.New Music Rehearsal Space Opens for Students
The Hall of Music Productions and Purdue Convocations teams are pleased to announce the opening of a new ensemble rehearsal space, known as JamSpace, that is now available to registered Purdue students.
With the goal of supporting the growth of the local live music scene, the Hall of Music has conducted the initial transformation of a former video studio and band instrument locker space in the lower level of the building to become a rehearsal home for musical ensembles. Outfitted with guitar and bass amps, a keyboard, drum kit and a small PA system, the room is intended to support the bustling ecology of Purdue students who are making music outside the boundaries of formal ensembles or curricula. Local press coverage during spring 2024 celebrated the presence of many student music groups across the genres, but one challenge for such groups remained: where to find a conducive rehearsal space for regular practice. JamSpace answers that need by creating a supportive space for the abundant supply of Boilermaker creativity—and creating community amongst those who use it.
“Our goal was to create a place where students have ‘permission’ to follow their own creative impulses and connect to others doing the same thing,” said Todd Wetzel, executive director, Hall of Music Productions and Purdue Convocations. “We knew there was a gap in the system, however, because finding a suitable space without being in a formal organizational structure is difficult. We’re thrilled to provide that outlet for our talented, multidimensional students.”
“We will work creatively around existing academic and client usage in the building, which means that the availability of JamSpace will vary by the day, but we’re eager to have student music-making energy in Elliott Hall,” said Dan Metro, senior associate director, Hall of Music Productions. “As a veteran musician of numerous bands and jam sessions, I know how important it is to have a space where a band rehearse without infringing on the neighbors.” If demand and operations warrant, Metro says, subsequent phases of JamSpace may include increased sound treatments, instruments, and infrastructure.
Purdue students wishing to gain access to JamSpace will participate in an informational meeting and approval process, and consent to the working rules and policies associated with the space. Please visit the JamSpace website or email Hall of Music for more information.
JamSpace is the latest addition to the creative fabric provided by the Hall of Music and Convocations teams, joining outdoor pianos, a piano practice room, pre-professional internships, student employment, and highly active student clubs: Live Events & Productions (LEAP), Student Concert Committee (SCC), Convocations Volunteer Network (CVN), and TEDxPurdueU.
Hall of Music Productions manages performing arts venues on campus and serves as Purdue University’s professional in-house production company to provide the latest technological offerings in audio, lighting, staging, live video, and video pre and postproduction for events on and off campus. Hall of Music additionally serves as a learning center in entertainment technology and production support, involving students in hands-on experiences and training. Hall of Music promotes collaborative activities with several academic departments as part of its commitment to Purdue students.
Founded in 1902, Purdue Convocations is among the oldest collegiate performing arts presenters in the United States. Convocations brings a diverse array of world-class performances and intellectual encounters, including collaborations with campus and community partners, to academic, local and regional audiences. Convocations catalyzes the curriculum, energizes the community and distinguishing Purdue through powerful performances, illuminating discourse and extraordinary learning encounters.
Hall of Music Productions and Purdue Convocations support the power of Purdue’s residential educational experience as departments within the Division of Student Life.
Sources:
Todd Wetzel: tewetzel@purdue.edu
Dan Metro: demetro@purdue.edu
Hall of Music Productions: www.purdue.edu/hallofmusic/
Purdue Convocations: www.convocations.org
LEAP: Live Events & Productions: https://boilerlink.purdue.edu/organization/leap-purdue
SCC: Student Concert Committee: https://www.purdue.edu/scc/about/
CVN: Convocations Volunteer Network: https://www.purdue.edu/cvn/
TEDxPurdueU: https://boilerlink.purdue.edu/organization/tedxpurdueu