Mira Mesa High School’s music program is one of the strongest in California with over 300 band and orchestra members. The success and expansion of the program necessitated a new music building designed to meet the specific needs of this premier program.
The building’s design was guided by three strategies: enhanced acoustics, campus placement, and elevated school spirit. The acoustical performance was a top priority, and high-volume practice rooms were created with angled walls and ceilings acoustically treated for sound deflection and absorption. The rooms are designed to provide an optimal environment for instrumental performance.
Mira Mesa High School has one of the most robust music programs in California with 266 band members and 65 orchestra members. The band participates in multiple on-site and national events throughout the year, including the Rose Parade in Los Angeles and Carnegie Hall performances in New York City. This building is for them!
Campus placement was important for convenient access to the stadium and pedestrian connectivity to the campus core. The building’s entrances were designed to be welcoming and to provide a sense of continuity.
Elevating school spirit was also important, with the building serving as an iconic structure exemplifying the school’s identity and the vitality of the premier music program.
Critical functional requirements included instrument storage units, multiple small rehearsal rooms for ensembles, centralized teacher visibility, natural daylighting, and a ventilation strategy that included ‘duct socks’ to minimize undesired sound while optimizing indoor air quality.
The Music Building at Mira Mesa High School represents a new standard in music facility design, demonstrating the value of collaboration between architects and acoustical consultants. It is a testament to the school’s commitment to excellence in the arts and is designed to inspire and motivate the students, faculty, and community.
Location: San Diego, CA
Completion Date: 2020
Building Area: 15,480 sf
Owner/Client: San Diego Unified School District
General Contractor: Balfour Beatty
Structural: WSP
Mechanical/Plumbing: Turpin & Rattan
Electrical: Turpin & Rattan
Landscape: KTU+A
Civil: WSP
Graphic Designer: Visual Asylum
Photographer: Costea Photography, Architects Mosher Drew
Videographer: Breadtruckfilms, Jeff Durkin
2020 Divine Detail Merit Award, AIA San Diego
2021 Design Awards of Honor, SARA
2023 Honor Award, Architecture Category, AIA San Diego
