Tiffin University celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Performing Arts Laboratory (PAL) located at 227 Miami Street on September 14. The event, open to TU faculty, staff, students and the Tiffin community included a tour of the facility and refreshments.
The 14,000-square-foot laboratory is a direct response to the rapid growth of Tiffin University’s cutting-edge commercial music department. The PAL includes two acoustically isolated rehearsal halls, a keyboard and production laboratory, a multi-track digital recording studio, practice rooms and teaching studios and an outdoor performance space. Major gifts and pledge commitments from individuals, organizations and foundations, along with scores of gifts from donors throughout northern Ohio and beyond, assisted Tiffin University in raising more than $3 million to transform the abandoned former Pettibone factory into a 21st century Performing Arts Laboratory (PAL).
In the classroom, in the rehearsal hall and on the stage, TU’s professional music and music industry students learn to succeed in the working world of music. Non-music majors share the same real-world music performance experiences, enhancing their college life and growing as lifelong musicians.
“We strive to give professional music experience to all student-musicians, regardless of major, to prepare them for success in a career they choose, and holding all to the highest standards in maturity, professionalism and performance excellence,” said Brad Rees, director.
“We are very grateful for this wonderful new facility,” said TU President Lillian Schumacher, “and we are thankful for the generosity of our trustee, Frank Murphy, who matched dollar for dollar every gift or pledge made in this endeavor. Frank has been and continues to be an integral player in Tiffin University’s transformation. His generosity will have a profound impact on the lives of students for decades to come. Our PAL is a much-needed facility and the amazing response to our fundraising efforts from individuals and organizations throughout the region is greatly appreciated.”
For additional information, contact Tiffin University’s Office of Institutional Advancement at 419.448.3282.