Students and staff return to school this week keenly anticipating a year full of musical opportunity and promise. In this centenary year, we are also very proud and excited to be opening the new suite of music studios in time to welcome in the new school year.
“This building is a successful combination of years of planning and fund-raising, and is a credit to all involved, says Headmaster Dr Richard Hillier. “These teaching and practice spaces will benefit pupils and teachers in so many ways and are a desperately-needed improvement on our current facilities.”
The new building comprises a single storey with eleven studios for teaching and practice as well as a teaching room which can also be used as a small conference room. The design of the building incorporates extremely high acoustic values in all rooms and a planted sedum roof to maintain a constant temperature in summer and winter, and natural ventilation without the need for air conditioning.
“The School is incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed towards this project through the Anniversary Appeal”, says Development Director Anthony Medhurst. “We have received significant donations from individuals and a range of Trusts and Foundations. Also the Friends of the Yehudi Menuhin School have worked long and hard to build support for their own named studio. Many others have contributed to initiatives ranging from the ‘Buy a Brick’ campaign to buying raffle tickets. The highlight of the centenary year celebrations – the Menuhin 100 Festival in July – provided a fitting fundraising finale with support from a gala dinner, silent auction and the Musical Lines exhibition. Thank you all for your generosity.”
Recently-retired Bursar Simon Browning oversaw the building project, which also includes an extension to the boarding facilities. “We are absolutely thrilled with the new buildings and very much looking forward to the term starting so that we can finally experience all the advantages offered by this state-of-the-art facility. From sketching out the initial designs right through to laying the last paving stone, we have been impressed by the level of the commitment and attention to detail shown by all who have worked on making this special building a reality. Particular thanks must go to Sunninghill Construction for the professional build; Bob Essert of Sound Space for the acoustic design, ANS Group Europe for the green natural roof and, not least, Richard Morrice of Miller Bourne Architects."
The studios will be officially opened on Monday 10 October.
