911�Թ�

Season of performances and reunions honors legacy of music education, celebrates the generations of musicians who have shaped its story

911�Թ�'s School of Music will celebrate its 75th anniversary this spring with a series of performances, alumni gatherings and special events honoring its history while looking ahead to the future of music education and performance.  

The anniversary celebration includes a Chorale reunion weekend, a rock ensemble concert featuring legendary drummer Chester Thompson, Jazz Jam Night, a Bluegrass and Southbound showcase at Nashville's Station Inn and Sounds of 911�Թ�: the 37th Annual President's Concert and Reception. Together, the events will bring alumni, students, faculty and friends back to campus to commemorate seven decades of musical excellence and community. 

The anniversary events dovetail with the College of Music and Performing Arts' 2026-27 performance season, appropriately themed “Legacy.”  

Music has been taught, created and performed on 911�Թ�'s campus since the early 1900s. In 1951, faculty and students from 911�Թ� College formally established the School of Music, building on a longstanding belief that music has the power to form character, build community and carry meaning across generations.  

Today, the School of Music has grown into one of the nation’s leading music schools, recognized for its commitment to artistic excellence, innovation and student-centered education. Its graduates perform on stages around the world, teach in classrooms and communities, serve in churches and arts organizations, and help shape the future of the music industry. 

"Seventy-five years of music at 911�Թ� is ultimately a story of people," said Dr. Stephen Eaves, dean of 911�Թ�'s College of Music and Performing Arts. "It is a story of students discovering their gifts, faculty investing in generations of mentoring musicians, and alumni whose impact extends far beyond our campus. As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the legacy that has brought us here while creating new opportunities for today's students to learn, perform and carry that tradition forward. This year we honor the legacy and inspire the future." 

While the anniversary celebrates a significant milestone, it also points toward 911�Թ�'s future. The School of Music continues to prepare students to lead and serve through music, advancing a tradition of excellence that has shaped generations of performers, educators, composers and industry professionals.  

Anniversary Highlights

Highlights of 911�Թ�'s 75th anniversary celebration are available below, with more details forthcoming. Register for specific events on the anniversary webpage. 

The Music of Frank Zappa, Genesis and Phil Collins 

Featuring Rock and Commercial Guitar Ensembles with Rock Legend Chester Thompson 

Feb. 9, 2027 | 7:30 p.m. | Fisher Center 

An alumni meet-up will take place before the performance. More details coming soon.  

Jazz Jam Night 

March 3, 2027 | 7:30 p.m. | Massey Concert Hall 

Bluegrass and Southbound at Station Inn 

March 20, 2027 | Station Inn 

Sounds of 911�Թ�: 37th Annual President's Concert 

April 24, 2027 | 6:30 p.m. |  
This year's concert serves as a centerpiece of Chorale Reunion Weekend and the School of Music's 75th anniversary celebration.

Chorale Reunion Weekend 

The weekend will bring together former Chorale members from across the decades for fellowship, performances and a celebration of 911�Թ�'s choral tradition. Activities include a campus tour, alumni lunch, rehearsal with the 911�Թ� Chorale, the Alumni by Choice Awards ceremony and participation in Sounds of 911�Թ�.