By DAWN PROSSER Director of Communications When school leaders were discerning a focus for the annual Friends of Gehlen Catholic Ball fund-a-cause, concern for the condition of the band room was pointed out by Gehlen School Board members.
“Our students use the band room daily, but many parents and benefactors didn’t know what kind of shape the room was in until we were able to show them through touring or video,” explained Amy Jungers, director of development for Gehlen Catholic School.
The facilities are used by 28 instrumental music students in grades 7-12 and the fifth and sixth grade band students. The band room needed a renovation, Jungers said.
“It was outdated which did not allow for great climate control,” she said. “This was hard on students and instruments. In addition, the carpet and ceiling had much wear and tear as did the chairs and stands that have been used for many years. The cabinets that held instruments were falling apart and needed repairs.”
The band room renovation was selected as the fund-a-cause at the April 22, 2024, Friends of Gehlen Catholic Ball as the school felt that the project would benefit the students, staff and school as a whole.
Band instructor Lindsey Kruse, school buildings and grounds committee and the maintenance and development staff worked together to offer design concepts and suggestions for the room.
“These large projects take a wide variety of people,” the director pointed out.
Donors were generous, bringing in $59,700 and an additional $15,000 in matching funds. The finance committee agreed that the school would pick up any additional expenses beyond the fundraising. “Once we were able to show the need, many people were anxious to help get the space updated for our students,” Jungers noted.
As soon as the 2023-24 academic year ended, work began on the room. Jungers said the work included a new ceiling, new flooring, paint and installation of air conditioning. The school was able to purchase new music stands, chairs, conductor stand and a folio cabinet.
“We were grateful it was finished by the time the 2024-25 school year began,” Jungers said of the renovation project.