MAGNOLIA — Southern Arkansas University will host an open house for its new band hall from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 8.

The open house will include several performances by members of the band as well as comments from Southern Arkansas University President Dr. David Rankin.

Faculty and students have been practicing and holding rehearsals in the 14,377 square-foot band hall since January. J.P. Wilson, director of bands, anticipates growing opportunities to highlight his program and promote music education in the region.

“We are just excited that we have enough room to be able to invite other schools to host competitions. We’ve got two huge rooms and the smaller room is bigger than our old space was. That’s amazing,” Wilson said.

The public is invited to attend this event at the new band hall located behind Dolph Camp Hall, facing the pond to the north of the University Village.

Visitors may participate in a drawing to receive a free copy of T. T. Tyler Thompson’s definitive history, Horns Up!! College Bands of the Arkansas Heartland.

The schedule of the open house includes:
• 1 p.m. clarinet quartet in hallway
• 1:30 p.m. jazz band in secondary rehearsal room
• 2 p.m. comments by Dr. Rankin
• 2:15 p.m. wind ensemble in primary rehearsal room
• 3 p.m. percussion ensemble in primary rehearsal room
• 3:30 p.m. concert band in primary rehearsal room

For more information, contact the Dean of Liberal and Performing Arts, Southern Arkansas University, 870-235-4200.