Second to None

"It is my plan to build a school of music second to none in the excellence of its faculty, the soundness of its education ideas, and the superior quality of its instruction." -- W. Grant Egbert

ith that pronouncement was born the Ithaca Conservatory of Music in 1892. With another pronouncement 104 years later the School of Music at Ithaca College will be experiencing a rebirth that will, in the words of College president James J. Whalen, "preserve and enhance the quality of our program and continue to build on Grant Egbert's vision of excellence."

In December Whalen announced that the board of trustees had approved plans to nearly double the amount of teaching and performing space for the School of Music. The 55,000-square-foot addition will wrap around three sides of the existing Ford Hall, with the expanded facility to be named the Center for Music at Ithaca College. Whalen also announced a two-year, $10.5 million capital campaign to pay for the project. The campaign is off to a substantial start with the commitment of more than $7 million, given in recognition of Whalen's 22-year tenure as president of Ithaca College. "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 in service to Ithaca College," said Bonnie Gordon '77, vice president for college relations and resource development.

(Photos and illustrations of the project have been provided by Bauer, Stark, and Lashbrook)

"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 capital campaign, which will be chaired by Marjorie Rooke Schwab '69, is intended to raise the funds needed for the construction of the center. Gordon noted 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.

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 that an addition to Ford Hall is now a reality," 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."

Highlights of the addition include the following:

• 30 new faculty studios
• a 250-seat recital hall designed primarily for solo and chamber music recitals
• choral and jazz rehearsal rooms
• a professionally equipped recording studio that will also serve as a laboratory/classroom for a new major in audio recording
• an electroacoustic music suite
• a music education resource center with an attached observation room for student teacher preparation
• a computer classroom and laboratory
• a bridge connecting Ford Hall directly to the music holdings of the Ithaca College library
• a covered walkway from the upper parking lot that will provide easier community access to concerts and recitals
• redesign of the front and west entrances that will eliminate obstructions for disabled people

Additionally, as part of the construction project, the current facility will see the following renovations:

• creation of four chamber music practice areas in the space currently occupied by the electroacoustic music studios
• creation of a graduate student study area
• improvement of backstage facilities for the auditorium and the recital room
• creation of a workroom containing computer workstations with Finale software for student composers

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