We designed and built the outdoor space to be an extension of the newly-renovated interior performance space (designed by Rogers Partners Architects and implemented by SilverLining, Inc.). Using the interior colors and concept of a “piano/organ” as a theme, every element of the backyard is meant to evoke the ideas of music, creativity, and community.
The bluestone paving was designed to look like the keys of a piano. The fence was made to resemble a music staff with large notes starting on the fence and extending down into the gravel. A large mural bearing the school’s name covers the brick wall, and represents the spirit and mission of the school. Chaotic and abstract grey and black notes represent the sound of a beginner learning how to play an instrument, but as the notes become more orderly, and the mural more colorful, one senses that with practice and hard work, beautiful music and a more defined and confident individual can emerge.
Finally, the space honors the school’s founder, David Greer, an organist who wanted to give the gift of music to anyone regardless of their financial background. To memorialize him, we placed his urn under the "G key” on the bluestone “piano” and a memorial plaque was placed in the raised planting bed full of hostas and ferns.
