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Artist rendering of updated rehearsal room

Peterson Fine Arts Renovation

With your support, we can help set the stage for future generations of student musicians at WSC.

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PETERSON FINE ARTS

Support the project

The renovation of the Peterson Fine Arts facility at Wayne State College is about more than a building. It's about providing facilities to match the excellence in our programs and set the stage for future generations of student musicians. It's where we harness the power of music to help students grow, succeed, and transform as individuals. It's about creating a centerpiece of cultural enrichment for our region and community.

Peterson Fine Arts rendering

 

 


Help us reach our goal

The Peterson Fine Arts building was constructed in 1963, and the Lied Addition for the Theatre program was added in 2001. The infrastructure of the building has remained relatively unchanged to this day, although standards for acoustics and accessibility have changed significantly. With your support, we can help set the stage for future generations of student musicians at WSC.

Current status

$2,400,000
 
57% Funded
$1,370,000 Raised


Donate today

RENOVATION & ADDITION

Project overview

The improvements proposed in this $11.9 million renovation and addition will attract high-quality student and professional artists, and will make it possible for our performing arts programs to meet current industry standards for acoustics and accessibility.

Proposed upgrades

  • New rehearsal spaces for the bands and choirs that will include ample space, professional acoustics, natural light, and will be easily accessible on the main level
  • Improved acoustics in all practice rooms and teaching studios, making them safer for performers
  • Upgrades to Ramsey Theatre to support larger acts and productions
  • Improved accessibility with a new central elevator, a ramp to the Ramsey stage, a family restroom, and additional seating for spectators with mobility limitations
  • Ample student work, study, and practice space for collaboration and conversation
  • An expanded atrium for receptions and public gatherings

Cultural opportunities

The Peterson Fine Arts Building brings culture to our campus, community, and region. With programming that includes performances in theatre, music, and dance by national touring companies, regional artists, and our own faculty and students, Wayne State College provides more than 100 annual performances free of charge to our faculty, staff, students, and surrounding communities.

  • Attendees of Wayne State’s Black and Gold Performing Arts events include students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, donors, and community members, representing approximately 12 states, with the majority of patrons from Nebraska.

Student success

Music participation helps students of all majors achieve personal growth and academic success. The Department of Music helps students hone skills in creativity, passion, and leadership, which will serve them well in their careers.

  • WSC students who participate in a performing ensemble are approximately 15% more likely to complete their degree.
  • Approximately 200 students from 60 different majors participated in one or more of the music ensembles at WSC during the Fall 2019 semester. They come from 95 counties in Nebraska as well as South Dakota, Wyoming, Minnesota, Iowa, and the Island of Curacao.
  • 94 WSC music alumni were employed as teachers in 66 different towns and cities throughout Nebraska.

Sustaining program growth

The Department of Music includes majors in Music Education (Vocal or Vocal and Instrumental), Music Industry, Music Performance, and General Music, as well as a minor in music. The Peterson Fine Arts building provides a home for a robust and dynamic department that has experienced tremendous growth. A renovated facility will support this growth and also ensure sustained quality of our programs. 

  • The Department of Music houses approximately 100 music majors and minors and 13 different performance groups.
  • The department has grown by more than 50% in the last 15 years.

 

Donate to the project

Rendering of upgraded lobby in Peterson Fine Arts

 

 

Dave Bohnert, DMA

"The advantages to having superior facilities for rehearsing and performing music cannot be overstated. Not only do they keep participants safe by conforming to national standards for hearing health, but they also play a significant role in recruiting and retaining quality students and elevating the performance level of our student musicians. As one of the most active facilities on campus, the Peterson Fine Arts Building regularly brings students, faculty, staff, and the community together in exploring the arts at WSC."

 

Dr. Dave Bohnert

Professor
Department of Music

Music Degree Programs
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Music Programs at Wayne State

Performance opportunities
Performing Arts at WSC

Performing Arts at Wayne State

CONTACT US

Wayne State Foundation and Alumni Office

The Wayne State Foundation and Alumni Office works with the college in its mission of student development, regional service, and keeping alumni connected.

For more information, contact:

Wayne State Foundation
Hahn Administration 312
402-375-7510

Alumni Relations
Hahn Administration 316
402-375-7526

Wayne State Foundation