The Green Music Center is an amalgamation of different music going experiences. Today I want to go through each of our venues and share some photos, and describe the different set ups here at the Green so you know what to expect when looking at our different set ups.
Beginning with our beloved Weill Hall. This hall hosts many of our performances and concerts, showcasing the Santa Rosa symphony, other large orchestras, dance groups, large screen movies and more. This “shoebox” concert hall has 1400 seats where the audience can sit and enjoy the display.
If you like to be a part of a large crowd, this venue is for you. Sitting with others, all enjoying the performance creates a sense of community and unity. With this setup you can typically experience a more traditional concert hall feeling as well; but don’t be fooled, you can easily stand up and dance at your seat if the performance calls for it.
Schroeder Hall was the original idea of the founders who wanted an adequate choral concert hall at Sonoma State University; thus the idea was born, and it grew a great deal over time to include all the other facilities we know and love today. Schroeder hall, named after the piano-playing Peanuts character, seats 240 people. The hall itself is round, with no 90-degree angles and high ceilings. It also features a 1,248- pipe Brombaugh Opus organ.
Concerts in this hall range from Sonoma Bach, to rock concerts held by the rock collegium ensemble at Sonoma State. This small but mighty venue offers a more intimate listening experience. You’re able to experience that typical concert experience on a smaller scale, so if large crowds aren’t for you, then this is the place for you.
Weill Hall Loft
The Weill Hall Loft is a special set-up. The audience is on-stage with the performer and her up in the seating in the choral circle loft. This offers around 300 seats and different views from which everyone can enjoy.
The Loft configuration allows the audience to be fully immersed in the performance, creating a truly unique experience. These performances are typically smaller artists and performers offering a particular atmosphere that only works with such an intimate setting. So if you want to connect with music, or the performers on a different level, look out for shows in the Weill Hall Loft.
Weill Hall + Lawn
If you have never experienced one of our summer shows, this is your sign to check it out! During our summer season the Green presents performers in a different way. The back of Weill Hall opens up and we showcase our performers on the stage while our audience has the option to either sit inside the hall or bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets and enjoy the music outside. A jumbotron displays the inside concert as well, so that the outdoor audience can have a better view.
This is only available in the summer season, when we showcase household names such as Andy Grammer, the Beach Boys, and more. Our lawn set up allows for an almost bandshell style of concert allowing for two types of concert experience; on one hand, for those inside, they have that more classic Weill Hall feeling; a guaranteed seat to sit in, or space to dance when needed. With assigned seating and shading from the sun, it can feel similar to a typical show.. For those outside, they have the option to be almost wherever they want; at the barricade getting that outdoor feel, or towards the back enjoying the music further back from the crowd. Outdoor-goers can also bring a picnic to enjoy during the concert. Being outside gives a more festival-like feel; immersed in the crowd with others with excitement and energy. The Weill Hall + Loft setup is there for anyone to decide what they want in terms of their needs, and wants. No matter where people are set up during the concert, they are sure to enjoy this unique set up.
Let this be a bit of an inside into what we have here. Our different venues provide different atmospheres tailored to each performance. Check them all out and see which one is your favorite!
Written by Liza Schoen
Liza Schoen is a 2024 graduate from Sonoma State University, with a B.A in Communications and Media studies with a minor in philosophy. She currently served as the Green Music Center Marketing Student Assistant (2024), as well as an usher (2022-2024) for Green Music Center shows and concerts.
