Crowell Hall Annex

see photos

For the past 15 years the Symphonic Winds has operated in tight quarters, since three modular practice rooms were built in the Band room. The band room is now too small for the large ensemble; however, the Conservatory of Music cannot afford to lose the practice rooms.

Crowell Hall is currently undergoing expansion in an effort to increase the quantity and quality of practice rooms for the Conservatory of Music. This new addition will consist of four rooms. One room will include two of the small modular practice rooms. A second room will be used for percussion practice and will include a variety of percussion instruments, including a large marimba and timpani. A third room will be primarily used for individual practice, but will be larger than the current standard practice room in Crowell Hall. The fourth room will be large enough to fit small ensembles. (This is something we’ve never had!) These four new rooms will be accessible 24 hours a day, by means of a card reader activated by a Biola ID card.

In addition to these new rooms a small courtyard is being developed into an “Outdoor Bistro.” This area will include tables and chairs for studying or spending time with friends in conversation. There will also be a small raised platform that can be used for informal performances, such as a string quartet performing during intermission of a major concert in Crowell Hall, or for special events. The “Outdoor Bistro” will also provide the ideal spot for a coffee and snack cart to be located. This is another area in a series of outdoor spaces being developed to make campus life more appealing.

When the Conservatory of Music moves to new facilities three of the practice rooms can be converted into six faculty offices, and the ensemble practice room could be converted into either a department office or a seminar classroom. This annex was designed with the future of the Conservatory of Music in mind.