By Emily Domayer–As if a fairy godmother had waved her magic wand, Eppley Auditorium has been transformed into a sparkling new concert hall. Its opening concert was held October 1.
Heath Weber, associate dean of performing arts, is proud to describe the many changes that have been made. The remodeling of Eppley began earlier this year on April 1. Concerts and recitals that would have been held on campus were moved to East High School and Grace United Methodist Church.
New carpeting was installed in the concert hall to match the coordinating dark-chocolate colored seats. Approximately $140,000 was spent to update the lighting and sound system, including eight new “intelligent lights.”
These are lights that allow a technician to change the focus, color and other features of the lighting from a touchpad, Weber said. “They give us some significant new options when using the space for something other than a standard speaker or recital.” The renovation cost a total of about $1.5 million.
Backstage woodwork has been refinished. The lobby is furnished with silver swivel chairs and cushy yellow leather seats.
Outside, the landscaping has been updated. Any trees that were removed during construction have been replaced. A modern glass canopy extends across the front entrance. Two new locations have been created for dropping off students and concert-goers. Eventually, stairs will connect Eppley with the building now under construction, which will house education, nursing and food science and agriculture.
Jim March, professor of music, said the Eppley renovation was an important accomplishment for Morningside. “Eppley is a great resource for the entire Sioux City community, in addition to Morningside,” he said. For many people, attending events at Eppley may be the only way that they know the college.
Professor March praised the improved technical capabilities of the concert hall, including its recording equipment. He believes the modern facility will be a draw for high level performers. “It is a venue we can be proud of.”
Since Eppley is the primary performance venue on campus, Morningside faculty and students have an unusual opportunity, performing in a large hall on a small campus. The recently finished renovations will make that experience all the better. “It is always exciting to play in a visually beautiful place,” March added.
Carly Hanson, a music major from Sioux City, has been very pleased by the results of the renovation. She has been very impressed with the acoustics of the hall, as well as the aesthetics of the room.
Hanson is looking forward to attending concerts, going to other Morningside events and experiencing being on the stage this year. “Eppley’s renovation brings a sense of pride in performing. It feels like a completely new place, and it’s been exciting to practice in it so far,” she said.
Cade Herrig, vice president of Sinfonia, Morningside’s social music fraternity, got to see the Eppley renovations in progress. Herrig took a May term class on building a clavichord. “As a vocal music major, it’s a better performance for me as a vocalist. The sound system is fantastic. Choir rehearsal has been fantastic. I am happy that Morningside cares enough about the arts to put forth the effort to update Eppley.”
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