Prepare yourself for a great joy! The Music Library and the School of Music now have a beautiful new north courtyard. Thanks to funds from the Music Library’s Rose Marie Grentzer endowment and the graduate students in music (GSA), we now have an outdoor study area with beautiful greenery, wireless internet, and places to sit. See photo by clicking here!
The Full Story:
The idea for beautifying the north courtyard came about in early 2011. Thad Garrett, Assistant to the Music Librarian and then secretary of the Graduate Student Association, had begun discussing with music senators Brian Rice and Chloe Canton how to spend the rebate money that the graduate students in music would be receiving. They decided that they would like to pursue purchasing tables, chairs, and benches for the north courtyard to provide additional study and lounge space for students in Ward Hall.
Thad approached Dean Wagstaff’s office and was sent to Denise Puricelli, who is chair of the School of Music Beautification Committee. At this point Maurice Saylor, Music Librarian, was asked to help in the planning of this area. Maurice had always admired how Chris Vetick, Director of Grounds Maintenance, has transformed the look of the campus. Chris was brought into the discussion to design a functional and welcoming space.
At this point it was determined that funds beyond those coming from GSA would be needed. Maurice suggested using funds from the Music Library’s Rose Marie Grentzer Endowment since the space provides an outdoor reading area for the Music Library. The wireless signal was tested outside in all areas of the courtyard and was found to be strong enough to stream both audio and video. The idea was taken to Steve Connaghan, University Librarian, who approved the use of the Grentzer fund.
Denise organized meetings with the appropriate parties to discuss the plan. From there, Dominic Traino and Rick Ricker discussed what repairs were needed to the exterior of the building and to the existing drainage system in the space. Marc DeOcampo created plans which, after a few drafts, were approved by Dean Wagstaff. Cristina Verderese Canning, Assistant to Dean, helped organize the sources of funding, and the work began. Phase I of the project was completed on May 3, 2012, and included all-new landscaping: two benches along the walkway, five redbuds, three cypress trees, a large river birch, and many shrubs and ornamentals. Plants were chosen to help control the drainage issues. A weeping blue atlas cedar was planted with periwinkle in the circular planter by the entrance to the Music Library. Phase II is to include electrical outlets, tables, and additional seating, and is dependent upon funding from the School of Music.