Music Department
Music Department
The Vassar College Music Department is the department dedicated to teaching all facets of music, offering one major and five correlates. The department's home is in Skinner Hall, with all classes relating to music being held there. It also handles several ensembles, as well as guest concerts.
History
The department was a foundational part of Vassar, hiring a professor in 1865, and allowing music courses to fulfill requirements for the degree in 1868.[1] These dates make it the oldest music department in the country. It used to be housed in the top floor of the former Calisthenium and Riding Academy before moving to Skinner Hall after its construction in 1931.
Ensembles
The department oversees all ensembles that are not club-related or student-led. This includes offerings for vocalists and instrumentalists, with many types of music played by these ensembles. For Vocalists, the main ensembles are the Choir, Treble Chorus, and Chamber Singers. For Instrumentalists, the main ensembles are the Orchestra, Chamber Music, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Jazz Combos.