Type: Exhibition case

Name: Rutgers College

Detail: Long before the founding of Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University’s liberal arts colleges developed their own music departments and traditions. Although each school has a unique history―Rutgers College was founded to train ministers for the Dutch Reformed Church, New Jersey College for Women (later Douglass College) was established to provide higher education for women, and Livingston College formed in response to the sociopolitical changes of the 1960s―a shared passion of music united these various student bodies. The next seven “cases” focus on students and professors who participated in music at Rutgers from 1871, when the Rutgers College Chapel Choir formed, to 1981, when the music programs at Rutgers, Douglass, and Livingston College transferred to Mason Gross School of the Arts. Ultimately, these cases explore the history and tradition of music at Rutgers University and examines how music constructed a shared identity among the colleges.

The music department at Rutgers College was established in 1919 and headed by Howard D. McKinney. Classes were offered in instrumental and vocal studies as well as music theory, history, and appreciation. Additionally, a number of music clubs provided students with the opportunity to practice, hone, and enjoy their crafts with peers. These groups performed on campus, throughout New Jersey and the United States, and often collaborated with New Jersey College for Women music groups.

Type: Exhibition caption

Detail: Howard Decker McKinney graduated from Rutgers College in 1913. In 1916, he was hired as the music director of Rutgers College and worked to improve the quality of music at college events and chapel services. Over the years, McKinney also directed the Rutgers Musical Clubs, Glee Club, and Choir; advised the Music Club; founded the University Concert Series; and worked with several music groups at New Jersey College for Women. As a tribute to his many contributions, the Music Activities Building, which housed rehearsal halls for the Rutgers University Glee Club, Band, and University Choir, was renamed McKinney Hall around 1960.

The Rutgers College Music Department was formally introduced in 1919. Classes, exams, and student performances were held in the Music House which, by 1950, was located at 19 Bishop Place. McKinney served as the department’s first director and was succeeded by Alfred Mann in the 1950s. Henry W. Kaufmann, a Rutgers College professor, Episcopal priest, organist, and choir director ran the department from 1964 to 1973. Lastly, Martin Picker chaired the department until 1981 when the music departments of Rutgers University folded into the Mason Gross School of the Arts.