Since the fencing of the home side parking lot on April 30 in order to complete renovations, band students practicing on the blacktop have faced changes to rehearsal structures.

“I like the construction because it’s great that the blacktop is getting updated,” freshman Elizabeth Morton said. “But also our dots, [marking set positions for marching band], probably won’t be there, so we’ll have to put them down ourselves when it’s finished.”

Student drivers must also find creative places to park once parking spots were fenced in.

“It is affecting me because the entire back of the lot is blocked off, so I have to find somewhere else to park,” junior Maria Lezcano said. “It is affecting everyone. Now everyone who parks where the construction is either can’t bring their car, or has to find another place on campus to park.”

According to Band Director Michael Swiren, the construction “should be done before the summer band season,” and is set to incorporate new pipes beneath the blacktop to improve air flow and combat temperatures upward of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. 

“Putting air pipes under the ground is a great idea because we are marching in 100 degree weather, so being able to feel air from under us will be nice,” Morton said.