Geneva College announces plans for a new music facility

BEAVER FALLS, PA (03/26/2013)(readMedia)-- Geneva College is pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees has recently approved the construction of a new facility for the music department.

Initial plans for the project include practice rooms, studios, classrooms, a piano lab and a large, multi-purpose meeting space that can be used for vocal and instrumental recitals, guest speakers and receptions.

The 8,000- to 11,000-square-foot building will be located in the green space next to the department's current facility, Alumni Hall. Construction is scheduled to begin in July of 2013, and is expected to be ready for students by the fall 2014 semester.

"The new facility will greatly improve the practice and performance space for our music majors," said Geneva President Dr. Ken Smith. "And because many other students are involved in groups like The Genevans student choir, marching and concert bands, and various other ensembles, this building will benefit many in the Geneva community."

Chair of the Music Department Don Kephart agrees. "Each year, 15-20 percent of the student body is involved in music through ensembles and private lessons, which is a strong representation compared to many schools," he said. "Participation is even greater when you consider the number of students who use our facilities in a non-official capacity, like student-led bands and groups, and individuals looking for a practice room to enjoy their musical skills."

Based on preliminary estimates for new music building, the budget for the project is approximately $2.6 million. A portion of the cost has been obtained through bequests and a previous campaign, "Keeping Faith with the Future." Geneva's Office of Institutional Advancement will engage in other appeals to raise the balance needed.

In an effort to steward these funds faithfully, Geneva is using "design build" process, which is a collaborative approach between the college, the architect and the construction contractor. This method manages the design of the building in relation to time and budget constraints, minimizing the risks that are often associated with new construction.

Geneva College has selected architectural firm Perfido, Weiskopf, Wagstaff and Goettel (PWWG) to design the building. PWWG possesses 35 years of experience in completing projects for academic institutions, public facilities, and multi-family residential structures. Examples of the firm's previous higher education work include Penn State's Information Sciences and Technology Building, West Virginia University's Oglebay and Ming Hsieh Halls, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania's Uhler Hall.

"We will build a facility that meets our space needs, upgrades our spaces significantly, and fits the campus character and design," said Associate Vice President of Operations and Human Resources Tim Baird.

Geneva College invites students to accept the challenge of an academically excellent, Christ-centered education. Offering nearly 40 undergraduate majors, an Adult Degree Completion Program with fully online and campus-based options, and seven graduate degrees, Geneva has programs that place students at the forefront of higher learning. Adhering to the inerrancy of Scripture, the liberal arts core curriculum fosters a breadth of knowledge through the study of humanities, social and natural sciences, and experiential learning.