YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — On Tuesday, Feb. 12, Young Harris College broke ground on a new band building. The facility will be constructed behind the campus’s Fine Arts Annex, which is across the street from Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church. The lead financial gift for the new building was provided by YHC Trustee Pam Rollins.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to support the band program with this new state-of-the-art practice facility that will allow the program and its students to grow well beyond their current success,” said Rollins. “I look forward to seeing the impact this facility will make on the program and the College as a whole.”
Leaders from the College’s Board of Trustees, Alumni Association, administration and the local community gathered together to celebrate the groundbreaking. In addition to Rollins, remarks were made by Board of Trustees Chair Kurt Momand, ’77, Ex Officio Trustee Rev. Dr. P. Alice Rogers, YHC President Dr. Drew L. Van Horn and Director of Bands Dr. Kerry Bryant. Other trustees in attendance included Jon Anderson, ’65, Carol Chastain, ’84, Hank Huckaby, ’62, Richard McGinnis and Jimmy Tallent, ’70. Alumni Association Board President Charlotte McCloskey, ’64, joined the celebration, as did Young Harris Mayor Andrea Gibby, Young Harris Planning Commissioner Janice Cochran and Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales.
“When donors make this kind of commitment, it is something that goes beyond the facility itself,” said Dr. Van Horn. “They realize it impacts two things: the students who will be performing and the people who will be hearing the students perform in a very public manner. Music and the arts have a moving affect in our lives and in our community.”
The YHC Brass Ensemble, which is led by Assistant Director of Bands Dr. Javian Brabham, played for the occasion.
The need for a new band facility was determined this past April. Practices are currently held in the Fine Arts Annex, but the tight space causes many issues, like sound traveling throughout the building into class lectures and studio classes. Additionally, the limited space means band students cannot house their instruments in the current facility.
According to Interim Chief Operating Officer Bo Wright, the new band building will be operational for faculty and students at the beginning of the fall 2019 semester, although construction is contingent on weather.
YHC Director of Development for Major Gifts and Planned Giving Amanda Craig noted that the College is raising funds to support acoustical elements inside the new band building. If you’re interested in making a donation to support the new band facility, please visit yhc.edu/giving/online-giving and select “Band Practice Facility” within the designation box. For questions, contact Craig at (404) 543-8324 or [email protected].
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has three academic divisions: Arts and Humanities, Professional Studies, and Mathematics, Science and Technology, with more than 1,400 students enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The historic campus in Young Harris, Ga. has completed major campus improvements to accommodate the College’s growth. LEED-certified campus improvements include the 121,000-square-foot Rollins Campus Center, residence facilities and a 57,000-square-foot recreation and fitness center. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the prestigious Peach Belt Conference. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
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