TUCSON ARIZONA BOYS CHORUS: A HISTORY.

Abstract

This study presents and describes the events which comprise the history of the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus from its organizaton in 1939, through 1979, the completion of its fourth decade of service. The document provides the reader with detailed information on how the group originated, its development as a community, non-profit, educational organization, and its rise to prominence, in its first forty years, as a nationally and internationally recognized performing choir. This dissertation is based on oral history as recorded by former chorus members, directors, parents and officials of the organization as well as from historical records in the archives of the Boys Chorus. The scope of this study includes an investigation and description of the events associated with the founding of the organization with specific attention given to each of the first four decades. Also included is a discussion of the three directors, Eduardo Caso (1939-1965), Jeffrey R. Haskell (1965-1975), John Stuart Davis (1975-1979), and other aspects of the Chorus. A general historical overview of boy choirs is included to establish a framework for placing the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus in an appropriate context. The reader will find events summarized in chart form in an appendix. Other appendices detail documents associated with the organization, forms used in the research, Chorus repertoire, and a roster of assistant directors and accompanists.