Isaac “Ike” Jenkins
Isaac “Ike” Jenkins earned a double major degree in both vocal and instrumental music from Dana College. Like many Musicians he started as a young boy. He played piano and sang in his father’s church. In high school he added flute and bass and soon started his own Band. Ike has taught Jazz Bands and Jazz Choirs at all levels (Elementary, Jr. High, High School and College). Before moving to Santa Barbara Isaac taught in Nebraska, Iowa and Colorado. Presently in semi-retirement, he teaches a Jazz Choir and directs the Professional level Jazz Band at Santa Barbara City College.
Ike began his work in Santa Barbara in 1971 at La Cumbre Jr. High. Dos Pueblos High School was his next assignment (1979 – 1989). During this time they won many Jazz Festivals and performed in the Worlds Fair in Canada. After DPHS, Ike taught bands at Santa Barbara High School (1989-2000). Then from 2000 to 2005 Ike went back to DPHS as the Jazz Choir and Vocal director. As a Band and vocal director, Ike’s Jazz Bands and Jazz Choirs received superior ratings at U.S. Jazz festivals consistently, such as Monterey, Reno, and North Texas State and were invited to all the major Jazz Festivals in Europe including North Sea, Montreux, Umbria, France, and Germany.
There was another side to Ike’s life, which was that of a Professional Musical Conductor and Actor. He was Conductor of Musicals for the Lobero Theatre (1972-1976), and California Youth Theatre. Ike was Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar. Ike has also done voice over work for commercials and for Disney and was the voice for Hector the Bear in The Country Bear Jamboree. Awards include: Crystal Apple Award (the first awarded in Santa Barbara). The 1996 Santa Barbara Independent Local Hero Award, the 2004 HOPE Award for Education, and The 2005 Santa Barbara Educator of the year for 7th – 12th.
Ike is a graduate of Dana College with graduate work at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Denver University, and the Meadowbrook School of Music. Ike continues his love for teaching and making great music in schools, for community events, and in Sunday church services and wherever he can, especially in beautiful Santa Barbara where he has educated and entertained for over 40 years.