Oscar Haugland

A. Oscar Haugland, son of Norwegian immigrants, was born on a farm in southern Minnesota on January 28, 1922. He received a Bachelor of Music degree from Drake University in 1943. During three years of military service, he spent time in an army band in Aberdeen, Maryland, two and one half years as a French hornist and pianist, and one as a conductor. Upon discharge in 1946, he entered Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, where he received Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music composition and theory. In 1949, he joined the faculty of West Virginia University as a professor of French horn, music theory and composition. In 1956, he was awarded a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition, with a Performer's Certificate in French horn, for which he played his own composition with the Eastman Rochester Orchestra, under the direction of Howard Hanson. He then returned to West Virginia University as the head of the theory and composition department. In 1960, he joined the School of Music at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, and retired from that position in 1992 as professor emeritus of theory and composition and as Coordinator of Graduate Studies. He also played French horn for many years in the DeKalb Municipal Band. Dr. Haugland's composition teachers included Howard Hanson, Bernard Rogers, Herbert Elwell and Robert Delaney. His works cover a variety of media, including symphonic, chamber, choral, musicals, and solos, many of which are published. A variety of his compositions have been performed throughout the United States, as well as around the world, including performances in Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, England, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, and Taiwan. While on sabbatical in 1974-75, he lectured extensively throughout Scandinavia and England on the life and music of the American composer, Charles Ives. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. Survivors include his wife, Janet; sister Connie Zakula; brother Stanley; three children, Janet Loerkens (Paul), James, and John (Connie); and six grandchildren, Blaz, Zarja, Kelly, Solveig, Amelia, and Anders. A Memorial Service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in DeKalb, Illinois, with the Reverend Blake Richter officiating on Monday December 23, 2013 at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held on Monday December 23, 2013 from 9:30am till the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Janet and A. Oscar Haugland Scholarship in Music Composition or Music Theory at Northern Illinois University. Arrangements were entrusted to: Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.