Russell Hall (1960)
In 1956, Iowa State Teachers College President James W. Maucker asked the Iowa General Assembly for $1.1 million for a new music building, stating that a "fine program for the preparation of music teachers…was hampered by obsolete quarters." At that time, the college offered music studies in the school's oldest buildings: Central Hall, Old Gilchrist Hall, and the Old Administration Building. In a 1956 address to the campus Phi Delta Chapter, Registrar Marshall Beard said that the college planned to demolish those old buildings, so music instruction would certainly need new facilities. However, the General Assembly did not appropriate funding at that time. In 1958, President Maucker re-submitted a request, this time for $1.155 million, and the legislature approved the funding in its 1959 session.
In 1956, President James W. Maucker of the Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa) asked the Iowa General Assembly for $1.1 million for a new music building, stating a "fine program for the preparation of music teachers… was hampered by obsolete quarters." At that time, the college offered music studies in the school's oldest buildings: Central Hall, Old Gilchrist Hall, and the Old Administration Building. In a 1956 address to the campus Phi Delta Chapter, Registrar Marshall Beard said the college planned to demolish those old buildings, so music instruction would certainly need new facilities. However, the General Assembly did not appropriate funding.
In 1958, President Maucker re-submitted a request, this time for $1.155 million, and the legislature approved the funding in its 1959 session. The Board of Regents approved the project as part of a campus capital improvement plan which included a new Health Center, an addition to the Arts and Industries Building, power plant enhancements, and land acquisition for campus expansion. The Regents selected architects Thorson, Brom, and Henry and general contractor John G. Miller Company, both of Waterloo. Professor Myron Russell, head of the Department of Music, stated music faculty had long considered ideas for a new building. He visited music facilities on other campuses and offered a series of suggestions to the architects.
The contractor broke ground in June 1960 in an area then on the western edge of campus and work progressed rapidly. The music program moved out of its old quarters and into the new Music Building in February 1962. The number of practice rooms increased from 13 to 31; instrument lockers increased from 25 to 151. The building also included a new 4,000-pipe organ made in the Netherlands. Robert Noehren installed the organ in a walnut console in the Music Building auditorium; it was described as the largest organ in Iowa at the time.
The Music Building was also the first campus building to have art incorporated into its design, which has since become standard in the design and construction of campus buildings. Two major artworks were featured in the Music Building. First, the bandshell, designed by art faculty member David Delafield, forms the south wall of the building. Second, the freestanding sculpture on the east side of the building, Symphony in Three Forms, created by art faculty member Don Finegan. Finegan explained his work developed out of a need for an outdoor sign denoting the name of the Music Building.
The dedication ceremony for the Music Building was held on May 6, 1962. It featured a performance by the Symphony Orchestra and the A Cappela Choir of the cantata "Blind with Rainbows," with lyrics by English faculty member James Hearst and music by music faculty member William Latham. Also included in the ceremony was a march written by Edward Kurtz, former head of the Department of Music. When it opened, the building had an administrative unit with offices, a lounge, listening rooms, and a music library. It also had many practice rooms, two large rehearsal rooms, and a 600-seat auditorium with an orchestra pit.
The building was known by the functional names Music Hall or the Music Building for its first 10 years. In May 1972, the Board of Regents approved a proposal to name the building in honor of Myron E. Russell. In making his recommendation, President John Kamerick said, "Professor Russell has distinguished himself as a performer, teacher, administrator, and leader in the community." Russell served on the faculty for 44 years and was head of the Department of Music for 21 years, retiring in 1973.
Russell Hall underwent several major renovation projects in the early 1980s to make the building more energy-efficient and correct problems with the HVAC systems. The building was one of the first on campus to have air conditioning but it lacked humidity control, which caused concerns, especially for the delicate musical instruments stored there. Complaints about the acoustics in the auditorium also surfaced occasionally.
By the early 1990s, Russell Hall was becoming outdated, outmoded, and overcrowded. Construction of the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center helped alleviate some of these issues. However, Director of the School of Music John Vallentine noted 80% of School of Music activities still took place in Russell Hall. Consequently, a $2 million Russell Hall Renovation Project was added to the University's "Students First" capital campaign. Gayle Rose (’77) and Bruce Bengtson (’64) began the campaign with significant donations; other major donors included the Hinson Family and Richard Schultz (’79) and Kris Schultz (’80). Nearly 300 others also contributed to the campaign, which exceeded its goal.
The total budget for the complete renovation project was initially estimated at about $8 million, including performance and rehearsal space, enhanced studios and classrooms, and new recording facilities for the Jazz Band and other groups. At their May 3, 2006 meeting, the Regents approved a schematic design and a budget of $9.8 million for the Russell Hall renovation. Two million dollars would come from private donations and the remainder from academic revenue bonds. The plans included a two-story addition; renovation of existing facilities; rehearsal, recording and performance space for the Jazz Bands; an auditorium renovation; and new classrooms and studios. Additionally, the heating, ventilation, and cooling systems would be replaced. The project was expected to begin in February 2007 and be completed in August 2008.
Renovation began as scheduled in February 2007. The western portion of the building was closed and many of the applied music faculty moved to the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. The remainder of the building was closed in May 2007, with faculty moving to temporary offices in the Center for Energy and Environmental Education, Baker Hall, and the Communication Arts Center.
Construction was almost complete by fall 2008. The building was re-dedicated with a series of activities on September 25-26, 2008. On Friday afternoon, there was a dedication ceremony followed by a reception and tours. On Friday evening, the 27th annual Scholarship Benefit Concert occurred, featuring alumna Sheri Greenawald (’68)and trombonist Nick Lane. The Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra, UNI Singers, Concert Chorale, Chamber Singers, Wind Symphony, Northern Iowa Flute Choir, and faculty pianists Sean Botkin and Genadi Zagor also performed. Jazz Band One, Northwind Quintet, Tuba Quartet, Opera Ensemble, and Chamber Singers performed at the reception after the concert. On Saturday evening, the School of Music Alumni and Friends held its annual banquet. A concert followed with performances by the UNI Faculty String Quartet, pianist Matt Bengtson, Sheri Greenawald, faculty pianist Marleta Matheson, Jazz Band One alumni, and others.
The renovated Russell Hall included several new features: a chamber music hall, jazz studios, an instrument repair room, two new classrooms and a music technology laboratory. Updated studios, classrooms and practice rooms improved teaching and learning spaces for faculty and students. The old auditorium was named Bengtson Auditorium in honor of Bruce Bengtson (’64), a double major in music and history who became vice president and treasurer of Maier Bakery in Pennsylvania. During the project, Bengtson Auditorium received new seats and better acoustical arrangements. In the process, seating was reduced from about 660 to about 400.
In August 2008, the Board of Regents approved naming the new wing of Russell Hall in honor of local philanthropist Pauline Barrett, who made a lead gift for the renovation project. Barrett had also made earlier gifts to the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center building project and scholarship programs. The Barrett Wing included a chamber music rehearsal hall, jazz studios and a kitchen.
Compiled by Library Assistant Susan Witthoft and Student Assistant Jennifer Grant; edited by University Archivist Gerald L. Peterson, July 1996; substantially revised by Gerald Peterson with scanning by Library Assistant Gail Briddle, September 2002; updated March 22, 2012 (GP); photos and citations updated by Graduate Assistant Eliza Mussmann March 30, 2023; content updated by Graduate Intern Marcea Seible, June 2025; revised by Library Assistant Hannah Bernhard, April 2026.