The floor area for a forty-piece band should be thirty feet by forty feet with an allowance of twenty to twenty-five square feet for each additional member. Ceiling height can be determined roughly by starting with an eight-foot level and adding one foot for every three hundred square feet of floor space.

Risers are a very desirable item since both student and teacher can see each other better. Riser height can vary from six inches to ten inches, and the width should be four feet with the exception of the rear riser that should be at least six feet wide (for band). They should not be hollow but be either solid poured concrete or, if they are wooden, all interior spaces filled with insulation.

Next in importance is the teaching studio. Although sometimes the studio and rehearsal area are the same, the teacher can separate the two areas by using dividers and cabinets.

The successful music teacher when doing the running of the program should do it in an organized fashion. The office should look like the office of an executive, though it may not be as luxurious. Equipment in the office should include a desk, filing cabinets, and other items that would enable the teacher do his/her work in an organized way. Storage of ensemble music, records, and resale materials should be in another area.

Two other important items in the studio are the telephone and computer. In any music program the telephone is a necessity. Special music, cancellation of lessons, trip arrangements, and a myriad amount of detail can be quickly cared for in short calls. Another desirable feature is a large glass window placed where the director can readily view the rehearsal area (when proximity allows this).

There should be drapes at the windows, a desk set in good condition on the desk and a few tastefully selected pictures on the wall. Attention to details such as these will result in a pleasant area that the students will recognize and respect as private.

MONITOR/STUDENT WORKER’S OFFICE.

The monitor/student worker situation is peculiar to the Adventist schools. These persons are a most helpful adjunct to the running of an organized program and they should have an office area where they can do their work. Ensemble music, recordings library, and resale materials can be stored in this area.

An ideal location is close to the teacher's studio, yet near enough to the practice rooms to easily monitor them. Entrance by means of a Dutch or divided door with the lower portion closed provides privacy for the worker yet allows the students to pick up metronomes, music and resale materials. Equipment should include a desk, computer, and other tools needed for the efficient accomplishment of work assignments.

Adequate private practice areas are needed, particularly in the boarding academy. They should be located near the rehearsal area and should be at least six feet by eight feet in size. Each room should be equipped with a piano, at least one stand and two chairs. A provision for checking the practice room without disturbing the student can be made by placing a small window in the entry door. The practice room area should be regulated by a few well chosen but strictly enforced rules(see sample under forms).

Where the group presents its programs can have a profound effect on how the group is perceived by both its members and the audience. A room that is too dead can drain the vitality out of the sound and the performers, particularly if the rehearsal area is livelier. Also many times this can make it hard for the group to hear itself and keep its musical balance. Conversely, if the room is too lively, it is hard for the student focus and can lead to sloppiness in playing.

Dead acoustics can be remedied through the use of acoustic Panels. While some of these can be made, it is better to try and sell the school on the idea that all programs presented by the school can benefit from the purchase of professionally made acoustic panels. Wenger is presently the best source for purchase of acoustic systems of varying complexity.

Avoid the Microphone/Sound System fix which, at its best, can never do justice to the projection of live sound. Also, when such systems are used, the director has surrendered control of how his/her group will sound to the technician at the mixing board.

Too-live acoustics are in some ways more difficult to fix. Too much lower sound or percussion can be eased with carpet on the floor under those sections. Increasing or decreasing space around each performer can also help, particularly as it affects the ability of the group to hear itself. If the room in which you are playing has the possibility of having draperies or a soft substance being applied to the back wall, it will possibly dampen the echo effect. And of course, a capacity or overflow audience can have quieting effect in some rooms.

Whatever the situation, It is critically important to that there be rehearsal time in the auditorium before the performance. If one is touring, allow time in the schedule for that activity.

Facilities for storage of student instruments, department equipment, and music should be provided. These facilities are best located in the rehearsal practice areas. Different sized racks for the different sized instruments should be provided. Only instruments such as the tubas and percussion should be stored in an area other than the instrument racks.

Assignment of a specific rack or locker to the student for private music storage will alleviate confusion at the beginning and ending of periods. Provision should be made for the storage of unused equipment and cases used for travel. Racks for the storage and sorting of ensemble folders should also be provided.