On Friday, I had the chance to tour my school's music classrooms (1 rehearsal hall, several practice rooms, 2 auditoriums, and a few mid-sized rooms to be used for other things in the future) with the school's primary funder, the head architect, my principal, and the dance/drama teacher. While walking through the construction, I started reflecting on music classrooms, rehearsal halls, concert halls, and practice rooms I encountered over the years. When it comes to acoustics, I realized that there is room for a lot of potential, as the rooms are not yet finished (...nor had any of this been considered...).
"Potential" is written all over!
(Windows and weird "clouds" could be problematic - find out why as you continue on)
As the art of acoustics is new to everyone involved (even the architect - and myself!), I had been given the task of doing some research; I thought I could share some of my findings here!
Part 1: READ THIS
This is a general rundown of all the important points to consider when designing an acoustically sound space. In general, we need soundproof rooms (tight/heavy doors and windows - to keep sound in AND out) and panels to help absorb sound (to reduce reverberation and loudness) and diffuse sounds (to help students and conductor hear each other). Wenger is a great company that helps music classrooms install such panels...in America, that is. I'll have to see if there's anything like this in China!
Part 2: Go To Wenger's Website
Check out all the goodies at Wenger's website - it got me thinking of things that I never thought I needed (but really, these are great pieces of equipment for school music programs!)These products stood out to me:
http://wengercorp.com/sound-isolation/acoustical-doors.php
http://wengercorp.com/acoustics/legacy-basic-acoustical-shells.php
http://wengercorp.com/acoustics/rehearsal-room-acoustical-treatments.php
http://wengercorp.com/storage/index.php
Part 3: Watch these Videos!
How to Soundproof a Room Cheaply
I noticed that the practice rooms in my building have air vents - this next video addresses it:
Soundproofing and Ventilation
Unfortunately, the vents in the practice rooms are rectangular, so we'll figure out what to do with that!
Part 4: Other Considerations (Brainstorming)
Space:
- Rehearsal space could double as middle school general music room (I will make it work)
- Elementary music room should be located elsewhere (need dedicated space)
- Some of the practice rooms or mid-sized rooms need to be converted to storage spaces
- Need large instrument room near rehearsal room
- Need a percussion room, also near rehearsal room
- Elementary music room can hold off on its own (instruments aren't as loud, shelves most likely won't rattle from noise production)
- Instruments are finicky! Keep these two in check unless you want a bunch of broken instruments
Lighting (Windows):
- We may read music; white paper reflects light. It hurts our eyes
Anyway, these are just things I started playing around with - and it's important! Musicians deal with sound, so an acoustically sound space will help students tune in with each other and ultimately themselves; they need to be able to listen comfortably and effectively.
What do you think? Do you know any tips or tricks when it comes to acoustics and room design? Did you learn something today? :)
What do you think? Do you know any tips or tricks when it comes to acoustics and room design? Did you learn something today? :)
