Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Proper Planning Ensures Sound Results

  • 07/01/13
Music Facility 

Walnut High School in Walnut, Calif., had a bond passed to build a $3-million band and orchestra building. They turned to Wenger’s “Planning Guide for Secondary School Music Facilities” to figure out the best solutions for designing and furnishing the facility and justifying the costs.

When there were just rumors of a new music building, I called Wenger immediately,” says Dr. Buddy Clements, Band director at Walnut High School in Walnut, Calif. Eventually, a bond passed to build a $3-million band and orchestra building.

“Wenger’s ‘Planning Guide for Secondary School Music Facilities’ helped me do my homework and justify my requests,” Clements recalls.

Clements and Corey Wicks are full-time instrumental music directors leading three concert bands, wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, two string orchestras, full symphonic orchestra and even mariachi band!

Clements says their previous rehearsal room wasn’t very flattering to certain instruments — the alto voices — and over-projected bass instruments. “With our new rehearsal room and acoustical panels, I now hear all the frequencies and timbres,” he explains. “The panels make a tremendous impact.”

For individual practice, five SoundLok practice rooms feature VAE technology that offers realistic acoustical simulations and digital record/playback capabilities.

“Students practice in the rooms constantly, so I know they’re enjoying them,” explains Clements. Students can practice without disturbing rehearsals.

To ensure proper posture and comfort, Clements requested 200 Student Chairs from Wenger. Many of the Student Chairs he had purchased 25 years ago are still in service.

He also appreciates the longevity of his original Conductor’s System — podium, chair and stand — that he’s used for 30 years. For instrument storage, UltraStor cabinets protect belongings and improve traffic flow. “Wenger’s information and support, helped me know what my students and I needed up front,” Clements concludes.

www.wengercorp.com

This article originally appeared in the School Planning & Management July 2013 issue of Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • California District Debuts New High-School CTE Center

    The West Sonoma County Union High School District (WSCUHSD) in Sebastopol, Calif., recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new CTE Center at Analy High School, according to a news release. The district partnered with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) for the facility’s design and GCCI for its construction, and funding came from local Measure A bond funds.

  • Western Kentucky University Breaks Ground on First Phase of $350M Student Housing Project

    Western Kentucky University (WKU) in Bowling Green, Ky., recently broke ground on the first phase of a $350-million student housing initiative, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Gilbane Development through a public-private partnership (P3) to replace aging residence halls and modernize on-campus living accommodations.

  • UPenn Announces Completion of New Veterinary Education Facility

    The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Penn., recently finished construction on an 11,800-square-foot veterinary education building, according to a news release. The Gail P. Riepe Center for Advanced Veterinary Education is the first dedicated classroom facility at the New Bolton Center, a large-animal hospital and campus about 35 miles west of the campus proper.

  • DLR Group Announces New Mid-Atlantic Higher Education Leader

    Integrated design firm DLR Group recently announced that it has promoted Principal Shawn Gaither, AIA, LEED AP, to the role of higher education leader in the Mid-Atlantic, according to a news release. Gaither has served with the firm for more than 20 years, most recently as the national higher education business development leader.