The Chisnallwood Performing Arts Centre was built in 2005 to support the school’s performing arts program. It includes rooms for itinerant teachers, a computer music suite, recording studio, and performing and rehearsal spaces.
CONCERT ROOM
The main room is multipurpose: it holds the 70-piece orchestra rehearsal, but is also used for smaller performances such as the jazz group, rock groups, and a chamber group. It is also equipped with an inbuilt PA as well as a portable PA, and data projector. It has a grand piano for classical performance, and a Roland digital piano and full backline.
PAC (Performing Arts Centre) rooms 1, 2 and 3
There are three teaching rooms for the itinerant program. Each room has a computer as well as mirrors, whiteboards, and audio equipment. The keyboard teaching room has two electric pianos, including a weighted 88-note Technics piano.
DRUM ROOM
The drum teaching room is equipped with two acoustic kits and an electric drum kit. The teaching rooms are sufficiently soundproofed that lessons in adjacent rooms don’t interfere with each other.
WAITING AREA
The waiting area for the teaching rooms.
KITCHEN
The suite has a small kitchen for cleaning instruments as well as tea and coffee making facilities.
COMPUTER MUSIC LAB
The computer music room. Each computer is equipped with recording and composing software, including Sibelius, Mixcraft, Transcribe and SonicPi.
RECORDING STUDIO
Students can use a custom designed recording studio, with a multi-track audio interface. There are windows to two adjacent rooms, making it suitable for recording large groups such as the orchestra. There are patch connections to every performance and teaching room in the building.
MEDIA ROOM
The second largest room (Media room) is equipped with surround sound, PA and and TV. This room is also a great breakout room or venue for small recitals and medium sized rehearsals. Large percussion such as timpani and marimbas are stored and used in this room.
FOYER
The foyer area has enough room for small functions, such as tea and coffee during breaks.
ENTRANCE
The building has easy access. It is possible to drive right up to the main doors for loading and unloading. There is plenty of parking available as the building is beside the main school parking lot. The centre is self contained, with toilets and kitchen facilities, making it suitable for conferences, workshop, and concerts. The centre is adjacent to the school hall, which was upgraded in 2006. The centre is ideal for warmup and preparations for larger performances in the main hall.
STORAGE ROOM
The central instrument storage room is perfect for students’ instruments as it is secure and has constant temperature.