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Cincinnati's Historic Music Hall, the Area's "Leading Lady of Architecture," Stars in Her Very Own Show!

The Society for the Preservation of Music Hall has teamed up with CET, Greater Cincinnati's leading provider of educational services and local PBS Member station, and the Cincinnati Museum Center, to produce a one-hour documentary on Music Hall. Music Hall: Cincinnati Finds Its Voice tells the story of Music Hall, the people and events that shaped the hall's conception, design and construction. The program also describes the stories of the individuals who were instrumental in creating and keeping this exceptional structure alive throughout the years. Woven throughout the program are anecdotes, interesting stories and unusual tidbits that are both fact and folklore, along with "Music Hall memories" of people from around Greater Cincinnati area.

Producing this program is not only an important part of CET's mission, but also an exciting opportunity for the hall's one-time resident and long-time neighbor. CET started as WCET in 1954, broadcasting from a room on the third floor of Music Hall until 1959. CET's permanent home on Central Parkway across from Music Hall was completed in 1976. CET celebrated its fiftieth anniversary the year the documentary produced, and as the city recently honored Music Hall's 125 years as the center of the arts in Cincinnati.

CET created the program in high definition (HD) video. Jack Dominic, CET's Executive Vice President and COO, stated that "HD captures the grandeur and beauty of the hall. HD provides breathtaking images in significantly higher quality than any other digital medium."

Cincinnati's Historic Music Hall, June 2006
With generous assistance from Duke Energy, CET videographer Nick Baute gets a great view of Music Hall on a beautiful October morning With generous assistance from Duke Energy, CET videographer Nick Baute gets a great view of Music Hall on a beautiful October morning. Exterior taping was delayed while construction crews worked on the renovation of the north wing into the Corbett Opera Center.
Maria Curro Kreppel in a pre-interview discussion with program co-producers/directors Joanne Grueter & Sheri Lutz Maria Curro Kreppel in a pre-interview discussion with program co-producers/directors Joanne Grueter & Sheri Lutz.
Safety is a number-one concern when working with Cinergy and their double-barrel trucks. Safety is a number-one concern when working with Cinergy and their double-barrel trucks.
Left to right: Norma Petersen, President of the Society for the Preservation of Music Hall, Nick Baute, Jeff Cooper and Beth Fowler Left to right: Norma Petersen, President of the Society for the Preservation of Music Hall, Nick Baute, Jeff Cooper and Beth Fowler.
The primary Music Hall taping crew: videographer Nick Baute & Jeff Cooper on audio The primary Music Hall taping crew: videographer Nick Baute & Jeff Cooper on audio.
Program co-producer/director Sheri A. Lutz talks with Scott Gampfer and Dan Hurley of the Cincinnati Museum Center, a partner in the production. Their knowledge and insight into the hall's history is reflected not only in their interviews but also with the quality of the program
Videographer Beth Fowler (left) works with Music Hall Master Electrician Gary Kidney to prep the stage for a taping Videographer Beth Fowler (left) works with Music Hall Master Electrician Gary Kidney to prep the stage for a taping.
This is a great example of the beautiful original interior decor that still exists in the north hall This is a great example of the beautiful original interior decor that still exists in the north hall.
A pre-taping tour of Music Hall's ''basement'' gave CET intern Chris Ledermeier a new perspective of the structure A pre-taping tour of Music Hall's ''basement'' gave CET intern Chris Ledermeier a new perspective of the structure.
Underneath Music Hall you will find remnants of the hall's history, original construction and updates over the years, including this coal chute. Underneath Music Hall you will find remnants of the hall's history, original construction and updates over the years, including this coal chute.
The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. US Bank Foundation
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Awards for Music Hall: Cincinnati Finds Its Voice

Winner, 2005 Regional Emmy - Cultural Documentary

Finalist, 2005 Post-Corbett Award