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Project List for Mountain Arts Community  Center

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1. Projector for Theater - $5000: The MACC has a 200-seat theater that is not
utilized to its fullest extent. We currently have theater plays several times a year,
and several music concerts but we could do so much more. It is our goal to have
family movie nights, special themed series of movies from classics of the 30’s
and 40’s, Hitchcock Festivals, and more recent run movies. All of this will bring
the community together for a fun evening here on the mountain. The theater
could also be used for large meetings or corporate events. We have already
purchased a new screen that completely fills our stage.

2. Sound Attenuation and Sound Equipment for the Theater - $10,000:

We have conducted some experiments in the theater to examine how our existing
sound system will work with movies. Currently, the sound system is lacking and
does not provide the clarity of sound needed. We would need to purchase some
new equipment and provide sound deadening baffles on the walls.

3. Pavilion (outdoor classroom) - $6000: We need additional classroom space
and outdoor space. A 12’x20’ pavilion in our rear courtyard would serve to
provide an outdoor area for art, music, and yoga classes. It would also be helpful
as a place for parents to wait while their children are taking lessons and function
as an outdoor event space.

4. Dance Floor - $6160: The dance programs at the MACC have grown over the
last 4 years. We now have four dance instructors teaching 18 dance classes
ranging from Mommy and Me classes with 2-year-olds to Ballet and Hip-Hop for
older students. We have recently add a ballet class for older adults who had
taken ballet in their youth, put it on hold to raise their family, and now want to
once again pursue their dream of dancing. The one Ballet room is just not
enough now and with an additional ballet room we could offer a fuller range of
classes.

5. Family Restroom - $8000: The MACC is housed in a 100-year-old school
building that was not designed for today’s requirements for providing

accessibility. The building is on four different levels separated by 4 steps each.
This may not seem like much but when you are in a wheelchair or walker it can
seem like Mount Everest. The only women’s restroom is on the second level. We
need a family restroom accessible to all on the main level of the building.

6. Rehearsal and Portable Sound System for Room 14 (Doghouse) - $4,885:
This is a request to purchase equipment to improve the sound system and sound
capabilities for the Doghouse Studio (room 14) at the Mountain Arts Community
Center (MACC).

Current Situation (8/27/2024)
We use a small four channel sound system that is fine for small acoustic settings
but struggles to keep up with larger ensembles and multiple electric instruments.
We often have groups performing with as many as six to seven members.
It has limited monitoring capacity, which makes it more difficult for vocalists to
hear themselves. We have used it in performance and its limitations are even
more obvious.  Additionally, a large part of the mission at the Doghouse is to give students a
chance to record themselves to hear opportunities for improvement. The current
sound system does not allow that.  Currently close to a dozen students regularly use the Doghouse for practice.
Between 20 and 25 lessons are taught weekly.

Proposal:
The new equipment will greatly expand teaching options and improve the
performance experience, in rehearsal and for audiences at performances.
The new equipment will allow for recording of rehearsals. Professional recordings
will be possible with the addition of a simple laptop and software, which many
musicians already have.  The system will also be useful for alternative site performing, including the
outside stages at the MACC.

In its five-year life, Doghouse Studios has already contributed to the professional
career of one of the students, provided the launching pad for a successful local
band with Spotify listeners all over the world and currently has four to five bands
rehearsing there every week.

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Making the musical experience for every student includes the technology that
they will have to be familiar with when they continue their musical journey is
necessary to ensure continued success.

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Information About the MACC
The MACC is operated by the SME Preservation Fund (SMEPF, a 501(c)3) for
the Town of Signal Mountain by volunteers with one part time employee. The
Town provides no funds for staff or programs. The Town only provides utilities for
the building and general exterior maintenance. The SMEPF began restoration of the

building in late 2017 and took over operation of the programs in July 2020 during the covid pandemic.

Since that time, we have put in over $400,000 in renovations to the building to bring it back
to it original condition and correct some safety and sanitation issues. The
SMEPF has also put in over 24,000 volunteer hours in renovation time and
management time. We have expanded programs to include 30 instructors in
pottery studio, music, dance, art , yoga, and theater. We have over 400 students
taking various lessons each week and a full range of summer camps for children
of all ages. Plus we are host to the winter plays of the Signal Mountain
Playhouse, performances by the Chattanooga Symphony Quintets, book
readings sponsored by the Friends of the Library, monthly meetings of the Signal
Mountain Social Services, various musical concerts through out the year, and the
Christkindl Christmas market each November.

It is our goal to hire a full-time Development Director within the next two years.
This will move the MACC toward more secure financial stability for many years to
come. The SMEPF is proud of the work it has accomplished over the last 7
years and we invite anyone to come visit us at the MACC for a tour of the facility
and our programs.

Thank you for your consideration of the MACC.

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Dick Graham and the SMEPF Board
Co-Director, MACC
President, SMEPF
809 Kentucky Ave.
Signal Mountain, TN 37377
macc@signalmacc.org
Signalmacc.org