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

  • sapling sprouting from a cracked stone

    Lessons in Resilience: Disaster Recovery in Our Schools

    Facility managers play a pivotal role in how well a school weathers and recovers from a crisis. Whether it's a hurricane, a flood, a tornado, or a man-made event, preparation determines resilience.

  • Construction Begins on East Austin CTE-Focused High School

    The Del Valle Independent School District recently announced that construction has begun on a new CTE-focused high school in Austin, Texas, according to a news release. Del Valle High School will measure in at 473,338 square feet and have the capacity for 2,400 students.

  • Geometric abstract school illustration

    How Design Shapes Learning and Success

    Can the color of a wall, the curve of a chair, or the hum of fluorescent lights really affect how a student learns? More schools are beginning to think so.

  • Illinois District Boosts Security at High-School Stadium

    Richmond-Burton Community High School in Richmond, Ill., recently announced that it has completed the redesigned entrance to its high school stadium with a new focus on school security and community engagement, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects and Engineers on the project as part of District #157’s year-long facilities master plan.

Digital Edition