Austin Peay’s $9.5-million music/mass communication building is an exercise in classic design and modern application. A tree-filled, brick-paved courtyard introduces the magnificent vaulted lobby with its impressive architectural details and spacious areas for arts exhibits and receptions. Musical and dramatic performances as well as lectures and seminars bring the elegant European-style concert hall to life. The concert hall features state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. Guest artists and ensembles can use the building’s choral, instrumental and opera/dance rehearsal halls, built to maximize acoustics, for practice and instruction.

Location

The music/mass communication building is located at the intersection of Marion and Eighth streets, next to the Kimbrough College of Business Building.

Parking

Free parking, with handicap access, is available in the lot across from the brick courtyard.

Handicap Access

Exterior ramps and interior elevators provide handicap access. Wheelchair space is available in all reception, exhibit, performance and rehearsal areas of the building.

Multimedia

The outdoor courtyard and a second-floor balcony are wired for power while the first-floor lobby provides power and telephone service.
The concert hall’s specially treated walls and sound-locked vestibules provide optimum acoustics. The facility is designed as both a concert hall and theater. A sprawling proscenium arch and orchestra lift pair with moveable hinged ceiling panels and doors to customize the stage area for different modes of performance. A counter-weight balanced rigging system facilitates mobility of sets. Heavy drapes circling the concert hall can be adapted to project traditional or modern musical styles.

Off-stage areas include a loft for a concert pipe organ and grand piano, storage for music stands and chairs and extra wing space. Seating – 600 plush upholstered oak chairs – is arranged on floor, side terrace, back terrace and side balcony levels.

The main floor houses a control room with professional-grade theatrical lighting and sound systems, and equipment is linked to company electric and sound boxes off stage left. Multiple electric pipes also are located upstage of the proscenium, and additional circuits are at the front of the house as well as on the ground.
Expansive, sound-isolated choral, instrumental and opera/dance rehearsal halls are equipped with retractable curtains to accommodate acoustic needs. The choral room features a 26-foot ceiling, specially treated for the vocal ensemble environment, and the band room – comfortably seating up to 200 players – includes built-in storage for large musical instruments. The opera/dance hall doubles as a dance studio and music instruction area.

Pre-performance preparation areas are located in three dressing rooms (one star and two chorus) with washbasins and Hollywood-style lighting.

Television monitors; videocassette, DVD and CD players; slide and overhead projectors, portable projector screens, platform risers and display booths are available for use. Additional amenities include podiums, microphones, and multidimensional tables and chairs.

Dance Floor and Staging

The tongue and groove edge grain pine stage floor in the concert hall is built with air space between the sub floor and stage floor to enhance acoustic and dance surface quality.

The 1,000-square-foot dance floor in the opera/dance rehearsal hall is constructed of hardwood layers and neoprene pads to allow for the “give” desirable for dance instruction.

Standard three-step choir risers in 8-, 16- and 24-inch heights are available to create portable staging areas.

Catering

Aramark, a leader in the catering industry, offers on-site food service. In addition to a vast assortment of menu options – from light hors d’oeuvres to theme buffets and gourmet fare – Aramark provides all china, silverware, glassware and linens. Setup, cleanup and serving staff are available as well.

Outside caterers are welcome. Food can be enjoyed in the outdoor courtyard or indoor lobby.

For an informal break between seminar sessions, several food court vendors in the nearby University Center offer sandwiches, salads and sides, and specialty coffees and café ambience can be found at neighboring Java City.

Other Amenities and Services

• Large double-door access to the building for loading/reloading equipment