CBC Dedicates Band Rehearsal Hall

Central Baptist College officials unveiled the new Mary Ned Foster Band Rehearsal Hall during the CBC Homecoming festivities on Saturday, February 3. The 4,000 square foot renovation of the Harold E. Cooper Educational Complex began in October. The donor of the remodel was unknown until the dedication. At the dedication, CBC President Terry Kimbrow and Mr. Winston P. (Sonny) Foster surprised Mrs. Mary Ned Foster (Sonny's wife) by announcing that the Hall would be named in her honor. The donor plaque for the Rehearsal Hall was presented and will be permanently installed in the coming days. A replica plaque was also presented to Mrs. Foster. Mr. Winston P. (Sonny) Foster, Jr. and Mrs. Mary Ned Foster live in Marvell, Ark. Mrs. Foster has two children, Mallory Van Dover and Jay Van Dover, and six grandchildren. Her passions include causes involving military veterans and foster children. She also has a love for and is deeply committed to the mission of Central Baptist College.

 Mr. Foster is currently serving his second five-year term on the Central Baptist College Board of Trustees. They are members of South City Church in Little Rock. "I am truly grateful for the generosity of Bro. Sonny in providing for the Band Rehearsal Hall. The Fosters are faithful supporters of Central Baptist College, and honoring Mrs. Mary Ned in this way is very fitting, said CBC President Terry Kimbrow. She loves students! Providing a place for the CBC Band, a place that will become their home away from home, is very special!" The 2,600 square foot Band Rehearsal Hall is designed to accommodate up to 75 student musicians. 

Additionally, new and renovated office spaces were included in the renovations. This is really an exciting time for us, said Fine Arts Department Chair and Director of Bands Tim Gunter. We were quickly running out of room and flexibility in our current location. I am so thankful for President Kimbrow for his tireless efforts on our behalf and to the Lord for His perfect timing and opening this door. Gunter noted, The band hall will provide our current and future band family a place to call home, not just for rehearsals and classes, but throughout the day to hang out. That is a positive impact that is often overlooked, but I have had many students comment over the years about the comfort of our band halls and how much it meant to them. 

CBC student Jessica Hager said, I'm excited and I hope that it will increase the quality of our sound, not only during practice but during performances as well. I believe that it will allow the band program to develop its already strong talent. CBC band started in the fall of 2016 with 14 students, and has grown to 30 students for the fall of 2017. Gunter added, Our band program may have officially started in the fall of 2016, but with the addition of a band rehearsal hall, we are off and running. I am so thankful and excited about the road ahead! Gunter is most well-known for his tenure as Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark., a position he held for 15 years. Gunter received a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education in 1979 and a Master of Music Conducting degree in 1993, both from the University of Arkansas. Liz Hamilton, AIA owner of H+N Architects in Conway, served as the architect for the project. Clark Construction, LLC of Little Rock served as the contractor. Central Baptist College is a four-year, private, liberal arts college founded in 1952 by the Baptist Missionary Association of Arkansas. For more information about the band program contact Director of Bands Tim Gunter at tgunter@cbc.eduor 501-205-8914.