Photo of new music space Shawn Salmon, D.A.
Construction is nearly complete on SXU’s brand new Music Performance Hall in the Warde Academic Center (WAC).
Located on the second floor across from the elevator, the space was known to be SXU’s gymnasium until 1999, when construction on the Shannon Center was completed. At that point in time, the music department set up shop in the decaying space.
Assistant Professor Shawn Salmon, D.A., revealed that plans for the Music Performance Hall have been in place since the Fall 2024 semester. By mid-May this year, construction had begun.
“Construction officially lasted right up to the start of the Fall 2025 semester,” Salmon revealed. On Aug. 29, the Music Department’s equipment was moved into the space.
The first official rehearsal occurred in the Music Performance Hall on Sep. 2. However, the first concert to be held in the hall will occur Sunday, Oct. 12 at 3 p.m. for Homecoming Sunday. “In addition to current SXU jazz students, the band will include past alumni performing with us to help celebrate its debut to the public,” Salmon told the Xavierite.
Among the many updates to the Music Performance Hall are newly stained and finished wood floors, new ceiling lights, a new HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, and even a “Music Performance Hall” plaque on the wall.
Salmon is most excited about the HVAC system, highlighting that the previous space did not have any kind before. “We are so looking forward to a space with temperature controls!” Salmon exclaimed.
Previously, all band, choir, jazz, and commercial band performances occurred in McGuire Hall. Now, most will be occurring within the new performance space. “It is a larger space,” Salmon explained, “so it can accommodate the size of a chorale or wind ensemble that McGuire’s stage cannot do.”
Additionally, students have shared excitement about the performance space.
“I think that the work that is being done is good for the school because it will eventually lead to greater opportunities,” first year student Gianna DeLuca stated.
With that being said, Salmon revealed in his interview with the Xavierite that SXU’s campus will be holding the Illinois Music Educators Jazz Festival in March.
As part of the festival, over one hundred high school students throughout Illinois will come to SXU to perform jazz hits.
“This is only the beginning of many wonderful things to come,” Salmon concluded.As Salmon stated, the Music Performance Hall is now open. As concerts are announced, please check TheDen to reserve seats.