Community College of Philadelphia just expanded once again.

On Monday, June 6, the College hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for its brand new Spring Garden Records Studio. College President Dr. Donald “Guy” Generals, along with Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement David E. Thomas; and Paul Geissinger, head of the College’s Music Department and director of Spring Garden Records, were all in attendance for the groundbreaking event.

The ceremony offered live music by Philly artists signed by Spring Garden Records a.m.bii and The Mini Q’s, and a drum solo by College President Dr. Donald “Guy” Generals.

The studio is located in the main campus of the college inside the Mint building, and is home to the College’s Sound Recording and Music Technology program.

Dr. Generals described the new studio as a momentous time in Philly’s music history.

“Today, we officially showcase our brand new state of the art music and recording studio,” Dr. Generals said at the event. “This partnership will allow students in the College of Sound Recording program and music technology, as well as artists signed by our record label Spring Garden Records to bring their art to life. We can now help position our students to take part in the lustrous history of Philadelphia music.”

Vice President David Thomas said the College is dedicated to investing in up and coming artists in the city’s area.

“A lot of money and resources, but the investment is specifically done for our students and the Philadelphia community and the music community in our city,” said Thomas. “We are excited about potentially seeing the rebirth of the amazing talent that we know originates in Philadelphia.”

Thomas also stated that although students will have fun with the new and improved studio, they must also take their academics seriously.

“It's not just about fun, it's about academics too,” he said.

Students who are a part of the Sound Recording and Music Technology program are offered a hybrid analog and a digital workspace in order to provide students with a full experience.

The studio was designed by VSBA Architects, with acoustical design by Metropolitan Acoustics. Features of the new studio include, a large selection of Eurorack modular synthesizers, a mic closet with a large selection of condenser, ribbon and dynamic microphones; and a live room that includes a whisper room with various drum and cymbal choices, guitar and bass amps, and a 1926 Steinway model L grand piano.

“We hope you enjoy what you see and we hope that you are inspired by what you see and maybe take some classes,” said Thomas.

The college is currently accepting applications for its Artists In Residence (AIR) program. Applications for the program are due Friday, June 10, 2022.

For more information on Spring Garden Records and the Artists in Residency program, visit their website.