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A More Detailed History Of the Mansfield University Music Department

MANSFIELD MEANS MUSIC
Originally published in Crossroads Magazine

Second Seminary Building - 1857

Mansfield has always been known for its outstanding music program. A model for many programs in the state of Pennsylvania, Mansfield has been noted as one of the foremost music programs of its type in the state. Many changes have occurred in the music program at Mansfield through the years.

The music program began in 1857 when the school was founded. Music was taught by one person, Ellen Seaver. Soon after, the curriculum for a certificate to teach music was developed. In 1871 and 1872, the State Normal Music Academy at Mansfield had 54 men and 61 women enrolled. A chorus, band and orchestra were formed. Tuition was $90 a year.

In 1887, Hamlin E. Cogswell became the director of the music department. Cogswell left to found the Indiana Normal Conservatory of Music and School of Fine Arts in Indiana, Pa. Cogswell's school was forged from the 'Mansfield Model.' Cogswell later became the chairperson for music in the National Education Association and a founder of the Music Educators Conference. The music department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania is partially housed in Cogswell Hall and the music library is called, The Cogswell Music Library.

Professor Cogswell returned to Mansfield in 1903 with a Masters of Music Degree from Syracuse University. The 1903 Mansfield course catalog states, "a distinct feature of the Music Department, is the establishment of the Department of Public School Music Program." The program granted a special certificate to those who completed the course sequence of all subjects that will 'enable them to qualify as teachers.' It was the first program if its kind in the state schools.

New Ladies Building - 1874

In 1907 the Normal Quarterly said that, "With one exception, we believe that Mansfield Conservatory of Music to be the largest training school for music supervisors in the state." That year, students performed Gilbert and Sullivan's "H.M.S. Pinafore" and performed Rossini's "Sabat Mater" at commencement with guest soloists from New York City and Elmira, NY.

It was in 1913 that there were two programs offered in music. The first was a three-year sequence for students specifically wanting training as a music teacher. The second was a one-year specialty course sequence for teachers who wanted to come back for a specialization certificate in music.

In 1920, under the direction of Dr. Will George Butler (Butler Music Center), the Pennsylvania Department of Public Instruction chose Mansfield, Indiana and West Chester to be the primary schools to train music supervisors in the state. The next year, Grace Steadman (Steadman Theatre) was hired as the music director. In 1923, audition requirements had been forged and general education requirements had been created. Two years later, three faculty members were added for a total of 11. John Meyers directed the band, which became one of the selling points for the music department.

In 1926, the music course was extended to four years and the first bachelors degree in music was offered as a "Bachelors of Science in Public School Music." The new course added advanced music work, general education requirements and secondary elective work, which allowed a graduate the option of teaching in all grade levels from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Lambda Mu were organized as the first music fraternity and sorority in 1931. The institution was under the name of Mansfield State Teachers College (1927) and the department moved into the arts building for classwork. Changes were few in the music department during WWII and post war years. It wasn't until 1960 when the youth music camp was activated, and summer musicals under the direction of Jack Wilcox became a tradition. It was about this time that Mansfield became one of the first schools to offer a music minor. By 1965 a Bachelor of Arts in Music was offered.

Alumni Hall - 1886

In 1966, the music program had grown so much that it became necessary to use nearby homes for studios. Closets and bathrooms in the home-economics and fine arts building (now Simon B. Elliot hall) were used as practice rooms. In 1968, the Butler Music Center was completed with 55 practice rooms, a large choral rehearsal hall, a large band rehearsal room, three classrooms, and a recital hall, Steadman Theater which seats about 500 people and has excellent acoustics. It was this year that Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma were initiated as honorary band organizations. 1974 marked the first European tour of the Mountie Marching Band. The ensemble toured again in 1978 and the Jazz band toured in 1980.

The Bachelor of Music degree in performance was first announced in 1975. At that time there were 28 faculty teaching over 300 students. Later that decade in 1978 the Music Therapy program was founded with the hiring of Elizabeth Eidener. In 1982, the music merchandising and business program was founded with Richard Talbot advising.

In 1983 Mansfield State College became Mansfield University of Pennsylvania in the State System Of Higher Education. In 1987, the Alumni Honor Roll was started. Under the leadership of Donald Stanley, a committee of retired faculty members received nominations and elected to membership those alumni whose accomplishments in the field of music were considered outstanding. Alumni who had been graduated from the Music Department for at least ten years were eligible for consideration. The committee reviewed resumes for a five-year period considering each alumnus on anniversary years.

First College Band Organized - 1888

In the 1990s the music department enjoyed a flourish of increased activity. The first Prism Concert was presented in 1995. It featured works performed by many of the ensembles from all corners of the theatre. In 1996 and 1999 the Concert Choir toured Europe. The choir has been invited to a major conference for performance every year for the past nine years, including state and East Coast conventions. The Concert Wind Ensemble was invited to perform at the state music educators conference in 1998 and again this year. The American Choral Directors Association chapter at MU was recognized in 1997 and this past March as the Outstanding Student Chapter in the nation. The Music Educators National Conference chapter was awarded an excellence award in 1999.

In October 2000, the Mountie Marching Band was invited to Kitchener, Ontario, for the International October Festival. The band took top honors in the parade area and was the only U.S. college band to participate.

In 2001, the Music Department was recognized as one of MU's "Spheres of Excellence" and awarded grants for equipment including a new grand piano, contrabassoon, and percussion equipment.

One of the founding programs at Mansfield has come a long way in 144 years, which is why the popular phrase, "Mansfield Means Music" holds true.

Pictures Courtesy of Mansfield Sesquicentennial Committee - for more images and a history of the town and school, visit their site

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