II) 1. I love Love – Shelley, 2. All Love Like Wine – |
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Butler, 3. Love is Life’s End – Fletcher by Theron Kirk |
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The Earth is The Lord’s SATB |
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Sing, O Heavens 2-part mixed voices, accompanied (with letters of rejection and acceptance) |
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Clouds SSA published posthumously |
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Lord Speak to Me unison or two part |
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Let The Words That I Speak 2-part mixed and keyboard |
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O Lord, Increase My Faith SATB |
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Joyfully Praise SATB with Bb Trumpet, Tambourine and Hand Drum |
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Songs of Life II Commissioned by Central Missouri State University Concert Choir Conan Castle, director 1. Love is Life’s End, 2. That Dolorous Old Man, 3. An Old Person of Cromer, 4. Life’s Delight, 5. A Man of Words and Not of Deeds, 6. Happy is the Man Who Finds Wisdom, 7. I love Love |
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Teach Me Thy Way, Lord SATB and Keyboard |
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To The Mountains We Lift Our Eyes |
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Coronation Festival “Rejoice in the Lord” Handel arr. Theron Kirk - Chorus & Orchestra or Chorus & Band or combined Chorus, Orchestra and Band 2 Conductor Scores and parts set |
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Day of Joy! Trombones & Trumpets |
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Festive Fanfare Tuba, Suspended Cymbal & Timpani, Trombones & Trumpets |
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Sing Hosannas to the King Trombones & Trumpets |
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Trio completed 8-4-98 Clarinet, Cello, rough copies Piano for SOLI Chamber Ensemble World Premiere Performance |
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For Wood Wind Quartet Mar 1999 rough copy (After hearing it, he said he wouldn’t do another as it misses the richness of either brass or strings) |
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Trumpet Tune 1985 |
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Trumpet Voluntary 1985 |
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ACDA Correspondence 1964 State Chairman |
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Stage Seating |
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Charles Dickens Christmas 1982 |
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Feliz Navidad |
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Navidad Nuesta etc |
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Christmas in Colonial America |
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Madrigal Dinner 1969 |
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Black Heritage |
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Washington MENC |
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ACDA Correspondence 1965-66 State Chairman |
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Church music |
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ACDA-Arizona |
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Noel’s ‘78/’84 |
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Olde Eglish Christmas |
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Christmas in Italy 1979 |
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Italy – Christmas ’79 |
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Christmas in Austria & Germany ’80 |
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La Virgen lava pancles |
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Heroes of the Alamo April 1991 clipping in file |
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Christemas for Daniel Long & the Texas Bach Choir Also the program and review from SA Express News |
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From the Psalms for Soprano and Viola Commissioned by Dan Reinker hand written |
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That Dolorous Old Man |
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The Night Has a Thousand Eyes |
| Box |
| 8 |
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Sheet music I’m not sure why he had these filed seperately from those in Box 1. |
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Come Again to Days of Joy Proof & 15 copies |
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Manila envelope with multiple copies of Babylon; Love; Take, O Take and Mistress Mine |
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Easter Day 11 copies, published after his death |
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Several sheets arranged in names of Wiley, Howells and Wyatt |
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Three Children’s Rhymes Two-Part Chorus of Treble Voices & Piano 10 copies |
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Psalm 51 SSATBB 18 copies |
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Folder of Best Sellers |
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Estonian Wedding Song 20 copies received after his death |
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Four Seasons Songs SATB with Piano, Optional Flute and String Bass 4 copies of chorus 1 of flute & bass 20 copies |
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Misc. sheet music, some with multiple copies |
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2 Songs for Sight Singing Treble and Tenor/Bass |
| Box |
| 9 |
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We Are The Music Makers – out of print, probably enough for the choir to use |
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Softly The Night 50 copies |
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Vesper Prayer 100 copies |
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Sing, Rejoice 100 copies |
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Shine! Shine! 17 copies |
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Songs of Immortal Praise 13 copies |
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Now Let All Sing 55 copies |
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Noel, Noel 43 copies |
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Christmas Star 46 copies |
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This Is The Day the Lord Hath Made Instrumental Parts 9 copies |
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This Is The Day the Lord Hath Made choral parts 9 copies |
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Born In a Manger 24 copies |
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It’s Time for Rejoicing, Noel! 12 copies and return of copyright |
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It Was a Lover and His Lass 5 copies |
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Pat-A-Pan 5 copies |
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See the Conqueror Mounts in Triumph 5 copies |
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Alleluia 5 copies |
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Oh, Come Let Us Sing 1 copy chorus 1 copy instrumentation |
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The Jade Flute master book, copies of the six choral parts |
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I Sing 12 copies & copyright returned |
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There Is Music 4 copies |
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The Temple of the Living God 2 copies Optional Instrumental Accompaniment to CM 7788 |
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Laughing Song 3 copies |
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Birthdays 3 copies |
| Box |
| 10 |
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Music by others |
| Box |
| 11 |
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Correspondence 1991-1999 |
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ASCAP 1977-1999 |
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Ads & addresses |
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ACDA |
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Quintet |
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Ranges |
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Biographies & Composition List |
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Retirement mementos |
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Clippings |
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Various |
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Photos |
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Performances |
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Certificates of Appreciation, etc. |
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Computer |
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Miscellaneous |
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Publicity |
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Theron |
| Box |
| 12 |
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Contracts and Royalties |
| Box |
| 13 |
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Memory book |
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5 Envelopes of music notated as LVR |
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Some misc. music |
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Manuscripts too big for banker’s Boxes. |
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Picture of Theron conducting choir on one of his four trips to Europe with tour group. |
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Misc. Photos that were used for publication. |
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Theron Kirk, editor Choral Art for Mixed Voices |
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Clown picture done by his deceased daughter Kris. |
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Some reels of music. |
| Box |
| 14 |
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Tapes and reels of music performances. |
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Calendars 1988-1999 |
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Address book and Rolodex |
| Box |
| 15 |
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Cassette tapes of music performances. |
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San Antonio Museum of Art notes. |
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San Antonio Museum of Art misc. correspondence. |
