Architecture & Music
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church | brad_holt photo
High school choir students had the opportunity to vist two historic architectural buidlings in Eureka Springs; St. Elizabeth Catholic Church built in 1907, and Thorncrown Chapel, completed in 1980 and designed by Faye Jones.
The purpose of visiting these two structures was for students to see how the design and construction of Medieval architecture continued to influence architecture throughout history as well as experience the intentional acoustic designs first-hand by performing (singing) in these spaces.
Thorncrown Chapel: image https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/thorncrown-chapel
Prior to the field experience to Eureka Springs, Mr. Aaron Jones Director of Arts Integration, provided the choir classes with a presenation on the introduction and functionality of Medieval cathedral architecture.
These eleborate structures served as both the spiritual and political center of a community. The exteriors and interiors reflected the regional culture and aesthetic and were designed to attract visitors (pilgrims) from across the country. Internal spaces were intentionally engineered to carry sound throughout the structure so that everyone in attendance had the equal opportunity to the speaker as well as experience the voices of the choir.
Arch & Music.pptxPresentation created by Aaron Jones, Director of Arts Integration
Students were welcomed by Mr. at St. Elizabeth's. Mr. provided information about the church's history and current status. Choir students were then invited to perform within the intimate spaces of the church.
Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs designed by E. Fay Jones Image source: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/thorncrown-chapel
Above: Acoustic properties of a dame: behavior of sound energy in a dome. Source: Acoustic solutions in classic Ottoman architecture http://www.afhalifax.ca/magazine/wp-content/sciences/pfpaper-harmonie/newdoc/Acoustic10.pdf
Left: Image of the narthex at St. Elizabeth's chapel https://stelizabetheureka.com/about/parish-history
When the students performed in the chapel at St. Elizabeth's Church the dome design forced sound waves to reflect the rounded surfaces, allowing all voices to travel throughout the structure and filling the space with waves of resonance and reveberation.
When students performed within the Thorncrown Chapel the interior design allowed for sound waves to traverse the length of the structure. The hard surface of glass and steel do not absorb sound therefore allow the acoustics to be vividly sharp.
Students performing within the domed narthex of St. Elizabeth Church in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Students admiring the architecture of Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Students performing within the nave of Thorncrown Chapel.