Auditorium Sound Treatment with Fabric Panels: Pearl River Central High School

• Project: Auditorium & Music Room Acoustics
• Address: 7407 US-11, Carriere, MS 39426
• Facility Type: High School Performing Arts Wing
• General Contractor: DCD Construction, Inc.
• Objective: Improve Sound Quality for Music & Speech
• Scope: Fabric Panels, Barrel Diffusers, & Installation Services

At Pearl River Central High School, good acoustics were essential—not optional. The performing arts hall, auditorium, and music classrooms required precise sound control to serve band practices, choral rehearsals, and student performances. Commercial Acoustics was brought on during initial construction to engineer an acoustic solution that met both technical requirements and the architect’s design vision.

More than 450 fabric-wrapped panels were custom-sized and installed across multiple spaces, along with a grid of barrel-shaped sound diffusers. Every detail, from fabric orientation to panel seam placement, was managed to achieve a clean, professional look without sacrificing performance. The result is a school facility where music, speech, and sound clarity thrive.

• Custom Panel Sizes: Over 20 Unique Dimensions for Precise Fit
• Directional Fabric: Vertical Alignment Ensured Consistent Appearance
• Material Performance: FR701 Fabric for Acoustics & Fire Rating

Fabric panels helped reduce echo, manage reverberation, and improve clarity. In music classrooms and the auditorium, custom-sized panels were mounted to absorb sound and improve performance. Because most acoustical fabrics have a directional weave, panels were aligned vertically to preserve texture uniformity. Large panels were split into pairs instead of rotating the fabric.

Guilford of Maine’s FR701 fabric provided excellent sound transparency and met fire safety requirements. Each color selection supported the visual tone of the space while the panels worked quietly in the background to control sound. The result is a seamless blend of visual cohesion and acoustic performance across multiple room types.

• Low-Frequency Control: Diffusers Scattered Bass Energy Effectively
• Seamless Integration: Panels Resized to Match Diffuser Widths
• High-Elevation Install: Laser Guides Used for Accurate Placement

To complement the fabric-wrapped panels and address low-frequency reverberation, barrel-shaped diffusers were installed across the auditorium and music spaces. These elements scatter bass frequencies and prevent buildup that could distort sound during performances.

The diffusers were wrapped in fabric and filled with absorptive material to boost acoustic control. Positioned up to 30 feet high, they were aligned precisely using laser levels. Panel widths were adjusted wherever they met diffusers, ensuring a seamless, unified layout across each wall.

• Shop Drawing Reviews: Multiple Rounds for Fabric Orientation & Panel Size
• No Railroading: Avoided Texture Shift from Sideways Fabricing
• Fast Turnaround: Completed Fabrication & Delivery in Under 90 Days

This project required tight collaboration with the architect and general contractor. We coordinated closely to resolve layout challenges and fabric limitations, avoiding railroading that would have changed visual texture. By adjusting panel sizes and mounting locations, we kept the design consistent across all surfaces.

Shop drawings were revised multiple times to finalize orientation and positioning. Once approved, our fabrication team completed all panels and diffusers in less than 90 days, keeping the build on schedule and ready for the new academic semester.

• Scissor Lifts Used: Accessed Heights Up to 30 Feet
• Laser Alignment: Guaranteed Panel & Diffuser Spacing
• Clean Integration: Panels Fit Precisely into Room Geometry

Installation required careful sequencing and access planning. Many elements were installed high on auditorium walls, requiring scissor lifts and precise measuring tools. Laser guides helped maintain exact alignment across all panels and diffusers.

Our team carefully followed the room’s curves and architectural features, adjusting panel shapes where necessary. The finished product blends effortlessly into the space while delivering significant acoustic improvements.

Each phase of the installation was coordinated to minimize disruptions to the facility and maintain safety standards. Crews worked systematically across the space, securing anchor points and double-checking tolerances before moving to the next section. This disciplined approach not only preserved the integrity of the architectural design but also ensured that the acoustic treatment performed exactly as specified.

Acoustics directly impact how students learn and perform. In classrooms, rehearsal spaces, and especially large halls, sound quality is a key factor in the educational experience. When rooms echo or distort, comprehension suffers. When sound is balanced and controlled, both teaching and performing thrive.

Pearl River Central High School is proof that great sound design supports great outcomes. Their investment in sound-absorbing panels and acoustic diffusers resulted in spaces that now support communication, creativity, and clarity at every level—from practice rooms to public performances.

If you’re designing or renovating a school, the right acoustic strategy should be part of your plan from day one. Our team partners with architects and contractors to integrate high-performance fabric panels and acoustic systems that match your timeline, budget, and design goals. Contact us today to create a school that sounds as smart as it looks.