Making It Work: Music Hall Still Closed

Southern University’s Tourgee A. DeBose Music Hall was closed in September 2014, and has yet to reopen. Due to lack of maintenance of the air conditioner and climate control system, mold affected both the choir room and piano lab.
With repairs being expensive, explains why the process of renovations has been prolonged and currently the Music Department and their classes have been moved to William W. Stewart and Frank Hayden Hall until the renovations are completed.
“Last I heard they are in the final stages of repairs and I have a feeling it will not be open this semester but the next,” said Chairman of Music Program, Charles Lloyd.
Lloyd also commented saying that the relocation back to Debose should begin sometime at the end of the 2015 fall semester, and completed by spring 2015.
“They are going to start moving the pianos, computers and all of our equipment over there, actually near the end of this semester. So the students will be able to move back at the beginning of next semester,” said Lloyd.
Lloyd discussed how it has not been an easy transformation for everyone to relocate to other buildings on campus, and explains how students need to practice even though there are not many pianos in Stewart. Lloyd also explains that this relocation has not hindered the students learning and thanks the instructors that are normally housed in Stewart Hall for being so kind and patient towards the Music Department.
“Well it’s been challenging because you know music students need to practice. There are not as many pianos over in this building, but the education had to continue. There are some sacrifices we made, but the students are doing fine,” said Lloyd.
“It’s been somewhat of an inconvenience for the instructors that are normally housed here, although they have been extremely kind and patient with us.”
When asked how the relocation has affected the learning, Music Education major, Micheal Bingham of Baton Rouge had a lot to say about not being able to enjoy the building designed specifically for them.
“Moving to Stewart hall affected my learning because it’s more challenging to try to really express myself in this building when you have to keep in mind that there are other classes that don’t really appreciate the value of music as music majors do,” said Bingham.
“Being a music major things have the tendency to get loud. It’s very hard to keep the volume at a wise or considerate level when you have other classes that aren’t used to hearing that much volume and that much music coming at one time,” said Bingham.
“It’s just been challenging to try and schedule around other classes that doesn’t have that same care and appreciation for music,” finished Bingham.
Mass Communications major Acy Igdalver, a junior had something different to say about the Music Department being relocated into Stewart.
“I don’t really think it has affected my learning that much. They’re not really loud,” said Igdalver. “It doesn’t bother me when I’m in the classroom or anything like that,” finished Igdalver.