Open house to debut Huskers' new state-of-the-art music building

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Glenn Korff School of Music will host an open house for its new building at 10th and Q streets, 4 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 22. The event will be followed by the Cornhusker Marching Band’s annual exhibition at 7 p.m. in Memorial Stadium.

Both events are free and open to the public. The open house will feature self-guided tours with faculty, staff and students on hand to answer questions.

The Cornhusker Marching Band exhibition will present highlights of what the band works on during their pre-season band camp and the popular drill down, a competition that allows band members a chance to showcase their marching and focus skills.

The new Westbrook Music Building replaces the former facility of the same name, which opened in 1967 at 11th and R streets. The new building was made possible with $75 million in support from the Nebraska Legislature through LB384. Architects for the building were BNIM of Kansas City and Sinclair Hille Architects of Lincoln. The construction manager was Hausmann Construction. The acoustical engineering consultant was Kirkegaard.

“We didn’t just build a facility — we created a platform for a new era of innovation, interdisciplinarity and artistic excellence,” said Felix Olschofka, director of the School of Music. “I invite our alumni and the entire community to come see this beautiful new home for the Glenn Korff School of Music.”

The 103,000-square-feet, state-of-the-art facility officially opened in May and will host classes for the first time this fall. The building provides ample daylight and more access to social spaces than the previous facility.

Other highlights of the new building include:

- An immersive performance hall, located on the first floor. The hall is enhanced by spatial sound and design capabilities. It features retractable seating for 175 people, technology for unparalleled audio immersion, high-definition video conferencing and advanced streaming technology.

“With the new immersive space, music concerts and events can transcend traditional formats by integrating advanced audiovisual technology, spatial sound design and interactive elements that engage audiences more deeply,” Olschofka said. “A large-scale LED screen composed of six movable elements will be available on stage, providing a dynamic canvas for audiovisual projects.”

- A recording studio, also located on the first floor. The studio is equipped with cutting-edge audio and video technology, offering high-fidelity recording equipment, real-time mixing and mastering, and integration with virtual reality tools.

“The latest network technology will allow the studio to livestream to and from rehearsal spaces, ensuring seamless recording and broadcasting of rehearsals and concerts by students, faculty and guest artists,” Olschofka said. “We are in the process of extending our Bachelor of Arts program with a new option in music technology and music production. The recording studio will play a key role in supporting and executing these new curricular opportunities.”

Both the immersive performance space and recording studio will provide opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration within the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts and across the university, including theatre and sound engineering.

The new building also includes two large rehearsal rooms (for band and choir), a percussion rehearsal space, music library, 16 classrooms, 41 practice rooms and 65 offices.

Phase two of construction is underway. The south side of the original Westbrook Music Building will be renovated and connected to the new building, providing additional office and classroom space. The north side of the original structure will be demolished. Landscaping will be installed to connect the new music building to the arts quadrangle. The entire project will be completed in spring 2026. Details on an official dedication for the new building will be announced.

“The building is both beautiful and highly functional, and it truly supports the next chapter of excellence at the Glenn Korff School of Music,” Olschofka said. “I am truly excited to welcome back our community and alumni to experience our new space — a place designed to inspire creativity, collaboration and connection. It’s exciting to imagine all the possibilities this new home will open up for everyone.”

Those attending the open house should enter the building at the southwest entrance of the building at 10th and Q streets.

Fans attending the Cornhusker Marching Band exhibition concert should enter Memorial Stadium through Gate 3 (southwest entrance) or Gate 11 (northwest entrance). Stadium gates will open at 6 p.m.

The Cornhusker Marching Band resides in the Glenn Korff School of Music.

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WRITER: Kathe Andersen, Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts

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