Inventory of the Pitchforks of Duke University records, 1980 - 2008

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.

Descriptive Summary

Title: Pitchforks of Duke University records, 1980 - 2008.
Creator: Pitchforks of Duke University.
Extent: .5 Linear Feet, , 500 Items
Repository: University Archives, Duke University
Location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult University Archives, Duke University.
Language: English.

Collection Overview

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 1980-2008 (bulk 1980-1985).

Administrative Information

Collections are on the move for the renovation of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Contact Rubenstein Library staff before visiting. Read More »

Access Restrictions

Patrons must sign the Acknowledgement of Legal Responsibility and Privacy Rights form before using this collection.

Some materials in off-site storage; 24 hours advance notice is required for use.

Sound recordings in this collection may require reformatting before use. Please contact University Archives staff before visiting to use this portion of the collection.

Use Restrictions

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.

Contents of the Collection

Browse List of Series

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Subject Files, 1980-1989

Articles of incorporation and constitution, ca. 1980- 1986

Box 1

ASDU charters, 1980-1981

Box 1

Statement of Commitment (of members to the Pitchforks group), 1986

Box 1

Membership certificates, 1984

Box 1

Correspondence, 1980-1981

Box 1

Correspondence, 1982-1985

Box 1

Audition materials, general, ca. 1980-1989

Box 1

Audition callbacks, 1986

Box 1

Audition applications, ca. 1986-1988

Box 1

Jamboree, general materials and press, 1981-1985

Box 1

Concerts and events, 1981-1985

Box 1

The Pitchforks album materials, 1983

Box 1

It's not Rock 'n' Roll but I like it! Album materials, 1984

Box 1

Flyers, advertisements, and general publicity, ca. 1981-1986

Box 1

Song lists for performances, 1981-1985

Box 1

Logo materials, ca. 1980

Box 1

Photographs (negatives), 1983

Box 1

Rosters, 1980-1982

Box 1

Clippings, ca. 1980-1983

Box 1

Sound recordings, 1983-2008

Arranged chronologically.

The sound recordings are stored with the University Archives audio collection in the Cage.

Sound recordings may require reformatting before use. Please contact University Archives staff before visiting to use this portion of the collection.

Pitchforks of Duke University, 1983

12" disc, Commercial LP

Box 1

It's Not Rock 'n' Roll but I like it! The 1983-1984 Pitchforks of Duke University, 1984

12" disc, Commercial LP

Box 1

Pitchforks of Duke University: Tonal Eclipse, 1992

CD, Reference Copy

Box 1

Pitchforks of Duke University: Underground, 1994

CD, Reference Copy

Box 1

Ninth St.: The Pitchforks of Duke University, 1996

CD, Reference Copy

Box 1

Bad for the piano: The Pitchforks, 2002

CD, Reference Copy

Box 1

A Gothic Christmas: The Pitchforks of Duke University, 2003

CD, Reference Copy

Box 1

The Pitchforks of Duke University: Bring it Back , 2006

CD, Reference Copy

Box 1

The Pitchforks: Disconcert, 2008

CD, Reference Copy

Box 1

Historical Note

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.