TAHS Auditorium Renovation to be Completed in August
Tyrone Area High School’s year-long $3 million auditorium renovation project is scheduled to be completed in August, just in time for the beginning of the 2023-24 school year.
According to the KCBA project architect James Keiffer, the space was long overdue for a major renovation.
“The auditorium was vintage from when the school was built. Not a lot has been done to it since then. All the seats were falling apart, and we couldn’t find replacement parts for them,” said Keiffer. “The acoustics were not great, the sound system was shot, the lighting system was shot, and the AV system was shot. So it really needed a full restoration.”
The auditorium received a cosmetic upgrade in the late 1990s, but most of the mechanics, including the electrical, lighting, and sound systems were original to the building, which was constructed in 1962.
The most expensive part of the renovation won’t be seen by visitors to the new auditorium, but it will be heard.
“One of the major complaints we had was the mechanical noise in the room really took away from the performances,” said Keiffer.
The four HVAC units that were in the ceiling above the seating space were removed and a new unit is being installed on the roof of the middle school next door.
“When it’s done it is going to be much quieter in here,” said Keiffer.
In order to further improve the acoustics of the space, new features such as acoustic panels on the walls, a new sound system, new AV equipment, and sound-enhancing cloud panels on the ceiling have been added.
According to Keiffer, the construction has been progressing smoothly, but getting the necessary equipment has been difficult.
‘Getting through the bidding process was a bit of a challenge because the market has been so volatile and the cost has been more than expected,” said Keiffer.
Due to the auditorium’s year-long renovation, the music department had to relocate its concerts and performances. The 2023 graduation ceremony will also have to be moved.
“We’ve moved our concerts and spring musical to alternate locations for this year. It’s really not a big deal, and it will all be worth it when the auditorium is finished,” said Tyrone’s chorus instructor Laura Harris. “ I’m really looking forward to presenting our concerts and spring musical in the new auditorium next year. I think that everyone will find it to be a first-rate performance venue.”
The annual musical that the high school puts on is one of the more popular attractions for the public. Because of the construction, the venue had to be moved along with this upcoming year’s graduation.
Kaleigh Brodzina is a part of both the POPS concert choir and Tyrone’s marching band. She is very involved with the music program and has been affected by the construction.
“I’m excited for it to be up to date. Being able to use it to its full and best ability compared to what it had been before,” said Brodzina. “It worked for what it was, but for how good the music programs are now they deserve the best equipment and environment to showcase their skills.”
Click the photo gallery below to see photos from the different stages of the renovation this school year. The photos of the scaffolding are from September, while the photos of the room with seats installed are from February and March.
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