MARMADUKE HIGH SCHOOL

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

  As the MarmadukeWomen's Chorus performed at Epcot Center in Orlando,Florida in the spring of 1999, it was amazing to remember how many changes and students and passed the through the Marmaduke High School band and Choir program since its beginning in the Fall of 1985. There have been numerous performances by the Band and choir students at places such as Branson,Missouri,Nashville Tenn.,St .Louis Mo.and even Carnegie Hall in New York City,but the most important music is made in the everyday lives of student and Alumni who use music to enrich their homes,churches,communities and own personal lives as well as the lives of others. Many of these musicians are teaching and performing  in communities all across the state and country.Marmaduke School system also has unbelievable music talent among its students in both numbers and quality. As each class seems to leave an "unfillable" gap in its talent, there miraculously appears another group to take its place. 

     The MHS instrumental music started in the Fall of 1985 with about 20 brave students who  were willing to blaze the trail for a Band. The numbers and enthusiasm continued to grow for many year,. and at one time the band program enrolled approximately 60 students in grades 7-12. more requirements were added for graduation there became more scheduling  conflicts for students desiring to be in instrumental music,so there has been a decline in the number enrolled in band, but---not in the quality or in the enthusiasm.

          The MHS  choral music started in the fall of 1985 with one choir class enrolling approximately 40 students! These first students were very motivated and excited by their new opportunity . All the performances for the public were held in the "old gym" and the school performances were in the high school cafeteria. The first choreographed secular performance was called "American Pop" and we even took it on the road to Lafe to perform for the elementary students. It was a huge success and we were on our way to many years of entertaining audiences and more importantly, spotlighting very talented young people.

     Since the beginning of the instrumental and choral programs at Marmaduke Junior and Senior High School, the groups have sung for Many community and regional events in Northeast Arkansas, such as Kiwanis Club, Civitan Club, Exchange Club,Lions Club,Northeast Arkansas Bankers Meeting,Retired Teachers Association, Marmaduke Fourth of July Parade, PEO,Delta Cotton Coop Annual Meeting , Miss Paragould Pageants, Christmas at the Collins Theatre,Paragould Christmas Parade,Uptown Paragould Christmas celebration,Marmaduke  Mayfest, Jonesboro Christmas Parade, Marmaduke community Thanksgiving Services, Dedication of the School Flag and many other events.

     One of the most memorable events in the History of the Music department, was the performance of our high school choir at Carnegie Hall in New York in the spring of 1993.

The whole community pulled together to raise the funds to send our Choir to sing in New York. We sang Zadok the Priest, as part of a chorus directed by the late Al Skoog of  Jonesboro, Arkansas.

     The band and choir students have consistently  made Superior ratings at Band and Choir Festivals   in Branson, Nashville and St Louis, as well as at Regional and State level Festivals. The future of music at MHS is very bright with much loyal support of the school administration and faculty, as well as community support, but most importantly, very talented, dedicated and hard working students!!!!

Band Practice

Music Department

Band Room

Instrument Practice

Tuning

Choral Group