Michigan State University (MSU) put the finishing touches on a 7,000 square foot renovation of Demonstration Hall just in time for football season.
Demonstration Hall is used for band practice, but until recently it didn’t have the proper acoustics to support MSU bands. Demonstration Hall was originally used as a 
practice space for Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and was not designed to carry sound.
“We converted the very large space into a practice facility for the marching band,” says Todd Gute with Mayotte Architects. Mayotte Architects designed the renovation.
“It was like a gym, so you can imagine the acoustics were incredible. Bands, at some time, have tried to rehearse in there and it’s been very difficult.”
The renovation included adding acoustical panels to the wall and installing motorized curtains, which can be adjusted to impact sound. It also includes a heated sidewalk to safeguard band members who brave Michigan winters to get to practice.
Source: Todd Gute, Mayotte Architects
Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.
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