Open House for UA’s Frank Moody Music Building Wing is Sept. 23

NOTE TO MEDIA: Alumni and friends of the Million Dollar Band are scheduled to arrive at the Frank Moody Music Building, 810 Second Ave., Tuscaloosa, at 4:30 p.m.  Friday, Sept. 23. They will be available for interviews and photos. There will be a ribbon-cutting at the door, and Dr. Stuart Bell, president of The University of Alabama; Dr. Robert Olin, dean of The College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Kenneth Ozzello, director of bands; and Charles “Skip” Snead, director of the School of Music, will speak briefly. This will be followed by approximately one hour of guided tours and performances by the band members.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — As former members of the Million Dollar Band trek back to their alma mater for alumni band weekend Friday, Sept. 23, they will find that the musical home of their glory days has been remodeled.

The Frank Moody Music Building, which houses The University of Alabama School of Music and one of its premier ensembles, the Million Dollar Band, was renovated over the summer. The renovation added a 25,000-square-foot wing with two new band halls, locker-room space and practice rooms to support the growth of the music program.

“Believe it or not, the Million Dollar Band has not had a band hall or band room since the mid-1980s,” said Dr. Ken Ozzello, director of the band. “The band met at Butler Field, and if it was raining or muddy, we had to cancel rehearsal. Now, thanks to the support of the UA administration, we have a beautiful facility that allows us to meet no matter what is going on with the weather.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for the new wing begins at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23. Following a short program, band members will perform and give guided tours through the facility — showcasing the two new band halls, one of which can hold all 400 members of the band. The event is free and open to public.

“The Million Dollar Band is one of the finest marching bands in the country,” said Charles “Skip” Snead, director of the School of Music. “It is wonderful to now see them equipped with one of the finest dedicated band spaces in the country.”

UA’s School of Music is part of The College of Arts and Sciences, UA’s largest division and the largest liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships, Truman Scholarships, and memberships on the USA Today Academic All American Team.