MVHS’s F4 music building’s reconstruction project, which began in early January, was completed on Friday, Aug. 1. The project renovated both interior and exterior features, installing new electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fire alarm systems. An additional Percussion Studio and Instrumental Storage facility was also installed, providing students and staff storage and practice space, according to Principal Clausnitzer and Band & Orchestra Teacher John Gilchrist.
Measure G, an FUHSD bond approved by voters on June 7, 2022, allocates $275 million to renovating and modernizing district buildings. As a strong advocate for music education, Gilchrist recalls rallying support for the project through flyers and community engagement.
“I remember actually going around knocking on doors and leaving little notes for Measure G on people’s doors, because this was really important to me,” Gilchrist said. “When it came down to the vote, it looked at first like it wouldn’t pass. But then, as more votes rolled in, it became clear that we did pass by a very narrow margin. It was pretty exciting.”
Clausnitzer notes that the renovation aims to improve the music room’s functionality as a creative space, while still optimizing taxpayers’ money.
“That space created all kinds of instrument lockers, as well as practice spaces, as well as a percussion room that also allows for storage,” Clausnitzer said. “Getting all of that equipment out and redesigning the original building created this big, functional and amazing space.”
Gilchrist expresses a similar sentiment towards the renovation’s purpose — to him, creating more usable space was among the primary aims when pitching the idea of reconstruction, and the modernized room is more functional.
“We had several practice rooms, but they were only practice rooms in name, because you couldn’t actually practice in there,” Gilchrist said. “ They were full of boxes and uniforms and instruments that people weren’t playing on, so they were basically unusable. That was one of the primary considerations that I had when working with the architect — to make sure that we had adequate storage for the many things that we have that need to be stored. They’ve done an incredible job with that. It actually freed up a lot of space, and there’s a calmer feeling without all the clutter around.”
Junior Tara Brumand, who plays the violin and drums for the marching band, emphasized the necessity of the renovation. She agrees that the lack of space limited students’ ability to collaborate.
“In general, the issues that we had with the previous music room were that it was small, there wasn’t enough space to store instruments and for practice purposes and there weren’t a lot of places to hang out for the music kids,” Brumand said. “I really like the new band room — I think it’s super modern, and it is enhanced with a lot of features that are super useful for orchestra and band classes.”
For Gilchrist, the renovation marks a new beginning for the musical department’s curriculum and creates excitement about future possibilities.
“I’m grateful for the support of the community and everybody who’s worked to make this possible,” Gilchrist said. “I think there’s going to be a much more refreshed and positive environment to make music in — and it’s going to sound a lot better when people actually start playing.”
Brumand agrees that the new space feels much more conducive to effective practice. She adds that the musical department’s technology has improved, which will support students as they explore their curiosity and passion for music.
“It’s a lot easier to hear the dynamics of the music that you’re playing, and the practice rooms are gonna be really beneficial to playing your own piece,” Brumand said. “The new technology that they have really motivates you to want to practice and get better.”
