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Facilities
The Department of Music offers several outstanding facilities for rehearsals, performances, recording and academics for both undergraduate and graduate students of the program. The three-building complex at SIU is well known in the region and across the nation as providing superior space for performers of all kinds.
Altgeld Hall
Altgeld Hall, the oldest standing building on campus, is a place not only for students to perform and practice their craft but also to gather and promote camaraderie within the student body. A replica of King Ludwig's Bavarian castle, Altgeld Hall boasts rehearsal spaces for large ensembles, choral performers, jazz ensembles, opera and music theater and chamber music. These spaces also double as performance venues throughout the year. Practice rooms offer modern facilities for piano, guitar, wood instruments and vocal performers. Three practice organs are available including a four-rank Ott tracker organ, a six-rank Moeller and a four-rank Wicks.
Altgeld also offers professional recording facilities for performances, a computer/listening lab and the Center for Experimental Music (CEM), a composition laboratory for electro-acoustic music production. This building is a second home to most music students as a place to practice, perform, gather and learn.
Shryock Auditorium
Shryock Auditorium, located next to Altgeld Hall, is the primary concert space throughout the year for orchestras, operas, band and choral concerts and musical theater. The 1,200 seat capacity auditorium and spacious lobby are beautifully adorned with rich decor. Boasting a 58-rank Reuter pipe organ, Shryock is a well-known, prominent location in Southern Illinois for esteemed musical performances.
Old Baptist Foundation Recital Hall
The Old Baptist Foundation Recital Hall is a smaller chamber music space for more intimate ensemble performances and recitals. Originally constructed in 1940, this building was later combined with Altgeld Hall to increase space for rehearsals, performances and faculty offices. The addition of The Old Baptist Foundation Recital Hall added to the existing facilities to offer students and faculty a more options for instructional needs.