Overview

In 1923, Drury University announced plans to build three new buildings, including a library, a women’s dormitory, and a Conservatory of Music. The Wallace family contributed $160,000 for the construction of the dormitory and the music building, which were named Wallace Hall and Clara Thompson Hall. Clara Thompson Hall, opened in 1926, became a key venue for the Music Department, featuring a 425-seat auditorium, a stage, sixteen sound-proof practice rooms, and numerous studios. It was considered Springfield's first venue suitable for concerts.

Drury University sought a high-quality sound reinforcement system for Clara Thompson Hall, which had been facing acoustic challenges due to its outdated design. The goal was to upgrade the space to meet the needs of modern music performances and high-quality speech reinforcement.

Audio & Rigging

Paragon was selected for Drury University's Clara Thompson Hall sound system upgrade, following successful past projects at Weiser Gym and Hutchens HPER Facility. The goal was to design a system that minimized wall reflections while providing uniform coverage from the front row to the sound booth in the back balcony. After careful consideration of the room's acoustics, the chosen system included seven EV XLE181 line array speakers (in white to match the venue's aesthetic), EV DX46 processing, Crown amplifiers, and a Mackie analog console.

Clara Thompson Hall, which became the home of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra in 1935, is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It continues to serve as a key venue for the Music Department, hosting concerts, plays, lectures, and other events.