In Feburary, 2008, the provincial government awarded $3 million to Laurier to improve Faculty of Music facilities in the Aird Building. That money and contributions from private donors have already resulted in wonderful improvements to the space.
New lockers, carpeting, walls, and classroom equipment were in place in September, and plans call for the new CAI (Computer-Assisted Instruction) Lab, and the new music therapy wing (on the second floor of the building) to be completed by December. The music therapy space will include additional clinic rooms and a graduate student lounge (a new undergraduate student lounge and student association offices will also be created.).
Renovations in the building will occur on every floor, expanding facilities, providing superior performance and composition studios and state-of-the-art equipment. As well, improvements are being made to the building’s electrical and humidification systems to better protect instruments.
When all is done, Music Therapy will be housed on the second floor, Winds, Brass, and Strings on the third, Keyboard and Voice on the fourth, and various administrative offices on the fifth.
“With this renovation, our building is undergoing a major facelift which improves the existing space, but also, more importantly, gives us a place to inspire and realize dreams,” said Dr. Charles Morrison, Dean of the Faculty of Music.
Cianofrone Architect Inc., based in Hamilton, is driving the project, and plans are underway for a grand ‘re-opening’ of the building in September ’09.