For Grier School, a girls’ college preparatory private boarding school for students in grades 7-12, we provided the design of a purpose-built music instruction and performance building. The 165-year-old school offers excellence in academics with a heavy focus on the arts; fine arts, dance and music. Previously music classes were offered in standard classrooms and individual instruction overflowed into hallway spaces.
We analyzed the existing space uses and future needs and developed a program with the music faculty and school administration. The new building was designed for individual and ensemble instrumental and vocal arts lessons and performances, and music theory and music technology classes. The building provides small and medium studios, a large rehearsal and performance space, classrooms and a music technology studio.
The acoustical separation between spaces and sound control within spaces were a high priority. The Music Building was designed for the future. Extra conduit allows additional technology wiring without affecting the acoustical separation. The roof structure is designed to accommodate a future 2nd floor for additional classroom and music studio space.
On the established campus with significant sloping lands, there were few site options located centrally to the academic buildings. The building location meets several larger goals. The Music Building, with its modern expression, serves as a gateway to the school and symbolizes the school’s focus on preparing its students for the future. The location is central to the other arts and classroom buildings, strengthening the academic core.
The material palette of the building is a contemporary reinterpretation of the white masonry and green roofing that pervades the campus. The Music Building provides first-class accommodations that match the top-notch caliber of the faculty and music instruction offered at Grier School.
