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Over the summer, Grand View’s student center received a makeover, but this wasn’t the only building that got a new look. The Cowles Center, (originally the Cowles Communication Building) was remodeled for Grand View music students and faculty.

Although the building also houses theology and some English courses, the Cowles Center was remodeled to make each room suitable to the Music Department.

Dr. Kathryn Duffy, one of the Grand View music professors, described the changes the music department has undergone in recent years.

“In the old student center, we had to share a lot of classroom space, so students couldn’t practice while classes were in session,” Duffy said.

The Cowles Center allows the band and choir to now have separate rooms and there is a kitchen and study space for students. On top of this, there are many practice rooms that allow students to rehearse at any time while the building is open.

“Choir having its own space is awesome,” said Krister Strandskov, photography senior. “We used to have to share with band and music seminars.”

The choir room now has a whiteboard and enough room for risers and chairs. The chairs can be removed so there is more open space in the room, if needed. The goal for the future will be to get seated risers.

The music students also have access to study space and personal lockers to keep all of their belongings. Dr. Doerffel of the band department, is pleased with the amount of space the department has.

“We have enough appropriate space for the different activities that we engage in,” he said. “We have at least four different outside groups that will be using our facilities this year for events.”

Both the band and choir now have adequate space to store instruments and enough room to do activities that will help their students grow and improve as musicians.

“It feels like we actually have a place to call our own,” said Lauren Logan, Elementary Education junior.