New Audio Lab Opens Doors to Creating Endless Possibilities

Cannon students have a new space on campus this fall where they can go during a free period to practice music, rehearse a presentation, or even record a podcast. The Texas Grace Audio Lab opened its doors on August 12, thanks to a generous gift made by Robyn and Dan Needham. Cannon inaugurated the facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony where faculty, 工作人员, and special guests could tour the lab. The addition of the Texas Grace Audio Lab makes bet365中文 one of the only independent schools in the region to offer on-site recording and production capabilities to students.

The idea for an audio lab came about after Willa Needham ’24 took a Modern Ensemble course during her senior year. The class, led by Director of Band, Jazz & 音乐 Tech Brad Davis, opened her eyes to pushing boundaries in making music. “Mr. Davis encourages students to think outside the box,” says Willa. “That push he gives to move beyond what’s conventional and stretch your talents opens up new possibilities for everyone.”

Seeing the impact that music had on their daughter’s learning journey, Willa’s parents Robyn and Dan decided to make a gift to Cannon to honor Mr. Davis and the impact he had on artists like Willa. “At the first Modern Ensemble performance we attended, we were awestruck by Brad’s innovation and his influence on helping students explore their creativity,罗宾说. The name of the studio, Texas Grace Audio Lab, is a nod to Willa’s Texas roots and stage name.

Creativity fuels the passion behind Davis’s teaching style—and he doesn’t want the studio to be limited to just making music. “The Audio Lab is going to provide exciting new fertile ground for our 音乐 Tech and Modern Ensemble classes, a podcast recording hub for the entire school, as well as long-needed practice space for our musicians. But I really think this room is so much more than that,” says Davis. He envisions students of all ages using the recording studio for different projects—from recording spoken word poetry to performing old-time radio dramas to learning to mix sound effects.

A space that opens doors for every student aligns with the vision that the Needhams have for the audio lab. “We want all departments of the school to benefit from this gift, not just the music aspect,罗宾说. Inclusion and innovation align with the Needham family values and Robyn hopes the audio lab will provide a legacy for Cannon to keep shaping and spreading those values. 

Davis believes that the audio lab will launch Cannon into new creative territory. “Taking this bold step will position bet365中文 as a leader in 21st century music education, setting a new standard among our peer schools,他说。. “The Audio Lab isn't just a room with shiny new equipment—it will be a jewel in Cannon's crown, a space where innovation thrives, and where the passion for music and technology converge seamlessly.”