Music filled the air Sunday afternoon at Saint Xavier University as students, faculty and alumni gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the university’s newly renovated Music Performance Hall. The joyful debut featured the Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos performing their first concert in the new space to close out Homecoming Week.
Located on the second floor of the Warde Academic Center at 3700 W. 103rd St. in Chicago, the new hall occupies what was once the university’s original gymnasium before the Shannon Center opened in 1999. The $1.2 million renovation began May 12 and was mostly completed by Aug. 29, transforming the outdated gym into a modern, professional performance venue filled with warmth, light and sound.
The transformation included extensive updates throughout the space, including new ceilings, lighting, windows and painted walls. The floor was refurbished, electrical systems modernized and an HVAC system installed to regulate temperature for the first time. Decorative lighting now enhances both rehearsals and performances, while a new “Music Performance Hall” sign welcomes guests and musicians alike.
“This is a space that finally matches the talent and dedication of our students,” said Dr. Shawn Salmon, director of Jazz and Commercial Music at Saint Xavier University. “They deserve a professional environment where they can grow as musicians and performers.”
The new hall will serve as the heart of Saint Xavier’s music life.
It will host rehearsals for chorale, university band, jazz band, combos, commercial band, chamber ensembles and percussion lessons throughout the week. Public concerts for all ensembles will also take place there, beginning with Sunday’s jazz concert that marked its debut.
Saint Xavier plans to make the most of the space year-round.
The hall will host the university’s annual Summer Jazz Camp in July and, for the first time in March, the Illinois Music Educators Association Jazz Festival. The department also plans to use the space for choral and band festivals, competitions, workshops and even dances.
“We are looking to open the space up in so many ways,” Salmon said. “I am sure we will think of even more things as we continue to make this new space home for our students.”
Salmon expressed heartfelt appreciation for everyone who helped make the transformation possible.
“We are filled with great gratitude to the Saint Xavier University administration for helping make this happen and investing in our students in such a wonderful way,” he said. “We are also so grateful to Pete Skach, director of facilities management, and Leah Moore, assistant director of facilities, and their staff for their help throughout this process. Finally, big thanks to our Music Chair, Dr. Greg Coutts, and Director of Choral Studies, Prof. Thomas McNichols. We have a lot of wonderful, generous, caring people that embody the mercy mission of Saint Xavier University.”
