WSU conductor’s podium renovated

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Wright State University’s newly renovated Ben and Marian Schuster concert hall will have a special new podium, thanks to the efforts of three dedicated woodworkers.

“We have a faculty member, Dr. In-Hong Cha, who is a professor of violin and director of orchestras, and this will enable him to conduct from his wheelchair on the podium,” explains Randall S. Paul, chair of Wright State’s music department. “There’s a ramp and the wheelchair sits on top of the podium.”

Volunteers Harold Prigozen, Burt Saidel and Richard Cummings have designed and built the new piece of furniture, handcrafting it from walnut, maple and cherry woods. The trio, dubbed the God Squad, have made a number of ceremonial objects for area houses of worship through the years and also has worked on other community projects, including Deeds Barn at Carillon Park.

The podium will be used beginning in August.

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