Academics

Kretzmann Summer Construction

Built in 1950, the south section of Kretzmann Hall has served as the practice and rehearsal facility for the music department of Concordia University Chicago. For many of the early years, upright pianos were in each of the practice rooms. Since then, the musical landscape has changed. To date, the University continually experiences growth of instrumentalists and singers, resulting in modification needs to the practice rooms.

The construction materials of hollow cinder block walls, thin glass windows, and standard doors were average for the time and the original use for pianos. However, with the change from pianos to instrumentalists and singers, the materials could not withhold sounds mingling from one room to another. Over the years, students frequently expressed concern over the state of the practice facilities.

Through the music accreditation process, begun in the early 2000s, the condition of the practice rooms was identified as one of the chief facility areas to be addressed. Some mild and admittedly temporary revisions were made. Some of the cinderblock walls were removed to create larger spaces and homemade wall treatments were added to address the sound issues. It was recognized that these were stopgap measures until a more permanent solution could be found.

Thanks to the support of the Build.Grow.Inspire. campaign, renovation of the upper and lower floors of the practice wings began on May 21, 2012.

Construction Update

Construction is completed! The modular practice rooms have been installed, new lighting and new ceilings (on both the 300 and 100 levels) have been completed. Floor tile will be installed shortly. The entire 300 level will be air conditioned. We expect to be able to use both levels by the beginning of the fall semester.

When the project is completed, there will be seven new soundproof rooms on the 300 level, some with pianos, some without. Each room has a large glass window and outside light comes into the hallway. Lockers for band instruments will be centrally located on the 100 level. Several of the large rooms on the 100 level remain for practice and studio use. The teaching studios on the east each have new flooring and paint.

We look forward to a fall dedication. Check back for additional progress updates as well as for information on the dedication!