Thank You For Making Space for Music

Music fills every corner of the new Savvas Chamberlain Music Building where Laurier students are thriving and forming meaningful connections with each other and the world around them. 

Students are moving from class to practice, and there’s music coming from behind doors and around corners – an arpeggio from a violin – pop stylings from a vocalist – experimental riffs from a soundboard – low and gentle conversation interspersed with musical expression as students learn how to use music to provide therapeutic services.

This is a new space truly worthy of the talent, energy and creativity within it. The newly renovated building includes 2,200 square feet of renovated practice studio space (for a total of 44 practice rooms); 2,660 square feet of new performance space; and seven brand new pianos.

The renovation features the bright and spacious Savvas Chamberlain Family Foundation Lobby, graced with remarkable Canadian contemporary art that was gifted to the university, as well as an outdoor performance area with natural landscaping. But more than all this, the space forms an exciting new gateway to Laurier’s Waterloo campus, welcoming everyone into the experience of music, community and innovative learning.

This amazing renovation was a success due in large part to an exceptional group of donors supporting the Making Space for Music campaign. The Savvas Chamberlain Family Foundation gave $5 million in transformational funding which was recognized by the naming of the Savvas Chamberlain Music Building and the Savvas Chamberlain Family Foundation Lobby. Robert (LLD '96) and Judith (BA '87) Astley and Laurier Chancellor Eileen Mercier (Hons BA ’68, LLD ’13) provided matching gifts of $375,000 (for a total of $500,000 in giving to the overall campaign) and $250,000 respectively. The Astleys named the Glen Carruthers Practice Studios to celebrate and recognize the beloved dean.

These years of this exciting campaign went by quickly, filled with visionary planning, exciting milestones, steady progress on the renovations and so many moments of generosity within and beyond the Laurier Music community.

“Music at Laurier is constantly evolving to meet our culture in the moment. With programs ranging from classical to contemporary, embracing a wide range of musical genres, technologies and practices, we partner with cutting edge musicians, industry professionals, researchers and practitioners to provide a future-focused, inclusive musical education that prepares our students to thrive in musical livelihoods.” Cynthia Johnston Turner, Dean, Faculty of Music

“Christine Chamberlain, Maria Harper, the Board of Directors of our foundation and I all believe that our donation not only helps the advancement of the Laurier Faculty of Music, but it also helps our local and Ontario communities. I believe that music should be accessible to everybody, it brings people together and it leads them to a better understanding of each other. The Laurier Faculty of Music has excellent undergraduate and graduate music programs, music clinics and workshops at Ontario high schools and a significant community outreach mandate ... Many people worked on this project and spent a lot of time in its planning. I believe it will bring so many people together. Music should be accessible to everyone in our society.” Savvas Chamberlain, lead donor

“It has been so gratifying to walk into our building each day from the street and see and hear music happening everywhere. I feel tremendous pride in the welcoming and aesthetically beautiful spaces which so perfectly exemplify the work happening inside them. The students really love the practice facilities, as well as the many opportunities afforded them for gathering and sharing. We are so grateful to all the donors who made this happen.” Kimberly Barber, Associate Dean, Faculty of Music - External Affairs, Partnerships and Graduate Studies; Professor, Voice; Administrative Coordinator, Opera

For many years, the WLU Alumni Choir has supported Faculty of Music students through scholarships, as well as the donation of the grand piano in the Senate and Board Chambers. Now, we’re encouraging our members, and all alumni, to consider donating to the Make Space for Music campaign, and be a part of history in the making.” Gord Burnett (BMus Performance Voice ’81, OpDip ’82), WLUAC member

“The biggest positive of this renovation has been the revamp of the practice rooms. Wi-Fi, natural light, tons of practice space, dimming lights, we have it all now! The new practice rooms make the hours in the practice room much more enjoyable. They make me want to go practice even more now.” Keri, 4th year trumpet performance

“WLUAA prides itself on ensuring that current and future Laurier students have the same exceptional experience we as alumni did – or better! As such, we help support campus initiatives such as capital campaigns and student awards that add to a thriving student experience, support academic and personal success, break down accessibility barriers and let students know that we care about them.” Kyle Walker, president, WLUAA