Pitchforks of Duke University records, 1980 - 2012

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Summary

Creator:
Pitchforks of Duke University and Ward, Benjamin Frank, Jr., 1948-2013
Abstract:
Contains the records of the Pitchforks of Duke University, a men's a cappella singing group. Types of materials include articles of incorporation, a constitution, certificates, correspondence, applications, press, flyers, clippings, photographs, rosters, and sound recordings. Major subjects include student life at Duke University, male college students, vocal performance groups, and student groups. English.
Extent:
6.5 Linear Feet
Language:
English.
Collection ID:
UA.31.07.0003
University Archives Record Group:
31 -- Student/Campus Life
31 -- Student/Campus Life > 07 -- Student Organizations – Music, Theatre, and Performance

Background

Scope and content:

Contains articles of incorporation, a constitution, certificates, correspondence, applications, press, flyers, clippings, photographs, rosters, and sound recordings of the Pitchforks, a Duke University men's singing group. Records date from 1980-2012 (bulk 1980-1985).

Biographical / historical:

The Pitchforks, a mostly undergraduate men's a cappella singing group, began singing together in 1979, in response to the need for men's informal singing at Duke University. The group was chartered as a student organization in 1981. The founding officers of the Pitchforks were: Robert S. Clarke, Frank E. Block, James Bulleit, Eliot McCrory, and Kurt T. Uphoff.

The group's a cappella repertoire includes a variety of popular and classic songs in various musical styles including ballads, jazz, blues, spirituals, folk, and traditional barbershop songs. The Pitchforks perform at hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, private clubs, weddings, and on other college campuses. Their on-campus events include small performances for sororities, Homecoming, the Blackwell Arch show, the Dance Marathon, the annual Jamboree, and the Gothic Christmas Concert. The Pitchforks also host other high school and college a cappella singing groups.

The Pitchforks have recorded several albums and are currently active at Duke University. Other Duke University a cappella groups are: Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Lady Blue, Out of the Blue, Rhythm and Blue, Deja Blue, and Speak of the Devil.

Acquisition information:
The Pitchforks of Duke University records were received by the University Archives as a transfer in 1985, 2003, 2008, 2019, and 2022.
Processing information:

Processed by Emily Glenn, completed January 2003. Updated by Jill Katte, January 2004. Updated by Leah M. Kerr, January 2020.

Encoded by Emily Glenn, April 2003

Updated by Jill Katte, January 2004

Updated by Sherrie Bowser, October 2008

Accession UA2022-0026 added by April Blevins, September 2022

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Access note. Collection contains fragile audiovisual formats that may need to be reformatted before use. Contact Research Services for access.

Terms of access:

Copyright for Official University records is held by Duke University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Pitchforks of Duke University Records, Duke University Archives, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.

Permalink:
https://idn.duke.edu/ark:/87924/m1kx4c