Photo gallery Curtain rises on new music center
A welcome concert held in the 660-seat Mead Witter Foundation Concert Hall was one of the highlights of the opening weekend celebration for the Hamel Music Center. The center, built entirely from private funds, also includes the 300-seat Collins Recital Hall, and the Sing Man & Florence Lee/Annette Kaufman Rehearsal Hall. As a gift to the community, admission to the opening weekend’s public concerts was free.
PHOTOS BY BRYCE RICHTER AND BRIAN HUYNH / video by peter kleppin
VIDEO: Chancellor Rebecca Blank cut the ribbon on the Mead Witter School of Music’s Hamel Music Center, which opened to rave reviews. It features state-of-the-art acoustics and recording technology designed to prepare students to perform at the highest of professional standards and allow faculty to offer exceptional and innovative educational experiences. As heard in the video, the concert was kicked off by a new Fanfare premiered by the Wisconsin Brass Quintet, written for the occasion by Professor Laura Schwendinger.

Photo by Brian Huynh
Scott Teeple, director of bands, conducts the UW student wind ensemble.
Photo by Brian Huynh
Emily Vandenberg, Angela Peterson and Jacob Elfner sing "Getting Married Today" as Corey Pompey conducts the UW wind ensemble.
Photo by Brian Huynh
Beverly Taylor, professor of music, conducts the UW Concert Choir.
Photo by Brian Huynh
Members of the audience join in the singing of "Varsity!"