Eastman School Celebrates "Topping Out" ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - Even a driving rain didn't dampen people's spirits as the Eastman School of Music celebrated the installation of a final beam being put in place on a new building.

Officials conducted a "topping out" ceremony, which is a tradition in the construction trade marking when the last beam is put on top of a building.

The new building is being built next to the Eastman theater, which is also undergoing renovations this summer.

Jamal Rossi, Executive Associate Dean at Eastman, says people will experience a whole new performance venue when the theatre reopens in October.

Along with the renovated theater, the new building connected to the theatre will feature the Hatch Recital Hall, teaching studios, rehearsal room and recording studio.

The ceremony also included Eastman School percussionists "playing" that final beam.

The new building adjacent to the theater is expected to open in 2011.

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