SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) students, staff, faculty, board members and county legislators celebrated the grand opening of the newly expanded music wing at the college. The $3.9 million, 12,600-square-foot additional space will now accommodate more students to take classes in the nationally accredited music programs. The project is equally funded by Schenectady County and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).
“Schenectady County is proud to support our Community College, the construction of this beautiful new building, and the expansion of our renowned music program,” said Judy Dagostino, Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature. “Congratulations to our Schenectady County team and Dr. Bullock and his staff for once again working together to support SCCC’s historic growth that will benefit all of our students and the entire Schenectady County community.”
The new building addition adjoins the current music wing of the Begley Building, which received numerous updates as well. The first floor houses teaching studios, an industry-standard live recording studio, two specialized music classrooms, faculty offices, and a student lounge. The second floor includes a recording studio with a control room, recital space, teaching studios and faculty offices. Eight additional practice rooms and a facade of large windows complete the new building. Construction on the addition began in Spring 2011 and was completed in Fall 2012.
“This magnificent and attractive building expansion compliments our signature Music program with additional classrooms, offices, practice rooms, contemporary studios and performance areas with superb acoustics to provide our students with hands-on and professional training and preparation to transfer to top four-year music programs,” said Dr. Quintin Bullock, President of SCCC. “We are extremely excited to have the new and expanded space to serve our students.”
SCCC currently offers the Performing Arts-Music A.S. degree and a Music certificate program. The School of Music is currently developing a revision to the A.A.S. Music Business degree program that will incorporate courses in audio recording and engineering. SCCC is an accredited institutional member of the New York State Association of College Music Programs and the National Association of Schools of Music.
“The college community is thrilled to open this addition to the students and faculty,” said Denise Murphy McGraw, Chair of SCCC Board of Trustees. “We are truly grateful for funds provided by Schenectady County, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, the SCCC Foundation and numerous donors. Their contributions allow us to provide a word-class facility to our college community.”
SCCC alumni have transferred to some of the top music programs in the country including the Eastman School of Music, the New England Conservatory, the Crane School at SUNY Potsdam and the Berklee College of Music. Currently there are 180 students enrolled in the Performing Arts-Music, Music/Business and Music certificate programs.
About Schenectady County Community College: One of the 30 community colleges in the State University of New York system, the nation’s largest comprehensive system of higher education, Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) in upstate New York enrolls more than 7,000 students. SCCC offers more than 40 career degree, transfer degree and certificate programs. The College opened its doors for classes in 1969 and continues to provide affordable comprehensive higher education and adult educational opportunities in response to local educational needs. To learn more, visit www.sunysccc.edu.