Repository: UIHistories Project: Dedication - Band Building [PAGE 10]

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THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS BAND BUILDING

From the day in 1928 when the University of Illinois Bands moved into "temporary" quarters in the "temporary" Armory Annex, then: has been faith in a dream of a new Band Building at Illinois. The building into which the Bands moved last September and which is being dedicated at this time easily fits St. Paul's definition of faith, "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." It stands as a symbol of the cherished band tradition at Illinois. Attention to details characterizes the entire structure — details which are of considerable importance in the functioning of the several band units comprising almost four hundred students. Central to the whole plan is, of course, the large band rehearsal room, acoustically engineered for maximum effectiveness. The room will accommodate up to two hundred players in the rehearsal area on permanent semi-circular risers of terrazzo, marked off in sections for convenience in setting u p chairs and music stands. Six doors permit quick and easy access to the band area. Permanent theater chairs seating eighty, also on risers, are installed along the wall behind the conductor's podium. Over one hundred folding chairs may also be set u p in this area, making the total capacity of the room close to four hundred persons. Drapes in rosy tweed with the slightest possible glitter hang from the ceiling to the floor back of the band area. Made in ten sections to careful acoustical specifications, these may be drawn completely into recesses when more sound reflection is desired. In the center of the wall opposite the conductor, at second floor level, is located a window to the radio, recording, and projection booth. Five other openings are available for television cameras by removing sealed wooden doors. Six section rehearsal rooms and twelve individual practice rooms are provided in the new building, all sound treated and isolated. Corridors or storage areas completely separate the main rehearsal room from the rest of the building on both the first and second floor levels. The Band library has been assigned five rooms for its filing, folio work, copying, and duplication. In addition, there are rooms for the memorial libraries of John Philip Sousa and Herbert L. Clarke. Another room houses the Carl Busch collection of band instruments, featuring Civil War ovcr-theshoulder brasses, and the University's own instrument collection assembled over more than a half century. Facilities for storage, issue, and care of instruments, uniforms, and other properties are provided and conveniently located. Bass and percussion instruments are kept in a long, closed corridor immediately to the rear of the rehearsal room. Individual lockers arc provided for players of all except these largest instruments. Air conditioning and ventilating machinery for the building is housed in a mechanical equipment room doubly insulated from the main