Construction noise is music to the ears of Taroona High School (THS) students and teacher Glenn Schultz, Director of Music and learning Area Leader for the Arts at THS, with the commencement of work on a new development to accommodate the growing needs of the school.

My Schultz commented that he has been pushing hard for years to see the fit for purpose music facility become a reality and he is looking forward to the benefits.

“It is an exciting time for the entire school community,” Mr Schultz remarked.

We have over 750 students enrolled in our music courses with hundreds of instruments going in and out of the department each day.”

The 21st century facility will include a large 17x11 metre rehearsal room with a high ceiling to allow for the necessary cubic volume required to create a musically supportive space.

All rooms will have the appropriate acoustic treatment applied to ensure students and staff can work safely and effectively.

The development will also cater for small ensemble rehearsals and individual practice with three ensemble rooms, five practice rooms and rehearsal deck.

There will also be ample storage, a resource room, amenities and a staff room to provide for the six music staff and other specialist teachers.

When designing the facility and accounting for the needs of so many groups, the architects were able to incorporate Mr Schultz’s experience and expertise in musical education while also allowing for student voices to be heard through open workshops and consultation.

On top of this, many similar facilities across the country were explored by the architect and Mr Schultz in order to bring as much knowledge and musical design applications into the facility as possible, in order to optimise the learning outcomes for musical students at THS.

Fully funded by the State Government, Minister for Education and Training Jeremy Rockliff said that the project is part of their commitment to improving educational outcomes.

“With around 1,125 students in Years 7 to 10, it’s important Tasmania’s largest high school has the quality learning spaces it needs for students both current and future,” said Minister Rockliff.

“We are committed to creating contemporary and inspiring learning spaces for our students to ensure they have the best opportunity to learn, grown and thrive.”