Facilities
Furman music students enjoy superb facilities for practicing and performing, as well as for research and classroom learning. Daniel Recital Hall (which seats 365), 2,000-seat McAlister Auditorium, the multi-purpose Harper Hall, and the wonderful acoustics of Daniel Chapel provide performance space suitable for any musical event.
The HOMOZEL MICKEL DANIEL MUSIC BUILDING and the adjoining Herring Music Pavilion are where music students at Furman spend a great deal of their time. An impressive array of teaching studios and classrooms, rehearsal halls, practice rooms, multimedia presentation equipment, computers, MIDI and digital audio gear and the music library/media center provide a world of resources for music students to perfect their art as well as connect with professors and other students. Herring Music Pavilion is the heart of technological and choral activity in the Music Department. Harper Hall is a superb multimedia classroom, choral rehearsal hall, and performance area with top-notch recording capabilities. Housed in Herring Music Pavilion, Harper Hall is the home to the Furman Singers, Chorales, and Chamber Choir. The recently renovated Daniel Recital Hall, which seats 365, is the centerpiece of the Daniel Music Building. The recital hall hosts the majority of solo and small ensemble performances held on the Furman campus. Also a multimedia classroom, the hall is equipped with a state-of-the art presentation system and recording booth.
The Robert J. Maxwell Music Media Center and Library
- Web site: http://library.furman.edu/depts/music/
- Becky Tapp Daniels Classroom is a 21-station computer lab, each station complete with Korg X5 keyboard, eMac computer, and software such as Finale, Digital Performer, Peak, and Practica Musica. The teacher's station (also available for use after hours by advanced students) has a Korg SGPro keyboard, Korg X5DR tone module, Mackie 1202 mixer, MOTU 828 FireWire digital audio interface, and additional software including Max/MSP. A complete presentation system (including a ceiling-mounted projector; VHS, CD, and cassette decks; wall-mounted EAW speakers; and remote control panel) complete the classroom.
- The Edna Hartness Multimedia Seminar Room is home to a full-featured workstation consisting of computer (currently a Macintosh G4 with MOTU 2408 audio interface), Korg SGPro keyboard, X5DR tone module, Mackie 2404 console, miscellaneous outboard gear, Tascam DA30MKII DAT, VHS and CD decks, Tannoy speakers, and AKG and Shure microphones. Software includes Digital Performer, Peak, Max/MSP, Finale, Toast and Internet Explorer.
- The Seminar Room also functions as the control booth for recordings made in Elizabeth Stone Harper Hall, with complete audio and video monitoring capabilities. Harper Hall, the new home to the Furman Singers, also contains a presentation system similar in design to the one in the Daniels Classroom, but with the addition of a programmable lighting system.
MCALISTER AUDITORIUM
The recently renovated 2,000-seat McAlister Auditorium permits events requiring large numbers of participants and guests. A large hydraulic orchestra pit and well-designed acoustics allow for a variety of presentations from guest speakers to staged operas to symphonic oratorios. A three-manual, 34-rank Holtkamp organ adorns the side wall and is used by organ majors for practice and performances.
The site of numerous musical and non-musical events, the hall is acoustically supported by a top notch sound shell and floating cloud system. Recently redesigned and upgraded fly systems permit expanded use of full size stage scenes for opera and musical productions.
Ensembles routinely using the hall include the Furman Symphony Orchestra, Furman Singers, Oratorio Chorus with Orchestra, Furman Opera Workshop, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. Large percussion and jazz events have also benefited from the excellent acoustical space. Area events such as the South Carolina All-State and Region Honors Bands, All-State Orchestra and various regional performing ensembles utilize the facility. At right is pictured the Furman Symphony Orchestra with sound shell in place.
DANIEL CHAPEL
The acoustically resplendent Daniel Chapel hosts a variety of events and is utilized by the choral and string ensembles for special performances. Positioned in the center of The Mall, the main campus thoroughfare, the chapel looks over the fountains and entry to the classroom buildings and Duke Library. Housing not only a superb chapel sanctuary, the chapel offers break out rooms for receptions and classes, also housing offices for the various religious organizations on campus.
The Charles Ezra Daniel Memorial Chapel represents, in symbolic and concrete fashion, the heritage and hope, moral character and spiritual values of Furman University. The chapel is part of the $24.5 million bequest to Furman by Homozel Mickel Daniel, in memory of her husband.
Thanks to a generous gift from the Hartness family, a new world-class tracker pipe organ was recently installed in the Daniel Chapel. The organ, built specifically for Furman by C.B. Fisk, Inc., of Gloucester, Mass., was installed in 2003 and dedicated in 2004. An on-going organ concert series is part of the variety of musical offerings made possible by this King of Instruments.
LAKESIDE AMPHITHEATRE
A walk around the back of the bell tower and along Furman's lake trail will bring you past the Southern Living Showcase home to the Furman amphitheater. This modern canvas-roofed venue is a popular location for concerts, performances, and weddings. The amphitheater is equipped with a full sound system, light system and rest room facilities. The grass sloped and tiered seating area is able to comfortably hold 3,000+ people. For guests wishing to enjoy the lakeside picnic areas, speakers located in the nearby Furman bell tower can broadcast events across the entire lake.
The amphitheater is host to the popular Music By the Lake summer concert series presented Thursday nights from the end of May through mid August. The majority of the concerts are free and ideal entertainment for adults and children. Learn more about the summer concert series.
INSTRUMENTS
Furman music students benefit from the department's excellent collection of instruments, including Bösendorfer, Steinway, and Yamaha concert grand pianos, Korg synthesizers and electronic pianos, three practice organs, Yamaha marching and concert brass and a distinguished matched quartet of string instruments. A three-manual, 34-rank Holtkamp organ in McAlister Auditorium is used for practice and recitals.
Percussionists have access to three complete sets of all the major percussion instruments. The top-of-the-line instruments include Yamaha Symphonic Timpani with hand-hammered bowls and Renaissance heads, a 5-octave Marimba One marimba with adjustable height, a new expanded range (3 1/2 octaves) Yamaha Vibe with adjustable height, Deagan/Yamaha Symphonic Chimes, and a newly restored Deagan 3 1/2 octave Xylophone with rosewood bars. The Furman Drumline marches with Yamaha equipment and received an entire new battery summer of 2003.