Keith Humble Centre, 2006.
Named in memory of musician, composer and conductor,
Keith Humble AM (1927-1995) this purpose built facility was opened on 22 July 2006 by Mrs Jill Humble who unveiled the opening plaque and interpretative panel celebrating the life and music of Keith Humble. A feature of the opening was the premiere of 'In Memorium', by Dr Malcolm John OAM (OGC 1949), a piece commissioned for the occasion and performed by The Geelong College Ensemble and Choir.
The ground floor includes a 250 seat auditorium, housing an historic Wurlitzer pipe organ, a ’black box’ drama theatre featuring mobile seating, a comfortable ‘green room’, ticket box and an expansive foyer and entry. Also on the ground floor are a rock studio, music practice rooms, storage facilities, a back stage and loading area and the Austin Gray auditorium.
Above on level one are music staff offices, music technology laboratory, recording and editing booths, music library, costume storage, classrooms and more music practice rooms. Level two is home to the Dramatic Arts staff, a dance and dramatic practice studio, music studio areas, ensemble and practice rooms.
Designed by McGlashan Everist Architects, the centre was constructed by H Troon Pty Ltd of Ballarat for a total project cost of $7.4 million. Main interior spaces include: Ru Yi Foyer; Costa Theatre; Austin Gray Auditorium; the 250 seat George Logie-Smith Auditorium; the Heartbeat Room (Swinton Family) and the Turner Room.
The site was earlier occupied by the College Kindergarten building from 1936 to 1968, and a house at 85 Aphrasia St purchased in 1960 and used as a caretaker’s residence.
Sources: Ad Astra No 110 June 2006 pp 8-9. Pegasus, 2006 pp10-11; Ad Astra December 2006 p 35.
Interpretative Sign: Keith Humble Centre
for Music and the Performing Arts, 2015.