A water leak problem in Music Hall is finally being taken care of after several pleas by Iowa State faculty members and students.

A contract has been signed, said Robert Molison, the music department’s choral director, and plans are underway to fix the problems that have been plaguing students and staff using the building.

Roof leaks have affected various areas of the building, especially in the Choir Rehearsal Room and Recital Hall.

“There is a leak in my studio, above the lobby, in the organ practice room,” said Sue Haug, music department chairwoman.

“The rain pouring in through the roof broke a hole in the ceiling of our Recital Hall,” she added, holding up her hands up to highlight a five-inch hole. “We have buckets up in the walkway above the ceiling so the noise problem is not as evident.”

Recital Hall is a venue for music classes and performances by students, faculty and guest performers.

Room 130 in Music Hall is another location with major leak problems. “We have used up to 15 buckets to catch the water,” Molison said. The room is used for choir rehearsals.

Rain water has already damaged music scores and there is the potential for damage to two grand pianos in the room, Molison said.

“In addition to creating an unfortunate psychological situation for students who come in for classes,” Molison added, “it’s distracting. Iowa State students deserve better.”

Judy Eastman, a music major, has been in the department for three years. She said the leak was minimal when she arrived at ISU. “It’s gotten worse every year,” she said.

Eastman said she doesn’t understand why it took this long to do something about the water problems.

“The university has invested a lot of money in keyboards, computers and equipment. It makes sense for them to protect it from the weather,” she said. “I understand this is a school for sciences, but the science of music itself doesn’t seem important to the university.”

Repairs are expected to cost about $95,000.