Jenkins Orphanage Band

SCIway.net visited the Jenkins Institute for Children (formerly known as the Jenkins Orphanage) in January 2006. We learned a great deal about its rich history, and took many pictures of the Jenkins Institute. You can see them here: http://www.sciway.net/photos/coast-sc/jenkins-institute/

About the Orphanage Band and Fox Movietone Video:

Perhaps the most popular contribution from the Institute is the Jenkins Orphanage Band. The band was initially started as a way to raise funds for the orphanage, but it quickly gained popularity in South Carolina, and eventually the world. The band mixed ragtime, march and jazz to make an exciting, unique sound. In 2003, The Library of Congress added the Fox Movietone video of Jenkins Orphanage Band to the National Film Registry, deeming it 'culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.'

The Jenkins Band gained national recognition when it performed in cities throughout the Northeast, Midwest and the South. They marched in inaugural parades and played on Broadway for the entire run of 'Porgy and Bess.' As their fame grew, they traveled around the world, playing in Paris, Berlin, Rome, London, and Vienna.

Even though the band was eventually dissolved, current programs continue to give the children valuable skills. The institute's present day mission is to "promote and support the social and economic well being of children, families, and individuals to enable them to become productive and self sufficient in their communities."

Category:

Music

Tags:

• jenkins institute
• jenkins orphanage
• jenkins orphanage band
• north charleston
• sciway
• south carolina

[MissHolland07]

My dad went to the orphanage when his mother died and that´s how he became a musician, playin' the trumpet! What year was this recorded?

/Angela Holland

[cdmrcm701]

Awesome film. Send more of the band PLEASE :/

[HISTORYBUFFPA]

Wow!!

I didn't know film history of them existed.

Thanks for posting this.

[blackcattours]

I'm working on a book about the history of the Jenkins Orphanage called "Doin' the Charleston". This clip was taken for a MovieTone feature in the 1930s.

[PAF149]

FAMILY P.R.I.D.E.!!!~

[kareem718]

wow, a great peice of charleson history! in what year was this footage taken?

[texpeare]

Priceless. Its a wonder that this film survived to the digital age.