1914-1920

Music becomes a significant part of the Institute course offerings. Music faculty members during these years include: Annie Maclaren, L.F. Peckham, John B. Trowbridge, M.C. Lincoln, Charles H. Marsh, and Mrs. Charles Marsh.

1920

Herbert G. Tovey joins the music faculty. Other faculty in the 20’s include: Corinne R. Smith, Loretta Hobson, Raymond Conner, Otto Hirschler, and Paul S. McConnell.

1926

Gordon Hooker (1922 Biola graduate) joins the Biola staff in the Radio Department and later becomes a member of the Biola music faculty and music staff of the Church of the Open Door. Hooker taught gospel song writing, music theory and piano, and played for the church services. He is remembered most for the playing of the Biola's Chimes, a ministry that he performed for 37 years.

1927

Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs established.

1930

Herbert Tovey is appointed Director of Music, a position which he held for 20 years. Hundreds of Mr. Tovey’s songs are published. Numerous major choral/orchestral dramatic productions were held during these years. In addition, the 3-year music diploma course is established.

1936

Herbert Tovey is officially listen as “Director of the School of Music.” The 4-year music degree course is added: “Bachelor of Sacred Music.” The 3-year diploma in music also continues.

1948

Composer Rayner Brown joins the organ and music theory faculty, a position which he held for 29 years. Harry Stillwell assumes the position of Band Director. First year that Ruth Flatley is listed as a voice instructor.<ref>The Biolan 1949 </ref>

1950

Four distinct schools are listed as members of the BIOLA incorporation: The Bible Institute, the Bible College, The Bible Seminary, and the School of Missionary Medicine.

1951

William Dominik is listed as Band and Orchestra Director. The primary choral ensemble is named “Coronation Choir.” Eva Tovey is now listed as “Co-Director, School of Sacred Music.”

1952

Earle Hulin is appointed Department Chair. Music degree programs are established. The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) standards begin to be addressed.

1953

Elma Doss joins the faculty.

1954

Paul Wohlgemuth joins the faculty to teach choral music and church music, and is appointed Department Chair in 1957.

1955

Elizabeth Hilton joins the faculty.

1957

Marvin McKissick joins the faculty to teach church music. Richard Unfried joins the music faculty to teach organ, music theory, and church music. Lester Remsen joins the faculty to direct the Brass Ensemble.<ref>The Biolan 1958</ref>

1959

Biola moves to its new home on the La Mirada Campus. The Music Department is housed in the Library building.

1960

Marvin McKissick is appointed Department Chair. Margaret Schaper is brought on as Voice faculty, and also the first year that Margaret Schumacher is listed as faculty.<ref>The Biolan 1961</ref>

1962

Edwin Heppner joins the music faculty to teach music education courses and to direct various choral ensembles. Heppner also served a short time as interim chair (1965-66) and directed the Biola Chorale from 1965 to 1967.

1963

William R. Lock (voice, choral music, church music), Jennie Wong (piano, chamber music), and Jack Schwarz (music history) join the music faculty.

1964

The Music Department moves into its new home, Crowell Hall. The Louise Lansing Pipe Organ is dedicated in Crowell Hall’s Lansing auditorium.

This is the last year that Lester Remsen is listed as faculty and director of the Brass Ensemble.

1965

The Guest and Faculty Artist and Music-at-Noon Concert Series are established.

1966

James Hill is appointed Department Chair and becomes the major force in moving the Music Department to accreditation by NASM.

1967

Loren Wiebe is brought on staff and eventually appointed Director of the Biola Chorale.

Wilmar Wall joins the voice faculty, a position he held for 20 years.

This is the last year that Elma Doss is listed as faculty. <ref>The Biolan 1967</ref>

1968

Russell Stepan joins the music faculty and is appointed Head of Piano Instruction, a position he held for 12 years.

Keith Weathers joins the music faculty and directs the Brass and Woodwinds Ensembles.

Charles Path joins as part-time faculty for strings, leading the String Ensemble his first year.

Loren Wiebe conducts the Biola Chorale for the first time, and continues as director for 30 years.

A new music group is begun, The Carillons, and are led by William Lock.

Last year that Edwin Heppner is listed as faculty.<ref>The Biolan 1968</ref>

1970

Professional accreditation is granted by NASM. Ray Lutke joins the music faculty, is appointed Head of Instrumental Music and begins the first band program, The Biola Symphonic Winds.

Last year that Margaret Schaper is listed as faculty (part-time).<ref>The Biolan 1970</ref>

1971

Jack Schwarz is appointed Department Chair.

Ray Lutke joins the faculty and directs the Biola College Band.<ref>The Biolan 1971</ref>

1974

Barry Liesch joins the music theory and composition faculty.

1977

NASM accreditation is renewed. Rayner Brown retires.

1978

Edwin Childs is appointed to head the theory and composition program, a position which he held for 15 years.

1980

Jennie Wong is appointed Head of Piano Studies.

1982

Marlin Owen joins the music faculty and begins the first orchestral program. The Biola Chamber Orchestra is born, later to be renamed The Biola Symphony Orchestra.

1983

Jeff Kennedy joins the music faculty to direct the Biola University Singers. In 1988, “Triumph” is organized and directed by Jeff Kennedy for 8 years. Kennedy also produced and directed many major musical theater productions during these years. William Lock is appointed Director of the new Master’s Degree program in Church Music.

1985

Cliff Hulling joins the music faculty as Director of the Biola Jazz Ensemble, and is appointed to the full-time faculty as Instructor of Music Theory/Composition, the Jazz Ensemble, and Percussion in 1995.

1986

Robert Feller joins the music faculty as Director of the Symphonic Winds, and is appointed Head of Wind and Percussion Studies in 1991.

1987

NASM accreditation is renewed.

1989

The Church Music Master’s Degree program is discontinued.

1995

Jeanne Robison joins the music faculty and is appointed Head of Voice Instruction and begins the Opera Workshop program.

1997

Shawna Cross Stewart joins the faculty as Director of the Biola Chorale and Choral Activities.

1998

John Browning joins the faculty as Head of Music Theory and Composition. Mary Beth Woodruff joins the faculty as instructor of violin and viola and chamber music coach. Richard Unfried retires after 41 years.

2001

Jack Schwarz retires after 38 years, of which 30 he was Head of the Music Department. George Boespflug appointed Chair of the Music Department.

2003

The Music Department takes on a new name: The Biola University Conservatory of Music. George Boespflug becomes the Director of the Conservatory.

2004

Jennie Wong retires as Head of Piano; Li Shan Hung joins the faculty as Head of the Piano Area. The Bachelor of Science Degree in Music in Worship Program is instituted.

2006

Kangwon Kim joins the music faculty to head violin/viola instruction and chamber music.

References

Timeline of the Music Department