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Students practice in a music class.
The BGSU College of Musical Arts is celebrating its 50th year in 2025-26, though its history of musical innovation dates all the way to the University's first year in 1910. (BGSU Archives)

Alumni

BGSU College of Musical Arts celebrates 50 years

Widely recognized for its musical prowess, BGSU created the College of Musical Arts in 1975 to meet regional demand for music higher education.

While the College of Musical Arts is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025-26, the history of musical innovation at BGSU traces all the way back to its infancy. 

Starting with its first year, the University saw an opportunity to not only prepare teachers for general studies, but to offer separate two-year and three-year courses for teachers of special subjects, including music.

Student practice piano.
During its history, the College of Musical Arts has educated thousands of students in various areas of music, with its alumni remaining connected to the programs well after graduation day. (BGSU Archives)
Musicians perform on stage.
The Bowling Green New Music Festival, shown in 2014, has been a staple event at the University for nearly 50 years. (BGSU photo)
Musicians perform on stage.
The Bowling Green New Music Festival, shown in 2022, celebrated its 46th occurrence in 2025. (BGSU photo / Justin Camuso-Stall '14)

The University maintained a designated music space in the Administration Building, awarded its first two-year diplomas in music in 1916 and began its first college band in 1923, an opening salvo that set up BGSU as a university with significant musical expertise.

Of the first 10 people on the faculty, one was a music instructor, Ernest G. Hesser, who composed the first-ever song about what became known as BGSU and started a number of musical student organizations during the University’s early years.

To this day, the University remains one of the premier producers of music education teachers in Ohio and the greater region.

With time and growing interest, BGSU continued to expand its footprint in music.

During the 1946-47 school year, BGSU began offering a Bachelor of Arts with a major in music, with the music department becoming a member of the National Association of Schools of Music, an accreditation the University proudly still maintains.

A musical act performs on stage.
The Silkroad Ensemble featuring Rhiannon Giddens performs as part of the Dorothy E. and DuWayne H. Hansen Musical Arts Series in March 2026. (BGSU photo/ Craig Bell)
Three women sing on stage.
Students perform during the A Cappella Festival Show in 2026. (BGSU photo / Brandon Grubbs)
A man signs into a microphone.
BGSU students in the College of Musical Arts have many opportunities to participate in performances like the A Cappella Festival Show. (BGSU photo / Brandon Grubbs)

By the early 1970s, the University’s reputation for producing elite musicians and skilled music teachers had only grown, necessitating yet another expansion.

In 1975, the School of Music formally became its own college, the College of Musical Arts, with the groundbreaking for the Moore Musical Arts Center taking place two years later.

A groundbreaking ceremony.
Shortly after the creation of the College of Musical Arts, the University broke ground on the Moore Musical Arts Center. (BGSU Archives)

Shortly after the College’s creation, it spearheaded the Bowling Green New Music Festival, which celebrated its 46th occurrence in 2025. Artists and composers from all over the globe play at the festival, making BGSU a well-known hub for new music each year.

In 2011, the University debuted a show-stopping new venue, the Wolfe Center for the Arts, in which students in music, theater, dance, film and digital arts productions can practice their craft.

The innovations and expansion within the field of music at BGSU have led to a long, fruitful connection between the University, its graduates and the greater Bowling Green community.

Many CMA graduates remain connected to their program well beyond their graduation day from BGSU. Alumni and supporters collaborated to break a new fundraising record during the 2024-25 school year, donating nearly $3 million to support a campaign for BGSU Bands.

A marching band performs on a football field.
The Falcon Marching Band, one of the largest in Division I, performs during BGSU’s victory against Toledo in 2025. (BGSU photo / Keira Ellenberger)
A conductor directs a band.
Assistant Teaching Professor of Athletic Bands and Music Education Jon Waters directs the Falcon Marching Band during a performance. (BGSU photo)
A marching band performs.
The Falcon Marching Band, shown during a 2025 football game, now practices on a synthetic turf field thanks to a record-breaking crowdfunding campaign. (BGSU photo / Keira Ellenberger)

As part of the campaign, construction of a new synthetic turf field was completed and dedicated on Homecoming 2025. The field serves as the practice home of the Falcon Marching Band and is also used by recreational sports.

Home to 18 different degree options and one of the biggest marching bands in the country, the College of Musical Arts and BGSU continue to elevate the enduring impact of music.

"For 50 years, the College of Musical Arts has thrived by honoring traditions and embracing innovation," said CMA Dean Dr. William Mathis. "As we look to the future, we will continue this mindset, responding to a changing world, engaging with new technologies and welcoming fresh ideas.

"In doing so, we provide students with an environment that values exploration, nurtures adaptability and prepares them to shape the next 50 years of musical life and music education across the nation and around the world."

A musical building shown at night.
The Wolfe Center for the Arts opened in 2011 for students to learn and practice their skills in a variety of artistic disciplines. (BGSU photo / Craig Bell)

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Media Contact | Michael Bratton | mbratto@bgsu.edu | 419-372-6349

Updated: 04/17/2026 01:16PM