inside - University of Central Oklahoma

music
1938
A Family
legacy
Smith families’ bequest to benefit
future music educators
J. Kenneth Smith, BA ‘38
By susan Parks
The late J. Kenneth Smith’s greatest joy was
music. A 1938 University of Central Oklahoma
graduate, he went on to become a long-time music
director in the Duncan public school system, in
southwest Oklahoma, producing legendary high
school bands.
“I first knew of J. Kenneth Smith when I was
in high school,” said UCO College of Fine Arts and
Design Dean, Dr. John Clinton. “I remember hearing
his band on the marching field and thinking what
an incredible musical organization he had shaped.
His band produced a sound that is etched in my
memory: one I continue to try to duplicate in my
teaching of music.”
Smith’s teaching style and personality were so
dynamic that under his tutelage, the Duncan High
School band grew from around three dozen students
to 140 plus by the time he retired, an impressive
achievement in a town of 22,000 people.
“He was a tremendous teacher, and he was there
for more than 25 years. His band was better each
year,” said Ken Smith, J. Kenneth’s son. “He was a
music educator, not just a band director.”
The students obviously adored him. When he
celebrated his 90th birthday in 2006, several of his
former students gave him letters detailing their
heartfelt thanks for being such an inspirational
teacher and friend to them. A year later, Smith
passed away. Prior to his death, he discussed his
estate plans with family.
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Impressions 2010|2011