Bond B Would Expand Music Building at Eastern
Passage of G.O. Bond B in the Nov. 7 general election would be music to the ears of fine arts supporters, students and faculty at Eastern New Mexico University. The bond issue, worth $118 to higher education statewide, contains $4.5 million to renovate and expand Eastern’s Music Building.
Built in 1957, the Music Building is one of the oldest structures on campus. The renovation would include a substantial addition and provide state-of-the-art facilities for music study, public school teacher training and public cultural events.
Music majors Stephanie Morris and Morgan Brunson say the cramped facilities sometimes feel like “a jail cell.” Large ensemble concerts are often moved to other sites to avoid turning away audience members because of limited seating.
Voters’ support has helped Eastern upgrade facilities for students. A 2002 G. O. Bond allowed ENMU to build a new communication center to house KENW’s public broadcasting facilities and centralized communication classrooms. In 2004, ENMU received bond funds to renovate the Science Building. Construction starts this fall.
