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Construction is expected to start in March of 2023 and be completed in July of 2023.
The 100th anniversary of the award-winning Urbana High School band program is in 2024. Rich in history and once under the guest baton of John Philip Sousa, the Urbana band program is a cornerstone of Urbana High School and the city itself. As with any longstanding program, periodic review of facility needs is necessary.
Despite consistent growth and expansion in the Urbana High School band program and enrollment over time, the last renovation of the band rehearsal and storage place took place over fifty years ago.
In order to assess current and future needs of the program, the Urbana School District #116 commissioned Isaksen, Glerum, Wachter Architects, LLC to conduct a feasibility study in Summer 2021. As a result, the UHS band room/storage addition will expand the space by more than 1360 square feet.
The renovation will include replacement of the ceiling and HVAC, increase much-needed storage space, include an interior ramp with doors to the football field and add new acoustical tiles to improve sound reduction.
Letter from Karen DebaUche
October 28, 2022
Dear Friends,
The Urbana High School Band Program is approaching 100 Years of Excellence! In my thirty years as a music educator with the Urbana School District #116, it has been my greatest honor to witness music transform the lives of thousands of students and families. Though recently retired, I have the privilege of serving as honorary chair of the UHS Bands Room to Grow initiative.
USD#116 prides itself in providing quality music education to all students regardless of income or ability. Our nationally award-winning band program has grown to include two concert bands, a marching band with color guard, a big band-style jazz ensemble, a brass choir, a woodwind choir, and a percussion ensemble. Notwithstanding this consistent growth, the last renovation of the UHS band room took place nearly fifty years ago.
After receiving a seed grant, the Friends of the UHS Band Room have launched the Room to Grow fundraising project as a public-private partnership to raise $100,000 in matching funds to complete the much-needed expansion. This project will expand rehearsal space, improve storage space to protect and preserve instruments and equipment, and create a much-needed interior ramp and wider entry access to the football field. Additionally, we’ll be able to install proper acoustical tiles to optimize sound quality.
As UHS Bands will soon be celebrating its 100th anniversary, I hope you will join me in ushering our award- winning program into the next century of excellence! Enclosed please find more information about the band room expansion project and ways to make a 100% tax-deductible charitable contribution. Feel free to contact uhsbandroom@gmail.com with any questions. Thank you!
"The true beauty of music is that it connects people." -- Roy Ayers
In harmony together,
Karen DeBauche
Honorary Chair
Room To Grow Campaign
Urbana Bands
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