Denton in Denton County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Orchestra and Music Halls

Photographed by Morgan Petermann, June 24, 2024

1. Orchestra and Music Halls Marker

Inscription. The two-story Orchestra Hall was built on the corner of Avenue C and Chestnut Street in 1936 with a Public Works Administration grant and loan. Thirty-six men who were members of the college band, orchestra and stage band directed by 'Fessor Floyd Graham moved into rooms on the top floor, and their rent helped pay off the loan. They were grateful for the accommodations, although the building's steep, curved staircases on Chestnut Street were not a favorite feature -- especially for the double bass players. In 1940, construction began on the Music Hall, which adjoined Orchestra Hall to the east. Fifty-two men lived on the third floor, above the practice rooms and overlooking the tennis courts of the recreation park. During World War II, female students replaced the men in the halls, and Orchestra Hall briefly housed pilot trainees. Music Hall was home to a broadcasting studio that was deemed the largest in the South, and the music school's reputation grew as campus programs were broadcast weekly over state networks and Dallas' WFAA radio. The oldest section of today's Music Building, facing Avenue C, was constructed in 1960.

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It was designed with the latest acoustical and soundproofing features and included a concert hall that was renovated and named Voertman Hall in 2010. Orchestra Hall and Music Hall were razed in 1975 for an extensive expansion that provided additional facilities for the internationally acclaimed and growing school.

Erected 2013 by University of North Texas.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1936.

Location. 33° 12.688′ N, 97° 8.983′ W. Marker is in Denton, Texas, in Denton County. It is on Chestnut Street east of Avenue C, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1624 Chestnut St, Denton TX 76205, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region

and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of

Photographed by Morgan Petermann, June 24, 2024

2. Orchestra and Music Halls Marker

the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Administration Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Library Building (about 500 feet away); Terrill Hall (about 500 feet away); Masters Hall (about 500 feet away); First University Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Historical Building (approx. ¼ mile away); The Geezles (approx. 0.4 miles away); President's House (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Denton.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2024, by Morgan Petermann of Hurst, Texas. This page has been viewed 177 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 27, 2024, by Morgan Petermann of Hurst, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.