Amanda Skinner

In June, Hastings College students and staff got an email about flood damage in Fuhr Hall, the building where all things music takes place. It was announced the building would be closed for the 2025-2026 academic year. Now in September, as students and faculty walk by, they see chains on the doors and blinds over the windows. The building is known for its extensive collection of old and new instruments, along with Steinway pianos in every practice room. Dr. Hayes Maquire Fuhr was the head of the Hastings College music department for 45 years and was named “one of the best collegiate choral conductors in America” in the 1950’s (findagrave.com). The building was dedicated to the late Dr. Fuhr in 1956 and has a rich history both on and off campus. Now, after 50 years, Fuhr Hall’s future is uncertain. 

In August all of the instruments and music faculty offices were moved to the Grey Center, which houses the communications and media programs and the campus marketing office. It caused a great deal of commotion and forced the administration to make some quick adjustments. Dr. Louie Eckhardt said this about the move: “Overall, our displacement to the Gray Center has been pretty hectic, especially with not having a place to “land” with our large ensembles. But I personally really appreciate the support our administration has given us to make the transition as smooth as possible, specifically Wayne Riggs, Devin Tompkin, and the maintenance staff.” 

Dr. Wayne Riggs (Vice President of Academic Affairs & Dean of the Faculty), said in a July in email,  “the music of our talented students, faculty, and alumni has never been confined to a single building.” Dr. Louie Eckhardt did comment on moving forward, saying “Right now, the music program is engaging in a broad strategic planning process to talk about curriculum, future programming, which will all tie into what kind of facility we need moving forward, whether renovation or a new building. It’s a lot of work, but will be worth it in the end!”