The New Year started with good news of a facility – Hillside Music House – to be devoted to our music program.
Earlier plans were to build a two-story music house at this lower-level location at the far end of the school campus. I love the views in Rwanda, and this site has a beautiful view.
We are always looking for the expedient alternative, and Hillside House became an option for consideration. This building near my residence is used very little. We need to use what we have before building more. You may remember that Hillside House was the house constructed for a Tom Nunnally Sewing Center classroom. The Sewing Center moved to its permanent location, and the house was available for another use.
Music Director Emmanuel visited the building. Happily, Hillside House met his criteria. It also met mine. It is close to the Urukundo office and Mama’s residence.
The photo above shows, from left, Mama’s house, the main office and Hillside House.
It is even closer to the guest house. Hillside House is on the left; the guest house has the large pillars.
Hillside House is in front of the HMR House, at left, used for dining, weddings, and special events.
Soundproofing needed????
The need for soundproofing is due to its location. We received an estimate for the cost. It was much less than constructing a new complex, and the board approved. So onward and upward, so to speak. Eric, our executive secretary, said, “It is cost-effective.” I agree. It will be less than half what it would have been to build a whole new complex.
Renovation and installation of soundproofing and air conditioning began.
An office and restroom were established by cutting a door in the wall into a room on the other side.
Benjamin's crew opened the wall from the main room.
The door gives the students a toilet and a wash sink, without going outside.
Work began. All windows and ventilators disappeared.
Sure looks different.
The black insulation went on after the blue foam; then came the wood.
I checked on the progress several times a week. Dr. Otto from Austria accompanied me to inspect the work.
The artwork in wood was handcrafted on the project. Notice the air conditioner. There are two units inside.
Outside air conditioning unit
Restroom looking good
Music director’s office
Original music room in another building
Storage space for instruments in the resource house
This room was used for practicing before Hillside Music House was open.
The space available in the new Hillside Music House. We began using it in late January.
Glory be!
Partial Urukundo band
Urukundo chorus
