1904 -School of Music first appeared in the college catalogue as a distinct unit of the college. Organized by J.B. Nykerk, Professor of English and Secretary of the School of Music (he was also an accomplished musician.) Title used until 1940, when it was made consistent with all the other departments of the college.

1905 -Nykerk conducted Mendelssohn's Elijah, the first performance of an oratorio in Holland.

1927 -First Bachelor of Music degrees conferred.

1929 -Neo-Gothic Chapel completed and now historic E. M. Skinner four manual organ installed. Curtis Snow hired as college organist--first fulltime appointment in music.

1941 -First Christmas Vespers occurred, coincidentally, on the same day as bombing of Pearl Harbor. Has remained an annual tradition, now nationally televised, to the present day.

1957 -Department of Music moved into its own newly completed building, later named Nykerk Hall. In 1970, the building was expanded to twice its original size.

1959 -Received accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

1966 -B.M. degree established with majors in both Performance and Music Education.

1970 -Chapel Choir, the first of the Department’s many distinguished ensembles, sang at the White House for President and Mrs. Nixon. Distinctive robes had been commissioned and designed for the choir by internationally known Charles and Ray Eames. Chapel Choir was the first ensemble to make a European tour.

1971 -Pels & van Leeuwen two manual gallery organ installed in Dimnent Chapel.

1987 -Zeta Delta chapter of Pi Kappa Lambda national honorary music society installed.

1988 -First Musical Showcase presented at DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids. Program featured all the major ensembles as well as selected soloists and small ensembles. Annual performance has continued to the present day.

2000 -J. W. Walker & Sons three manual studio organ installed in new addition to Nykerk Hall.

2004 -First three students graduated with B.M. with an Emphasis in Jazz Studies degrees.

Alumni

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