Pioneer High School

Pioneer High School in Yorkshire NY had an existing auditorium which was not performing well acoustically. Planned upgrades to finishes, lighting and audio were in progress. AVL Designs Inc. was contracted by Gordon Jones Architects to test the space and determine a course of action for room acoustics and a coordinated appearance upgrade.

A custom-designed Panther Paw light fixture is a centerpiece in the room. Pioneer is “the home of the Panthers.”

The spaces were to have a new line array audio system installed, which would by default interact with the side walls of the space. Line arrays generate quite a bit of energy onto walls horizontally which needs to be controlled with midi/high frequency absorption or diffusion.

Based on testing, we determined a need for localized absorption, and bass trapping for the back of the auditorium.

The walls could not carry the bearing weight of true diffusers so the decision was made to us a 3D felt product – Fitz Felt Tac Tile. This product provides mid/high absorption and a degree of diffusing base on angle of incidence.

Lower walls were designed as reflective to support lateral acoustic energy from the stage. The result is a dramatic improvement acoustically and visually.