Howard Slenk Collection, 1965-1993 | Heritage Hall, Calvin University's Hekman Library

Printer-friendly |

Collection Overview

Title: Howard Slenk Collection, 1965-1993

ID: COLL/233

Primary Creator: Slenk, Howard (1931-)

Extent: 3.2 Cubic Feet. More info below.

Arrangement: Folder level description

Abstract

Professor of music at Calvin College. The collection includes Oratorio Society constitution, minutes, correspondence, television releases, source work, program notes, sing-along activities, photographs, press clippings, rehearsal plans, dissertation materials, and oratorio notes for the Messiah, St. Paul, Requiem, King David, Creation, St. John's Passion, The Crucifixion, St. Matthew's Passion, and Easter Oratorio. The collection also contains minutes and materials from the Grand Rapids American Guild of Organists.

Biographical Note

Howard J. Slenk was born in Holland, Michigan in 1931. He attended Calvin College and went on to earn his Ph.D. from Ohio University. Slenk taught at Trinity Christian College but perhaps is best known for his service at Calvin College as professor of music for 28 years.

From 1967-1995 Slenk taught organ and music theory as well as directing Calvin’s choirs and conducting the Oratorio Society. Slenk also served as the organist and music director for Woodland CRC in Grand Rapids. Slenk wrote A Well-Appointed Church Music in 1960. Slenk, (now emeritus professor of music) has received the honor of a scholarship named after him. He was a very active member of the Grand Rapids American Guild of Organists and served as Dean from 2006 -2008. The Howard J. Slenk Music Scholarship is awarded to Calvin College students with a music focused career path such as choral conducting, organ music, or musicology.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Series:

[Series 1: Oratorio Notes, 1980-1993],
[Series 2: Tapes of Past Performances],
[Series 3: Dissertation Notes and Research Materials],
[Series 4: Grand Rapids Chapter of American Guild of Organists (GRAGO)],
[All]

Series 4: Grand Rapids Chapter of American Guild of Organists (GRAGO)

Box 7

Folder 1: History of Grand Rapids Chapter of American Guild of Organists
Folder 2: American Guild of Organists Membership
Folder 3: Membership Directories --- 1948, 1976, 1979, 1991, 1999. 2006, 2010
Folder 4: “Gather at the River” Convention --- June 2005
Folder 5: Speech: “The Future of Church Music: Challenges and Possibilities” by Paul Westemeyer
Folder 6: Articles and Clippings
Folder 7: Correspondence
Folder 8: Season Concert Listings
Folder 9: Sixtieth Anniversary --- 1997
Folder 10: Hymns
Folder 11: Various Concerts and Recitals
Folder 12: Various Concerts and Recitals
Folder 13: Celebration Service for Larry Visser – Composer of the Year --- 2010
Folder 14: Programs for Installation of Officers

Box 8

Folder 1: GRAGO Council minutes --- 04 Oct 1959 – 01 Apr 1965
Folder 2: GRAGO Council minutes --- 11 Jun 1999 – 07 Nov 2001
Folder 3: GRAGO Council minutes --- 16 Jan 2002 – 21 Nov 2005
Folder 4: GRAGO Council minutes --- 01 Sep 2006 – 16 Nov 2009
Folder 5: GRAGO minutes --- 15 Feb 2010 – 19 Nov 2012
Folder 6: GRAGO Council minutes --- 14 Jan 2013 – 05 Feb 2016
Folder 7: The Cipher (GRAGO newsletter) --- 1997 – 2004
Folder 8: The Cipher (GRAGO newsletter) --- 2005-2007
Folder 9: The Cipher (GRAGO newsletter) --- 2008-2009