TCAPS Plans $4M Music Facility Upgrades at Traverse City West Middle School

New choir room and expanded band/orchestra space coming as part of 2024 bond project.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) has announced plans for a $4 million renovation project at Traverse City West Middle School that will include building a new 1,400 square foot choir room and expanding the existing space to accommodate the school's band and orchestra instruments.

Why it matters

The upgrades are part of a 2024 bond measure approved by voters to improve facilities across the TCAPS district. The current lack of dedicated music spaces has forced students to store instruments in hallways, highlighting the need for more appropriate and functional music education facilities.

The details

The renovation project will create a brand new 1,400 square foot choir room and expand the existing music space to house the school's band and orchestra instruments. TCAPS Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner noted that students currently have to keep their instruments in the hallways due to the lack of storage space.

  • TCAPS plans to begin the renovations in March 2026 during spring break.
  • Construction is expected to be completed by November 2026.

The players

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS)

The public school district serving the Traverse City, Michigan area.

Dr. John VanWagoner

The superintendent of Traverse City Area Public Schools.

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The takeaway

This project demonstrates TCAPS' commitment to investing in its music education programs and providing students with appropriate, dedicated facilities to support their learning and development.