University of Northern Iowa
Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing
Arts Center - Jebe Organ Hall
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa

Seat Count: 300
Project Type : New Construction
Opening: April 2000
Construction Cost: $23 million
Client: UNI Facilities Planning
Architect: Hammel, Green Abrahamson
Theatre Consultant: Fisher/Dachs Associates
Contractor: Story Construction Company
Organ Builder: Hellmuth Wolff et Associes
A/V Installation: DB Acoustics
AD Scope: Acoustics and Audio Systems

Download PDF Page

The Jebe Organ Hall at the University of Northern Iowa is both an organ recital hall and a choral rehearsal room. There are adjustable acoustics curtains on many of the wall surfaces that allow the reverberation to be reduced for choral rehearsals. In addition, the volume above the student lounge, located directly behind the organ, is partially coupled to the volume above the ceiling, creating a reverberation chamber above and behind the organ. This creates an unusually reverberant space for such a small room, and enhances considerably the acoustics for organ recitals.

Carefully-designed HVAC systems utilizing open-ended ducts, along with sound and light lock vestibules at all entrances into the room, allow this space to function well as a recital hall with world-class quality acoustics. The location of Jebe Hall in the facility provides for good access to the space directly from the main lobby, and also includes a separate entrance for performers that connects with the educational wing of the building, providing for good backstage support for the performers.