Central Baptist College officials announced today that the college will begin a 4,000 square foot renovation of the Harold E. Cooper Educational Complex on Monday, October 2. The remodel, anticipated to be completed by the start of the Spring 2018 semester, is to accommodate a new Band Rehearsal Hall.
The 2,600 square foot Band Rehearsal Hall is designed to accommodate up to 75 student musicians. Additionally, new and renovated office space dedicated to the Fine Arts Department will be included in the renovations. An anonymous donation is covering the cost of construction.
“This is really an exciting time for us,” said Fine Arts Department Chair and Director of BandsTim Gunter. “We are quickly running out of room and flexibility in our current location. I am so thankful for President Kimbrow for his tireless efforts on our behalf and to the Lord for His perfect timing and opening this door.”
Gunter noted, “The band hall will provide our current and future band family a place to call home, not just for rehearsals and classes, but throughout the day to hang out. That is a positive impact that is often overlooked, but I have had many students comment over the years about the comfort of our band halls and how much it meant to them.”
CBC band started in the fall of 2016 with 14 students, and has grown to 30 students for the fall of 2017. Gunter added, “Our band program may have officially started in the fall of 2016, but with the addition of a band rehearsal hall, we are off and running. I am so thankful and excited about the road ahead!”
Gunter is most well-known for his tenure as Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark., a position he held for 15 years. He has also served as Associate Director of Bands at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. and numerous bands across the state of Arkansas. Gunter most recently has served as the Pastor of Worship and Discipleship at First Baptist Church in Camden, Ark. since 2012. Gunter received a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education in 1979 and a Master of Music Conducting degree in 1993, both from the University of Arkansas.
Liz Hamilton, AIA owner of H+N Architects in Conway, will be serving as the architect for the project. Clark Construction, LLC of Little Rock will be serving as the contractor.
Central Baptist College is a four-year, private, liberal arts college founded in 1952 by the Baptist Missionary Association of Arkansas. For more information about the band program contact Director of Bands Tim Gunter at tgunter@cbc.edu or 501-205-8914.