Leaders of Stetson University’s music program describe Steinmetz Hall in Orlando as a world-class platform and an acoustically pristine venue where the sound quality elevates the performance experience for everyone involved.
The Stetson School of Music will perform a concert there Nov. 26 at the hall inside the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Stetson bills itself as one of the nation’s finest undergraduate-only schools of music, and its students have performed at famed venues, such as Carnegie Hall in New York.
But Dr. Washington Garcia, dean of the School of Music at Stetson, envisions his student-musicians appearing one day at a world-class performing arts center on their own campus in DeLand. Initial plans, a community survey, a feasibility study and fundraising ideas are all in the works.
Dr. Garcia provided an update on those plans in a recent email interview.
Q. Where do plans stand for the performing arts center?
A. Dr. Garcia: The Stetson University Performing Arts Center is in the early planning stage. The PAC’s vision is anchored in three primary goals: increasing student vibrancy and academic opportunities, supporting faculty development and expanding community engagement.
The PAC will allow students to experience and participate in high-caliber cultural events, providing new learning and performance opportunities. Faculty will benefit from an environment that fosters professional growth and artistic exploration. The PAC will also serve as a cultural center for Florida, hosting events and collaborating with schools and institutions across the state to deepen ties and broaden the reach of the arts in the region.
The PAC’s impact is envisioned to attract cultural tourism, stimulate local businesses and offer educational outreach programs. Through virtual and in-person events, the PAC aims to make arts education accessible throughout the state. Community-focused events at the PAC will help bring people together, and high-profile events will elevate Florida’s reputation nationally.
Q. Do you have a location, design, cost? When do you hope to see a new PAC completed?
A. Dr. Garcia: The early planning proposal for the PAC places it in front of the School of Music. Several studies informed this choice, identifying it as a prime location that would create a striking visual impression for those driving along Woodland Boulevard and provide easier access to local restaurants and businesses, enhancing the overall experience for patrons before and after performances.
The proposal includes a 750-seat hall, focusing on creating a high-quality space for performances and community events. While these elements represent significant progress, the project is still undergoing detailed evaluations to ensure its feasibility and determine the potential cost.
Q. You’re conducting a community survey about the PAC. How long will the survey continue, and what are the next steps following the survey?
A. Dr. Garcia: The survey aims to gauge interest and explore potential contributions to a performing arts center, helping Stetson assess the viability of a fundraising campaign that could bring this vision to life. It is a crucial part of our ongoing feasibility study.
Following the survey, we will carefully review the findings to determine whether sufficient community support exists to proceed with the project. The survey will continue for the near term, allowing us to understand community interest and commitment comprehensively.
Q. When you see Stetson students perform at Carnegie Hall or Steinmetz Hall, are you envious? Inspired? Driven to create a PAC at Stetson?
A. Dr. Garcia: Seeing our students perform at renowned venues like Carnegie Hall, Steinmetz Hall and others across the U.S. and internationally, such as an upcoming symphony band tour in Costa Rica next summer, fills me with extraordinary pride.
Our students serve as cultural ambassadors, representing Stetson with excellence and they have access to unique opportunities that strengthen their artistic and professional growth.
About the concert
At the Orlando concert, Stetson Director of Bands Chandler Wilson will direct the symphonic band in a performance of “America the Beautiful,” a news release stated. Stetson orchestra director Anthony Hose will bring together the symphony orchestra, choral union and concert choir to perform the finale of Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9.”
The concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, at Steinmetz Hall in the Dr. Phillips Center, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. Tickets cost $30 and are available at drphillipscenter.org or by calling the box office at (407) 358-6603.