User:Sean.peterson88/EMU Department of Music and Dance

EMU Department of Music and Dance at Eastern Michigan University is rich and both tradition and history. Since it's humble beginnings in 1854 it has seen much growth and change. However, despite this change the department has stayed true to it's original purpose as a committed program dedicated to Music Education and the training of future music educators. Today the department is home to over 400 undergraduate and post-graduate students. Along with being a nationally accredited program, the department also has a highly acclaimed Music Therapy program which is one of the few in the region.

History (1854-1941)
The very first music classes at Eastern Michigan University were offered in 1854. At this time EMU was know as Michigan State Normal College and was the first institution dedicated to the training of teachers outside of the original thirteen colonies. The first music classes were offered by Mr. Albert Miller and and were primarily vocal music classes. In 1858 Ezra Meade Foote took over the program and started the first ensemble in the Department's history known as the "Normal choir". The department saw even more change when in 1863, Fredrick Pease became department head. Over the next 46 years his direction and leadership oversaw a great deal of change throughout the program. In addition to instruction on piano, organ, violin, and in harmony, a classes for teachers in public schools was offered. In 1881, the State School Board approved the creating of the Conservatory of Music on the site where Boone Hall now stands. In addition, the first four-year music degree was created. Today Fredrick Pease is honored by the auditorium that bears his name. Located on the southern end of campus it is still used for numerous performances today. In 1909, another individual who has had a lasting impression on the Department of Music and Dance was appointed to the position of department head. Honored today by the current Music/Foreign Language building being named after him. Frederick Alexander saw much growth and change to this department. Among these changes was the addition of instruction in instrumental music to the program. In the early twentieth century, many public schools began to add band and orchestra programs to their curriculum, because of this the need arose for individuals to be trained in subject matter. Alexander himself became the director of the Normal College band in 1915. This year also saw the completion of Pease Auditorium which soon became a center of activity and culture throughout campus and the region. At the time of his death fourteen years after retiring, Alexander donated $90,000 for the construction of an organ in Pease Auditorium.

History (1941-Present)
In 1941 Haydn Morgan took over as department head at EMU. During this time an individual named William Fitch began expanding the music program as well as improving the quality of music played at EMU. As director of the band and orchestra as well as teacher of all applied woodwind students his expertise and energy to the program as a whole to a new level. In 1971 Warren B. Hause was hired as department head. At this time, much of the music department was scattered across campus in several different buildings. His first job was to oversee construction of Alexander Music Building which is where the program resides today. In addition, Hause supported the highly respected Music Therapy program at EMU throughout his career as department head as well as being influential in the university decision to return to using Pease Auditorium in the early 90's. Gordon McQuere his successor helped the Department of Music and Dance prepare for the reopening of Pease in 1996. In April of 1996, an Alumni Festival entitled "Encore" celebrated the return to Pease auditorium which is still in use by both the Music and Dance Program as well as the University. Today, under department head Dr. Woike the Department of Music and Dance continues to grow and achieve new heights as it progresses through the new century.

Departmental Values and Principles:
Departmental Values


 * Teaching and learning
 * Performing
 * Scholarship
 * Outreach
 * Service

Guiding Principles


 * Musicianship
 * Excellence
 * Accessibility
 * Relevance
 * Partnership

Department Heads

 * Albert Miller 1854-1858
 * Ezra Meade Foote 1858-1863
 * Frederic Pease 1863-1909
 * Frederick Alexander 1909-1941
 * Hayden Morgan 1941-1963
 * Warren Joseph 1963-1965
 * Howard Rarig 1965-1971
 * James B. Hause 1971-1994
 * Gordon McQuere 1994-2001
 * David Woike 2001-present