A High Note for the School of Music

Ithaca College president James J. Whalen has announced board of trustees approval of plans to nearly double the amount of teaching and performance space for the School of Music. A 55,000-square-foot addition enclosing a portion of the existing Ford Hall will be supported by a two-year, $10.5 million campaign, Whalen said today in a presentation to School of Music faculty, staff, and students.

The campaign is off to a substantial start with the commitment of more than $7 million given in recognition of Whalen and his 22 years as president. "The significant early response to this effort has been overwhelming, and the donors have made clear their tremendous respect for Jim Whalen and the outstanding leadership he has provided to Ithaca College," said Bonnie J. Gordon, vice president for college relations and resource development.

"I am deeply honored to accept these contributions on behalf of the College," said Whalen, "and especially pleased that they are directed toward our School of Music. As our founding school, music has occupied a very special place in all of our hearts, and I have wanted very much to restore to it an environment equal to its highly renowned, superb programs. This campaign makes it possible to realize that goal, and I couldn't be more pleased."

The expanded facility is to be named the Center for Music at Ithaca College.

The capital campaign, which is being chaired by longtime College supporter Marjorie Rooke Schwab '69, is intended to raise the funds needed for the construction of the center. Gordon said that this effort will represent the first time in the College's history that a major facility will have been paid for entirely with private contributions. "This is an extremely important benchmark for the College and an opportunity for the extended College community on and beyond campus to help make history of the best kind," she said. Schwab said she is happy to be involved. "This is an exciting opportunity for all of us to do something tangible to assist the music school, especially since it's the founding school of Ithaca College," she said.

Over the years, many modifications have been made to Ford Hall in order to accommodate a changing and expanding curriculum. Numerous spaces, including classrooms, the lobby, and even hall space, were converted for use as faculty offices. The principal purpose of the addition is to provide the necessary space for a student population of approximately 450 undergraduate and 50 graduate music majors. While there are no plans to increase the size of the student body, the expansion will allow the school to enhance its current programs and will alleviate the current space-related restrictions on curriculum development.

School of Music dean Arthur Ostrander said that although Ford Hall has served the school well since the building opened in 1965, the expansion will help ensure the preeminence of the music program well into the next century. "I am thrilled with the announcement of an addition to Ford Hall," he said. "The spectacular structure designed by architect Charles Stark will enhance the current facility in every possible way and assure that we have appropriate space and resources for our faculty to provide each music student the best opportunity for professional and artistic development."

Groundbreaking on the project is scheduled for March 17, with an anticipated completion date of fall 1998. The Ithaca College Orchestra will perform a new composition by Charles A. Dana Professor of Music Dana Wilson in conjunction with the groundbreaking, and Gail Williams '73, assistant principal horn with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, will be a featured guest performer.