For years, Georgia College & State University (GCSU) music students practiced in spaces that weren’t built for the sound they were trying to make. Porter Hall, the old rehearsal space, often let music seep through the walls and the low ceilings made it difficult for groups to hear one another clearly.
The new $4.45 million Music Rehearsal Hall was introduced by the Department of Music and is the first building at GCSU designed specifically for music and choral rehearsal.
The new hall is located near the Miller Gym and is easy to spot with its tall structure and large rehearsal windows.
Many students say the difference between the new space and the old one is immediately noticeable.
“I feel like I have been able to listen better, allowing me to improve much faster,” said Alyx Humayra, a junior music education major. “There is less bleeding and the dedicated space for singers has allowed me to practice and rehearse appropriately without the possibility of interruption.”
Humayra said one of her favorite parts of the new hall is the extra space and privacy it gives students.
“My favorite feature of the new rehearsal hall is the sectional rooms in each ensemble rehearsal room which are soundproofed and large enough to fit multiple people in,” she said. “It has become a vital asset to rehearsals and provided practice spaces for chamber ensembles and sections of large ensembles.”
Before the new building opened, students used several locations across campus for practice, including the McComb Building. Those spaces were not designed for the size or sound of large ensembles. In some cases, students said they had to adjust their rehearsal volume to avoid disturbing nearby classrooms.
“It’s more spacious, comfortable and designed specifically for ensemble work,” said Autumn Taylor, a junior music education major. “Unlike Porter Hall and the McComb Building, this space allows for better balance, visibility and communication among musicians. It also feels more professional, as if we are preparing in a space that truly supports our growth as musicians.”
Taylor said the new building has also made it easier for groups to rehearse whenever they need to.
“Having a dedicated rehearsal space is essential because it creates an environment where students can focus on making music,” she said. “It also allows ensembles to rehearse at any volume and time without worrying about disturbing classes or offices nearby. It’s a space designed to meet our specific needs as performers, which helps us take our rehearsals more seriously and achieve a higher level of artistry.”
Faculty in the Department of Music have shared similar excitement about what the space means for future performances and outreach.
“Having a professionally designed, designated space for music allows us to welcome in visitors, students from other schools and the community,” said Dr. Dana Gorzelany-Mostak, a professor of music at GCSU. “Just last month, the Department of Music hosted Choral Day, an event that brought in almost a hundred students from Middle Georgia high schools. It was a great opportunity for not only music making, but also to recruit future Bobcats!”
With the new rehearsal hall, GCSU has fostered a space that not only improves how students practice but also helps them connect more deeply with their music and the community.
While the building represents a major investment in the arts, many students see it as more than just an upgrade in facilities. For them, it’s a sign that their work and musical sound matters.