History
The presence of music courses at Northern Michigan University dates from the earliest years of NMU's existence in 1899. Only two semesters after the opening of Northern State Normal, Annette Le Vegne traveled from the University of Michigan to teach classes in music and organize a series of summer musicals.
In 1900, Northern had its first full-time music teacher, Miss Sophie Linton (pictured left), a graduate of Wisconsin State Normal at Stevens Point. The state Board of Education approved a "life certificate" curriculum in the teaching of music; five instructors taught music courses in addition to regular teacher training classes.
By 1952, NMU offered its first Bachelor of Arts in Music degree, with both major and minor programs. Students participated in band, orchestra, string quartet, choir and collegiate chorale, all of which made tours to Upper Peninsula high schools. The department offered both performance and teaching degrees by 1961.
Several performance groups developed during the early 1960's: the Fine Arts Quartet, the Saturday Music Club and the Arts Chorale. NMU held summer programs, such as Music Camp, Adult Chorale Clinic, Piano Clinic for Teachers and Festival of Music. The NMU Marching Band, active since the very early days of Northern State Normal, acquired its nickname, "Pride of the North" in the early '60's; its reputation earned them a half-time performance at a Green Bay Packers game in 1961.
The National Association of Schools of Music first certified NMU's Music Department in November of 1969. The department's goal of creating community-wide appreciation for music supported tours across the Upper Peninsula, Lower Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and Canada, as well as special performances in the Bahamas (via an invitation from the USO) and Europe.
The Music Department Today
Currently, the department supports the Marching Band, Pep Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Jazz Combos, Percussion Ensemble, University Choir, Madrigal Singers, The Marquette Choral Society, University Orchestra and Opera Theatre Workshop.
NMU's music programs were re-certified by the National Association of Schools of Music in 2005. The teacher education music major is still the largest program, with most graduates going on to teach in public schools or privately. Other alumni pursue graduate degrees in music or enter various music-related professions, graduates report that their musical training has provided essential keys to success: a high level of self-discipline and the ability to perform under pressure.
