NCC: Music Department files

North Central College’s rich heritage in music dates back nearly to its earliest beginnings at Plainfield, Illinois. Beginning in 1862 with the arrival of Professor H. C. Smith, the College has offered instruction in vocal music. By 1900, music education was offered through the college’s School of Music and continued expansion resulted in the offering of the Bachelor of Music degree in 1926. By 1963 all music degrees were awarded by the Department of Music. During a financial crisis in 1970, two music degrees (Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Music Education) were dropped, although the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music continued with two faculty members. Since this nadir, the College returned to solid footing and the Music program grew. In the early 1990s, new faculty was recruited and a music education major was reinstated. The college’s long tradition of vocal ensembles has included men’s and women’s glee clubs, madrigal singers, Oratorio Association, continuing today with the Concert Choir, Chorale, Cardinal Chorus, and Chamber Singers.