Sometimes dramatic improvements in acoustics can be had by the simplest of means.

I was hired to play violin in an orchestra accompanying a chorus. We rehearsed and performed in a really dismal high-school auditorium. The chorus set up at the rear of the stage and the orchestra placed in front. The orchestra blocked the sound of the chorus; they might as well have been on the moon.

At my suggestion, the orchestra moved down to the floor in front of the stage; the chorus moved to the lip of the stage, above and behind us. Movable sound reflectors were moved up tight behind the chorus.

The conductor was very pleased with the dramatic improvement. The cost? ła few minutes of labor.

I am an acoustician, specializing in excellent acoustics for performance spaces and houses of worship.