Construction is now underway on the new $7.89 million Piedmont College Conservatory of Music.
College administrators say the facility will open up 20,750 square feet of space to help "elevate the school’s music program to become one of the finest in the Southeast."
A press announcement said workers are preparing a site adjacent to the Piedmont Chapel on Central Avenue for the project, which also includes the renovation of existing space on the lower level of the chapel. The conservatory’s two classrooms, concert hall, nine teaching studios, office space and grand foyer will be completed by the fall of 2019.
Piedmont College currently offers degree programs in music performance, church music, music education, musical theatre and arts administration. The college launched its music department in 1987, Alumni of the program have been admitted to the finest graduate music programs in the country, and the college’s performing groups have achieved national acclaim.
“For more than three decades, our music program has produced graduates who have achieved world-class success and developed performing ensembles that have played throughout the nation,” said Piedmont College President James F. Mellichamp, who has served on the music faculty since 1982. “Now, we will have a facility that reflects our outstanding work.”
To date, donors have given more than $7.5 million to fund the project. College officials and alumni are raising funds to push the total across the finish line, according to Mellichamp.
“In recent years, Piedmont has enrolled record classes and completed construction projects to enhance academic programs, student life and residential living,” said Thomas A. “Gus” Arrendale III, Chairman of the Piedmont College Board of Trustees. “The Music Conservatory will provide the finest instructional space for our students and signifies Piedmont’s growth and momentum.”
A single gift from a friend of the college is providing for the purchase of 22 new Steinway pianos. As a result, Piedmont will become one of an elite group of all-Steinway schools. This coupled with the new Conservatory building will enable Piedmont’s music program to achieve national accreditation, an achievement not possible with existing facilities.
More than 200 Piedmont students participate in music academic programs, choirs and program. Each year, the music department hosts approximately 40 public concerts and recitals that are free to the community.
