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The Beginning (1882-1920)

Music at the University of Colorado is first mentioned in 1882, during the first decade of the university’s existence. The small body of students requested that the Regents purchase a piano for chapel services held in Old Main, the university’s sole building. The request was honored and from that point, music has grown within Colorado’s flagship university, at first as a part of the College of Arts and Sciences and later as an independent college. After a few failed attempts to establish music in the university curriculum, Professor Charles H. Farnsworth in 1888 secured a permanent toehold. Under Farnsworth’s direction, courses in music theory and private instruction were established, operettas were produced, choral and orchestral concerts were given—with the help of locals—and ceremonial, social and athletic functions were supported by appropriate music. Farnsworth set two goals that have since become permanent: student competency in both performance and music theory and making music an integral part of the university, the Boulder community and the state.