VCU’s Music Center soon will be renovated and renamed the James W. Black Music Center, thanks to W.E. Singleton’s $1 million donation to VCU’s Jazz Program in honor of the late jazz pianist. Singleton, managing general partner of Crenshaw-Singleton Properties, gave $2 million to the jazz program in 2002.
Jazz has been a part of Singleton’s life for as long as he can remember.
“My interest in jazz came about the first time I heard a Louie Armstrong record,” he said.
Having attended school with Black, the two quickly became friends, and Singleton soon began to follow prominent jazz musicians, befriending several of them.
“Listening helps in jazz,” Singleton said. “You listen to any saxophone player long enough, you’re bound to hear a little Louie Armstrong.”
The architectural firm, Hanbury Evans Newill Vlattas & Company Architects, which oversaw the construction of Shafer Court Dining Center, will begin the renovation in summer 2006.
Brian Ohlinger, associate vice president for facilities management, said the primary focus of the project centers on renovating the classrooms and practice areas.
“(It) was never built to have classrooms,” Ohlinger said of the music center. “It’s very inefficiently laid out.”
Antonio Garcia, director of jazz studies, agreed with Ohlinger’s assessment, saying he would like to see many changes in the building.
“The first floor has a beautiful concert space, but it is not soundproofed from the outside traffic or activities below it,” he said. “And there is much wasted space behind that hall.”
Ohlinger, however, said there are trade-offs that need to be considered for the renovation.
“You don’t want to replace the stained glass,” he said, adding that much of the outdoor noise comes through the windows. “You’d have to ruin it to save it.”
Ohlinger said he was excited about the referendum that made the renovation possible. In 2002, voters approved a General Obligation Bond Referendum for higher education. As a result, $846 million in bonds were issued for several projects in Virginia, including some for VCU.
“We have a great opportunity to make a quantum leap forward,” he said. “They’re releasing the money in increments. That’s why we’re starting construction when we are.”
Plans for the center’s renovation still must be approved by the Department of Historic Resources, Ohlinger said, while fall 2007 is the projected completion date.
Jacqueline Crebbs, associate dean for development at the School of the Arts, said the relationship of Singleton and the school is one of friendship.
“It began through a love of jazz and grew with a respect of our program,” she said.
Having previously provided $3 million to VCU’s Jazz Program, Singleton said he is impressed with everything about the arts school programs.
“I’m interested in the young people,” Singleton said. “I’m a local boy and it’s a great local school.”
While talking about Singleton’s support for the school, Crebbs thanked Singleton for what he has done for VCU, saying Singleton has made a transforming contribution to this university. “We are enormously grateful,” she said.
Singleton, who recently announced his retirement plans, said he likes donating funds to the music department.
“I’m happy to provide the funds,” Singleton said. “They know what to do with it.”
Crebbs said much of the money will go toward obtaining faculty and equipment, but a majority of the gift will be used for students’ financial aid.
“Scholarships are an extremely high priority in the School of the Arts,” she said.
The department also will have access to James W. Black’s music library provided by Black’s son, Jeffrey W. Black. The collection will be available for listening and teaching purposes.