Declarations of Independence Collection

Collection

Identifier: MGC-1073

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of administrative papers, member rosters, newspaper clippings, photographs, photograph negatives, program flyers, concert advertisements, seven VHS tapes, and sixteen cassettes. Two oversize items are also included in this collection, 1 leather bound proclamation and 1 framed certificate of appreciation. The items range from 1986 to 2011 and covers information about the choir, personal information about specific members, and concert materials.

Dates

Creation: 1986 - 2011

Creator

Declarations of Independence (Independence, Mo.) (Organization)

Biographical / Historical

The Declarations of Independence was formed by chorus manager, Bill Coil in 1986. Todd Wiley was the first musical director and began to recruit members ranging from the age of fifteen to seventy-two years old. This chorus was sponsored by the Independence Citizens Civic and Cultural Committee to promote culture within the city of Independence. On June 20, 1987 the Declarations had their first concert, “An American Pop – Music Review”. By June of 1989, the group totaled sixty members. The Declarations performed a number of free performances during the year, including Holiday performances, the Strawberry Festival, and the Black History Celebration.