Baird Hall is home of the Department of Music, a place where you might hear a pianist's arpeggios or a singer's vocalise while walking through the corridors. Baird houses classrooms, faculty offices, a music library, two rehearsal halls and 64 practice rooms.

Namesake

Frank Burkett Baird (1852-1939) was a philanthropist and successful industrialist. He came to Buffalo in 1888, built the Tonawanda Iron & Steel Company, developed the Hanna Furnace Company, and served on the board of the Pan American Exposition in 1901. He was "Father of the Peace Bridge" and a proponent of the construction that opened vehicular traffic between the U.S. and Canada in 1927. He chaired the UB Council and was a member of the board of the University Foundation. Mr. Baird served as trustee of Forest Lawn Cemetery and is buried there.

His son Cameron Baird (1906-1960), a violinist in the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, founded the university's music department in 1951 and chaired it until his death.

Historical research and photographs provided by University Archives.

Building Facts

Primary function: Academic

Tenants: Department of Music, Music Library, World Language Institute

Architect: Ulrich Franzen and Associates

Completion date: November, 1981

Gross square feet: 85,580

Construction cost: $6,132,000