With the Fine Arts Bond Issue finally in effect, students have now been able to use music, drama and arts spaces to their full potential. Construction is still going on, but most students have been able to experience the new music and art rooms, whose renovations occurred over the summer. The bond issue was voted on several years ago, agreeing to give money to the Central Fine Arts departments for new renovations and equipment.
“Now everything has a more updated look instead of the old 70’s paneling that used to be there,” junior and drum major Justin Schaefer said. “It looks really modern and neat.”
The main difference for the music students, besides aesthetics, has been the improved acoustics. Schaefer said that improved acoustics can help the blending of the band.
There are discrepancies on the effectiveness of it, though. Senior Jake Blonstein says the new acoustics in the choir room are great and the sound has been changed for the better, but Schaefer differs in opinion, saying the band room is too loud.
The organization of the music wing has been restructured, as well. Blonstein commented that the choir room’s closet space got much bigger and more of the closets have been detached from the rooms.
For the most part, music students do seem to enjoy the new features the wing has to offer them. The art wing is another matter, though. Gone are the days of shiny red-stained floors and mismatched boards on the walls, which students and staff have some mixed opinions over.
Among the adjustments are a scratchproof new floor and brand new sinks in art teacher Mrs. Cara Deffenbaugh’s classroom, along with the installation of a new projector screen.
“I guess the floors are growing on me,” art teacher Cara Deffenbaugh said. “At first when I walked in, I hated them, but they’re not so bad.”
The new floors are dusty brown in color, but it isn’t just the aesthetics that bother both students and staff. The glossy finish is no more, and the sealant added in its place, while scratch proof, absorbs any liquid dropped onto it. Although that causes more stains, Deffenbaugh is glad the scuff marks are off her floor.
The most exciting part of the renovations for many serious artists is the new sinks. These sinks are built into the wall, rather than sticking out horizontally as they previously did, creating more space for students to move around and providing a more convenient space to clean paint supplies.
“It’s a nice change not to feel like I’m in anybody’s way when I’m cleaning my brushes,” senior Emily Walters said.
According to principal Mr. Tim McCarthy, the theater has started renovations last year and is continuing through this year. Last year the theater received new LED cyc lights, new source four hanging lights, and the sound control board has been moved into the back of the audience. This year the theater is updating their presentation skills with a new lectern, new projector, new projection screen and new carpets, among other things.
“We’re very fortunate that we were able to get so many wonderful renovations,” theater teacher Mrs. Nicole Voss said. “Not just for performances but because so many people from the district use our theater.”
