Philanthropist Conrad Prebys loves music. And his recent gift to the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Department of Music may ensure that high-quality music will continue to be produced and played in San Diego.
“I’ve been involved in music since I was a youngster,” said Prebys, who lives in Point Loma. “Music is a big part of my life ” the enjoyment of my life.”
Prebys recently made a $3 million gift to the UCSD Department of Music. His contribution has established the Conrad Prebys Music Endowment at UCSD and has added to the $6 million he donated to the department last year.
“I’m passionate about music,” Prebys said. “I’m passionate about the program at UCSD.”
The $3 million gift will fund graduate fellowships, purchase new equipment and help complete a new music facility at UCSD. UCSD Department of Music chair Rand Steiger said fellowships are important for the school to bring top graduate students to its program.
“We get outstanding graduate students from around the world and we compete with other institutions for fellowships,” Steiger said.
These fellowships help students pay for their music education while providing money for living expenses. In turn, the students work, often as undergraduate teaching assistants.
Steiger said in the field of music a fellowship can keep a recent college graduate from becoming buried in student loans. It can also help them by serving as a building block for a music career.
“In music, it’s very hard to get started,” Steiger said.
The gift will also help complete and maintain a new music venue at UCSD. The Conrad Prebys Music Center, which is expected to open in 2009, will feature a 400-seat concert hall.
Steiger said the new facility will improve the quality of music within the department, from its recording studios to its soundproof rooms.
“The building we’ve been in for the history of the program wasn’t a music building “” it was a multipurpose building,” Steiger said. “We haven’t had a good place to play music, which is a hindrance.”
Prebys said he is honored to have his name be a part of the building.
“I’m excited and anxious for when the first concert occurs,” Prebys said.
Steiger said the Conrad Prebys Music Center will be one of the finest in the nation. And this will benefit more than just music students at UCSD.
“It’s good for the community as well because there aren’t very many good venues for music in San Diego,” Steiger said.