Arts Highlights: Texas Tour and New School Center
This week marks two noteworthy milestones for the performing arts at Principia:
- The kickoff of the 2017 Arts on Tour program, which began with an on-campus preview performance and will include three concerts in Texas this weekend
- Completion of extensive renovations for the School’s magnificent new Performing Arts Center
Monday evening’s Arts on Tour concert in Ridgway had the audience tapping its feet and clapping in time to the rousing jazz instrumentals and songs, a capella ballads, and rhythmic tap dancing. The program featured the Upper School Jazz Band and a trio of College singers, who delivered a mix of old favorites as well as more modern renditions. Principia friends and families in Texas are in for a treat during the tri-city performances slated for March 3–5. (View the schedule and locations.)
Next week, as soon as Performing Arts Department Chair Martha Stitzel and Assistant Band Director Mike Griswold (US’80) return from leading the Texas tour, it will be time to move equipment and supplies into the spacious new practice rooms, studios, and offices in the Center. Covering an area of over 12,000 square feet, the new Center includes these fabulous facilities:
- A large symphonic band practice and rehearsal space (visible through soundproof glass from an upper level)
- Three dance studios, including one that mimics the shape and size of the Ridgway performance stage
- A large choral practice room, with breakout rooms for smaller ensembles
- A dedicated percussion section practice area (with extra soundproofing!)
- Changing rooms with shower facilities
- World-class acoustics (Enjoy the beautiful sound as this student trio practices in the new band space!)
By the time School reopens after spring break on March 27, students will be able to make full use of the Center—just in time for final rehearsals for this year’s annual Broadway-style, spring musical! (If you haven’t already done so, reserve your seats for the April 6, 7, or 8 performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s enchanting Cinderella.)