Signing a Ceremonial Beam (September 1988)

Courtesy of the Queens College Archives

Preparing the Site of the Music Building for Construction (ca. 1986-1987)

Image Courtesy of Hubert Howe

Dean Saul Novack showing Copland early blueprints of the building (1985)

In 1981 the Queens College Department of Music officially became the Aaron Copland School of Music. In 1985 Queens College President Shirley Kenny, Dean of Arts and Humanities Saul Novack, and chair Rufus Hallmark visited Aaron Copland at his home with the plans for the new building.

Image courtesy Design Services

Thomas Hampson performing Copland’s Old American Songs

The Queens College Concert Hall saw its first major concert on 8 March 1992 with performances by faculty, students, alumni, and baritone Thomas Hampson.

Image courtesy of Design Services

Leaflet announcing the construction of the new building with early concept artwork

Courtesy of the Aaron Copland School of Music

Promotional pamphlet describing the finished building (Side one)

Courtesy of the Aaron Copland School of Music

Promotional pamphlet describing the finished building (Side two)

Courtesy of the Aaron Copland School of Music

Aaron Copland School of Music Faculty in 1992

Every few years the faculty and staff of the Aaron Copland School of Music gather to take a group photo. Since moving into the building, these photos have been taken in the building’s atrium, which until recently has provided a steady backdrop for an ever-shifting faculty.

Courtesy Aaron Copland School of Music

Joel Mandelbaum turning pages for student Doris Lang (later Kosloff)

Joel Mandelbaum joined the faculty of Queens College in the fall of 1961. He served as department chair for two nonconsecutive terms, from 1975-1978 and again from 1982-1984. Though Professor Mandelbaum retired in 1999, he remains an active member of the faculty and an active composer.

Image Courtesy Joel Mandelbaum