Music Facilities
The music department uses a multitude of facilities to achieve its objectives.
Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center
Roberts Lobby
The music program is housed in the newly-opened, stunning Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center. The naming of the Center recognizes the vision and exceptional, unwavering generosity of the Pat and Dale Larson Family and the Larson Foundation. The Center is a comprehensive facility providing spaces for both the instruction and performance in dance, music and theatre. Developed by Design Architect Malcom Holzman, and acoustically engineered by David Kahn, the center proves that what an individual hears and sees during performances do correlate and that great music is made in great settings.
Founders Recital Hall
Founders Recital Hall reflects the exceptional tradition of music education and performance. The name honors the words and intention of benefactor Horace Fishback III, who grew up in Brookings and went on to become a professional organist, composer and professor. 225 seats create an intimate and interactive space for musicians and visitors. Over one hundred annual recitals by music faculty, students and visiting artists are presented each year. Malcom Holzman states, “four slim wood columns, two large beams and an inverted woven wood basket shelter the audience. Silver leafing, zinc shingles and pips add sparkle to the earth tones.”
The Salmen-Reuter Organ
The 2,848-pipe Salmen-Reuter organ is a central element in Founders Recital. Originally built by the Reuter Organ Company in 1962 as Opus 1361, this instrument was refurbished and expanded to its current 41 stop, 51 rank configuration by David Salmen.
Larson Memorial Concert Hall
The Larson Memorial Concert Hall is a beautiful 1,000-seat hall featuring custom acoustics which adjust to meet the needs of all groups performing there. It is fully equipped with its own percussion equipment, risers, acoustical shells, professional sound and recording equipment, plus both Fazioli and Steinway concert grand pianos.
Large Ensemble Rehearsal Facilities
Two spaces are dedicated to large instrumental ensemble rehearsals – a choral rehearsal room and an instrumental rehearsal room.
Multi-Use Rehearsal Facilities
Multi-use rehearsals are used for smaller ensembles, sectionals, studio ensembles and evening theatrical rehearsals. In addition, the Center contains twenty-three individual practice rooms and dedicated spaces for percussion practice.
Hilton M. Briggs Library
Most music texts, periodicals and reference materials are located in the Hilton M. Briggs Library.