Musical and theatrical performance has a long history at Fort Hays State starting with a performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Mikado” in 1910. In 1915 Henry Edward Malloy was hired to ‘sing Fort Hays State into tune”. Under his direction the program grew into a department that produces thousands of music educators and is a hub for cultural events in western Kansas. If you have attended one of the department’s concerts you know the energy and commitment the faculty bring to the program and the excellence they expect of their students.
At FHSU you study with distinguished and accomplished faculty who have been trained at some of the most respected music programs. Degree programs include a bachelors’s degree in Music Education, Music Performance, Arts in Music, Music Theory and Composition, and Music Technology.
Malloy Hall, the department’s home and location of Felten-Start Theatre, was constructed in the 1960s. The enclosed list reflects the Department’s strategy for sustaining programs through the current ecnonmic downturn and future growth.
Department of Music Needs
Grand piano rebuild or replacement $40,000/piano
The department’s concert grand piano serves the department’s practice, concert and theatre performance schedule in Malloy Hall and is used daily. Repairs no longer produce the sound quality needed. A high quality, re-built grand piano would serve the university well for many years to come.
Felten-Start Theatre Lighting and Fly System $184,000
The lighting system is the original installed when the building was constructed in the early 1960s. It can no longer be repaired and does not meet city code. The department currently spends roughly $7,000 per show to rent a digital light board that meets code. A new system would save $21,000 per year in rental fees and reduce utility costs by $14,000, a budget savings of $35,000. The stage fly system is original and in need of repair and overhaul to meet code.
Dimming Rack and architectural control $97,000
Electrical installation to support new equipment $25,000
Lighting Control Console $10,000
Circuit Distribution $25,000
New Lighting Instruments $12,000
Overhaul and repair of fly system $15,000
Acoustical analysis of Felten Start Theatre. $5,000
Felten Start Theatre in Malloy Hall was acoustically designed to meet the needs of theatre. Today it is also the venue of choice for musical. An acoustical analysis of the theatre will provide insight into the most cost effective means to achieve the best sound for a combination of music and theatre performance.
Portable concert band shell for Felten Start Theatre. $100,000
As a part of the Department of Music and Theatre, Felten Start Theatre will be used as a performance venue for band, symphony, orchestra, and choral events and will require a concert band shell to enhance the projection and quality of sound from the stage.
Scholarships for Strings and Piano $100,000
A strong scholarship program plays an important role in the Music Department’s ability to recruit outstanding students to FHSU. Prospective music students audition and are offered scholarships based on talent and academic standing. Larger dollar amounts attract and retain talented students. The number and dollar amount of scholarships are a factor in a prospective student’s decision to come to FHSU.
Cottonwood Artist Series $10,000 annually
Formerly known as the Cottowood Music Festival, the series is designed to broaden the exposure of music majors to musical performance, enhance the teaching/learning environment and bring added cultural experiences to the community. Artists will present a master’s class for FHSU students, an outreach class in area schools, and perform an evening concert open to the public.
Ensemble Tours – annual expense $4,000
Touring ensembles from the FHSU Department of Music provide performance experience for university students and help with student recruitment by exposing area high school students to the quality of the music program at Fort Hays State. These groups also enhance cultural opportunities in Kansas communities.
Opera staging and copyright fees – annual expense $2,000
Opera at FHSU is a budding program under the direction of Joe Perniciaro. Currently there is no line item in the budget to cover the cost of copyrights and staging.
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