In need of additional instrumental and choral rehearsal space, Western Kentucky University sought a new Fine Arts Center to supplement the space provided by the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center.

The new building provides two new rehearsal spaces—one for instrumental music and one for choral. A new Director’s suite is also included. Three sheet music libraries were created for orchestra, band and choir music.

A variety of storage spaces are also included in the building including Instrument and uniforms, percussion, jazz, and choral riser storage. Student lockers and chair and stand storage are also included in the design. The new building features a large, elevator sized to accommodate a five-octave marimba.

Acoustic treatments were key to the design, including wall shaping and acoustical panels in both rehearsal spaces. Gypsum board ceiling reflectors and acoustical drapes provide additional acoustical controls. In addition, the choral rehearsal room is structurally isolated from the rest of the building to prevent the transmission of sound into other spaces.

Following the design and construction of the new Music Rehearsal Hall, the existing rehearsal hall in Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center will be fully renovated to provide the College with a state-of-the-art percussion suite.

close