91��Ƭ��

Orchestra will take over old band hall

The construction noise at Martin High School sounds like music. At least to some. That’s because the addition currently under construction is going to be a much-needed new band hall.

The project, funded by the 2019 Bond, started in the spring but recently went vertical, which means the walls are now going up.

The 10,000 square-foot addition will house the new band hall, practice rooms, a percussion room and band offices.

“The band program is ecstatic about the new additions to the fine arts facilities at Martin High School,” said Babatunde Onibudo, Martin’s director of . “The band students and staff are extremely excited about the new band hall and cannot wait for its completion.”

While their wait will continue through the year – the new addition should open this summer 2025 – choir and orchestra students are already enjoying renovations to their facilities that were done over the summer.

“The Martin Choir received a new HVAC System, new risers that offer versatility to accommodate our different sized groups, raised ceilings to enhance the acoustics, new acoustical tiles to improve sound quality, new flooring and fresh paint,” said Jocelyn Epley, Martin’s director. “We are thrilled for these upgrades and look forward to seeing how these enhancements will contribute to our incredible choir program.”

The orchestra room received renovations, too, with new carpet and paint. But they’re also waiting for the new band hall to open.

That’s because Martin’s current orchestra space is not big enough. The school has two orchestras that meet at the same time for three of four class periods a day. So, one orchestra class has to meet on the auditorium stage, which has many disadvantages to a standard rehearsal room.

But when the new band hall is built, the original band hall will be renovated and orchestra will take it over, giving the program two fully functioning classrooms. The renovations will be done next summer.

“Having two viable rehearsal spaces will be huge for us,” said Jamie Ovalle, Martin’s director of . “It means we can offer an equitable experience for every kid in the Martin orchestra. This will improve our kids’ ownership over their learning space and help us be better teachers by having access to technology and standard orchestra room resources we have not had before. It is an addition we have been looking forward to for quite some time. We are grateful for the support of our principal, Mrs. Roddy, and AISD.”