Acoustical compromises: Working with a design team for maximum isolation at minimal costs in high school music facilities.

Abstract

Texas Public High Schools place a large emphasis on their music and drama programs, often providing facilities for their students that are far superior than many 4-year college and universities. These high school facilities include several rehearsal rooms for band, choir, orchestra, percussion, ensembles, mariachi and individual practice. In addition, they also often have a drama classroom, a black box theater, and a Performing Arts Center. When working with the design team on these projects, there are often many obstacles to work around in order to provide the best scenario possible for the end user. These “obstacles” often include (but are not limited to) school district codes, budgets, the “convenience” factor, city codes, and space planning. This paper will showcase many high school music facilities through the south and southeast and the compromises and obstacles that were overcome with the end result goal as satisfying the music department.