Alice Rose Jones - McNary High School Choir

Alice Rose Jones, First Choir Director and Music Teacher at McNary High School
Alice Rose Jones, a native of the Salem-Keizer area, daughter of a piano teacher, and graduate of Willamette University, became the first choir director of the new McNary High School in 1965. Mrs. Jones later served as chair of the music department. She composed, wrote and produced musicals for the high school and was the first choir director to bring a school choir to sing at the Oregon Capitol Rotunda at the invitation of Governor Tom McCall. This tradition began with McNary High School and continues today with many Salem-Keizer schools. Her husband, Jess Jones, was also a popular teacher finishing his career at Whiteaker Junior High.
Mrs. Jones came to the Willamette Heritage Center on January 25, 2020 (her birthday) to view and share her memories of being a member of the Keizer Community Band that was sponsored by the Keizer Community Club in the 1930s-1940s.
The thirteen-year-old Alice Rose is prominently featured in a band photograph with Senator Charles L. McNary at his farm home “Fir Cone” (now the site of McNary Golf Club). As a child, Alice had many family connections to the Keizer community with numerous relatives of her parents Fred and Cora (Gardner) Rose.
McNary High School and the Keizer community is grateful for the dedication and faithful service of Mrs. Jones. She has always cared for her students and stayed in contact with them through the years. Mrs. Jones’ encouragement continues to all who know her.
Keizer historian, Ann Lossner, recorded the Keizer Community Band’s involvement with Senator McNary’s campaign trail as a vice president candidate for Wendell Willkie. Mrs. Lossner also recorded accounts of Alice’s parents. Both articles are in the 1995 publication, “More Looking Back” which is available to purchase at the Keizer Heritage Museum.
Images and video compiled by Tammy Wild, Keizer Heritage Museum
Alice Rose Jones - McNary High School Choir
Video link: • Alice Rose Jones - McN...
Songs: Remember When and Rose Petals (free use from Microsoft)
Alice Rose Jones - Oral History - Keizer Points of Interest Committee with Kris Adams
www.keizertv.co...
1967 Mid-Willamette Valley High School Choir Festival - Salem OR
Album at the Salem Armory - playlist:
• 1967 High School Choir...
McNary Choir Reunion - May 17, 2015
• McNary Choir Reunion -...
Keizer Community Band 1940 - Sen. McNary, Donald Earle, Alice Rose Jones
• Keizer Community Band ... - Keizer Heritage Museum
The Keizer Community Band exhibit is part of the KEIZER COMMUNITY LIFE display shared at the “Join the Club” Invitational at Willamette Heritage Center starting January 24, 2020 until April 2020. Band members Donald Earle and Alice Rose Jones joined us separately at the Mission Mill exhibit to share their memories.
Learn more at:
keizerhistory....
/ keizerhistory
keizercultural...
www.keizerherit...