Hunter Smith Band Building

The Hunter Smith Band Building at the University of Virginia is one of only a few facilities in the nation designed specifically to support a collegiate marching band. Guided by the university’s Arts Precinct Master Plan, the 18,000-square-foot building provides a permanent home for the Cavalier Marching Band, as well as UVA’s basketball band, Olympic sports ensemble, wind ensemble, and concert band.

Purpose-Built Rehearsal Spaces for Large Ensembles

Designed by William Rawn Associates, the centerpiece of the facility is a 4,000-square-foot main rehearsal hall capable of accommodating the full 225–250-member marching band. The space features a 52-foot-tall ceiling with suspended acoustic “clouds,” fabric-wrapped wall panels in UVA’s signature colors, and a sound-absorbing wood lattice along the primary wall for optimized acoustic performance.

Twelve-foot-tall windows, including specialized acoustically buffered glazing, protect the rehearsal environment from vibration and noise generated by the adjacent railroad tracks. These windows also frame views of nearby arts facilities and historic Lambeth Field, reinforcing connections across UVA’s expanding arts precinct.

A secondary rehearsal room is outfitted with gold acoustic drapery designed to absorb sound and create an acoustically “dry” environment, eliminating echo and reverberation to support precision ensemble training.

Spaces Supporting Storage, Instruction, and Daily Operations

Beyond its rehearsal halls, the building includes practice rooms, instrument and uniform storage, administrative offices, and support spaces designed for high-volume student use and daily operational efficiency. The facility enhances the band program’s ability to manage logistics for rehearsals, performances, athletic events, and regional travel.

Engineering Systems Tailored to Acoustics and High-Intensity Use

Mueller designed mechanical, electrical, and plumbing solutions that support the building’s unique acoustic, environmental, and operational requirements. Key considerations included:

• Specialized HVAC systems to maintain thermal comfort without introducing disruptive noise into rehearsal environments.

• Duct routing and sound attenuation designed to preserve acoustic isolation, especially given the adjacent rail line and high ceilings of the main hall.

• Ventilation strategies to manage high occupant loads and intense activity levels during full-band rehearsals.

• Durable electrical infrastructure to support audiovisual systems, equipment loads, and frequent performance preparation.

These engineering solutions ensure reliable performance and a controlled acoustic environment suitable for rehearsals involving hundreds of students.

Serving as both a functional rehearsal facility and a gathering place for the band community, the Hunter Smith Band Building strengthens UVA’s commitment to the performing arts and provides a purpose-built home for ensembles that play an essential role in the university’s spirit and tradition.