My acoustical consulting firm did the work for the performing arts cene\ter at the University at Frostberg. One of my two partners in that firm, Gerre Marhsall, is a professional trumpet player, and he and the Music Department head at the U were friends, and Gerry did most of the design and consultation work. But it fell to me to check out the completed building and acceptance-test the sound reinforcement system on behalf of the owner. 1995. Great, a around trip on Amtrak's Capitol Limited with Metroliner connections, and maybe even a chence to ride Maryland Scenic.
Well, the Capitol Limited went OK in both direcitons. But the sound system was mess as I found it. Seems the contractor, a nice guy whom I certainly did not wish to hurt, got behind in his work and hired his cheif competitor (whom he had underbid on the project!) to help finish the installaton. I would not say there was deliberate sabatogue, but a lot of the interconnecion wiring and the patch bay was just wrong. I could not get the system function properly, never mind using the graphic equalizers to insure the best possible frequeny response and controls to get the most uniform audience coverage. I had allowed three days for my visit, and the two deadlines were the opening performance the evening after the thrid day, and my return ticket on the Capitol. I seriously considered saying no, must come back after things are straightened out, second visit expenses at the contractor's expense, and a rental sound system for the opening, whcih I would set up and insure worked right. But instead, I said if all thee of us, the contractor, the U's sound man, and I, worked solidly, we could have the thing in shape for the opening. It meant wokring 16 hours a day, sleeping in cots brought into the center, etc. And I had to forgo the idea of measureing the sound isolation between pracitce rooms and elsewhere in the building to get addtional data on the improvements in construction since the basic conception was first implemented 30 year sealrier at Dartmouth. -Other than insuring that there wa indeed sufficient isolation.
But we did not stint on meals. The best Frostberg restaurant is the old WM train station. Adn so at our first lunch, discussing progress that morning and planning the extensive further work, I hear whoo-whoo, chuff chuff chuff and look out the window and see the consolidation and its heavyweight conssit. How dearly I would have loved to ride that train. But I just never had time during that one and ojnly Frostberg visit before my move to Jerusalem.
Backat our White Plains office, Gerry said: "The opening was a success, but Jim(?) said you acted as if you owned the building."
I never did find out whether that was a compliment or a complaint.
Savage, have you been to concerts or plays at the Performing Arts Center?
If I recall correctly, I was there in 1995, and that is when the building opened. But you have been back for visits, as you reported on the present condition of the railroad station. Did you have anything to do with Maryland Scenic, and/or have you riddent it?
Most of us will be interested in a report from you on your next visit.
And if you have the opportunity, do take in a play or a concert at the University. If the students perform, it may be a freebee.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.