Project Initiative No. 2

The next generation of Music + the Arts

A space for musicians and choristers.

The second floor Music Department was an exciting part of the 1984 building expansion, and in the forty years since that time, hundreds of singers and musicians have come through this space. The photos that line the hallway are always a point of excitement for those who return to FPCF to visit, and many have come back to see if they can find their childish faces staring back at them over the oversized bow of their robes.

Similar to the lower level, however, the past forty years have welcomed only minor improvements to the space. Now, the built-in risers are collapsing in places, the flooring is bunching up, the main entrance to the rehearsal space is inaccessible to people unable to use stairs, and the lighting and acoustics of the space are not conducive to adequate rehearsals and preparation. In the past forty years, our music library has grown significantly, and we are in need of additional storage but our present space will not permit it. Finally, the space for our choirs to enjoy time with one another in fellowship and community is limited currently to a narrow hallway where a couple chairs are set up. 

With the the help of local architects Sedgwick+Ferweda, we were able to create a vision for a music and arts hub that will (1) welcome singers of all abilities, (2) make space for them to enjoy community and fellowship together, (3) rehearse in an uplifting and engaging space, and (4) establish a larger and better-appointed music library.

With the elimination of the built-in risers, entrance into the space is easy and accessible to those with mobility limitations. By removing the curved walls of the existing space, access to natural light from eight windows is provided. Acoustical pan

With the elimination of the built-in risers, entrance into the space is easy and accessible to those with mobility limitations. By removing the curved walls of the existing space, access to natural light from eight windows is provided. Acoustical panels on the walls help to capture and reproduce the best sound in the space. A smart whiteboard mounted on the wall will allow for media playback, instruction, and learning.

Storage units along the wall of the lounge will hold robes and binders and other information.

Storage units along the wall of the lounge will hold robes and binders and other information.

A sliding glass door off the main hallway will provide access to a new lounge area, where soft-seating options will allow choir members to connect with one another over a cup of coffee. Storage cubbies in this room provide choir members with space to

A sliding glass door off the main hallway will provide access to a new lounge area, where soft-seating options will allow choir members to connect with one another over a cup of coffee. Storage cubbies in this room provide choir members with space to securely store their belongings, find their robes, and stay organized for upcoming events.

The Concert Handbell Choir will have a dedicated space for their rehearsal and equipment storage.

The Concert Handbell Choir will have a dedicated space for their rehearsal and equipment storage.

Double sliding doors provide easy access from the hallway to other rooms.

Double sliding doors provide easy access from the hallway to other rooms.

The music library will receive a significant overhaul to permit the secure storage and organization of our large collection of choral, vocal, and instrumental arrangements. Floor-to-ceiling storage units will more than double the current capacity of

The music library will receive a significant overhaul to permit the secure storage and organization of our large collection of choral, vocal, and instrumental arrangements. Floor-to-ceiling storage units will more than double the current capacity of our existing library and a central table will provide staff with room to plan and prepare for upcoming musical events.