2021 Lycoming College Summer Magazine

“For several decades, the College’s music program has been housed in Clarke Chapel. While it is a lovely building — the exterior and the chapel itself remain in good shape — the other levels of the building reached the point where they were badly in need of renovation. We studied what would be involved in renovating the historic building, and it was prohibitively expensive to renovate the teaching, practice, and rehearsal spaces,” Trachte comments. Although a beautiful, historic building and a wonderful place to gather as a campus community, Clarke Chapel is not conducive for music rehearsals. Space limitations don’t allow a full orchestra on the stage, and it is difficult to hear the clarity and direction of the instruments or the diction of vocals. The new 14,000 square foot building, slated to open in the fall of 2022, will house a signature rehearsal and recital space with tall ceilings and the appropriate acoustical treatments, and the floorplan will allow flexibility and room for growth, thus providing a rich environment for music making. The band, choir, and orchestra will have their own footprints where each can rehearse separately or combine into one large group for collaborative projects. The excitement is palpable, and William Ciabattari, Ph.D., department chair and associate professor of music, finds himself asking, “How big can we dream? What will we be capable of accomplishing in this new facility? It’s just amazing to have the opportunity to flourish!” The facility will also include a classroom, a digital piano lab, three large and eight small soundproof practice rooms, a music library, storage where instruments can be properly protected, offices for music faculty, and an outdoor plaza. “We are really excited about the faculty offices,” says Amanda Gunderson, D.M.A., associate professor of music. “Faculty will have the ability to practice, create, compose, perform, and record, as well as plan and prepare course materials, meet with students, and teach lessons, all within our new offices. These inspiring spaces are a haven for artists, and we are truly grateful.” The new facility is not intended to be used for large performances, so the College will continue with its standing arrangement with the Music is accessible to all students. Music helps train your mind and strengthens your listening skills. Music is about the experience and striving for something with other people. – William Ciabattari, Ph.D. 17 www.lycoming.edu