"Amazing Gift" Now a Reality!
Fine Arts Programs Now Enjoy Benefits of New Performance-Learning Center; Nov. 6 Open House Video Posted
Wahoo Public Schools celebrated its new Performance-Learning Center with a community open house on Sunday, November 6, 2011. Please click HERE to view the open house program.
If you weren't able to attend the open house, please go to the bottom of this page to view the video!
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Wahoo Middle/High School Vocal Director Julie Anderson probably summed it up best: “Wahoo Public Schools has truly given our students, staff and community an amazing gift!”
The new Wahoo Public Schools Learning & Performance Center is now more than just a pretty attachment!
After some delays resulting from the process of meeting all state fire codes, the state fire marshal gave the all clear on Tuesday, October 11, and the move was on!
By the end of the day, with the help of both teachers and students, both the WMS/WHS vocal and band programs were relocated into their new classrooms, and both began to enjoy all of the benefits offered by this state-of-the-art facility, the first of its kind in Saunders County.
WPS now enjoys open access to what this new addition has to offer: a brand new 733-seat learning and performing arts center, and two new fine arts classroom, one for vocal music, and one for band.
Launch the media gallery 2 playerThe new center and classroom additions total about 21,000 square feet.
According to WPS Superintendent Galen Boldt, the budget for the entire project, including contingencies, was set at $4,497,606. Boldt added that the final amount actually spent will be a bit below that.
Launch the media gallery 3 player“The final costs will be very close to $4,400,000. The funds expended to date total $4,342,613, with a few small items left to account for,” Boldt stated.
What does this new facility mean to those responsible for directing Wahoo Public’s fine arts programs?
“My feelings about the new performing arts learning center are almost indescribable. When I sit in the theatre and look at that stage, I almost have to pinch myself because I just can’t believe what I am really seeing. To think that I am going to be able to ‘dream up’ things and have the tools and facility to make those things happen is so surreal and incredibly exciting!” commented Anderson.
“I feel the same way when I am in the new music room, and I think about all of the wonderful experiences that students will have in that room for many years to come,” Anderson added.
WMS/WHS Band Director Tim Rischling also reflected on his appreciation for the district’s commitment to a strong fine arts program.
“I feel very fortunate to be in my third year teaching and having the luxury of moving into a new band room and auditorium. Not many music teachers get to have this opportunity in their careers. The students and I are very grateful for the community and administration’s commitment to their education,” Rischling said. “I know that the momentum and opportunities this building presents will really boost our fine arts department. As a teacher, I believe that the new facility will help raise our expectations and goals as growing musicians. I appreciate all of the hard work it took from everyone involved to get our students and community a quality learning and performing arts center that will be of value for decades.”
The WHS Drama Department is preparing for the upcoming Capitol Conference One Act competition, which will be held at in the new Learning & Performance Center on November 21.
"The large space and comfortable seats are enjoyed by all! One Act students are practicing on the new stage almost nightly. Having a real stage to perform on is helping us all grow in confidence as the Capitol Conference competition draws closer," said WHS Speech & Drama Director Cherie Johnson.
Prior vocal and band classroom space has been or will be designated for other classroom needs. The former vocal classroom is now home to the high school’s speech and drama program, and the former speech and drama classroom has now been designated as a high school special education classroom, which was previously located upstairs in the middle school.
The former band and special education classrooms will be closed for now, until a final determination is made for how best to utilize them.
The district will host an open house on Sunday, November 6 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Here’s what’s scheduled:
1:30-2:00 p.m.: Doors open for tours of the building
2:00-2:45 p.m.: Program in Auditorium
• Welcome from Galen Boldt, Superintendent
• High School Band
• Remarks from Rob Brigham, Board President
• High School Chorus
• Remarks from Ed Rastovski, former Superintendent
• Middle School Chorus
• Closing Remarks from a Student
2:45-4:30 p.m.: Guest Performers in Auditorium and Tours
(Following the open house program, a cavalcade of performers from the community will be on stage in the auditorium. Performers, in their scheduled order and subject to possible change, are Snyder/Fick/Olson & Reece; Bob Ohnoutka; Nabity Family; Deb Hohl; Timothy Houfek; Christie Tyler Studio; Sheila Dokulil; Patricia Starr; Jason Stevens; Brian Botsford/Julie Anderson; and New Luther Men.)
Sunday, November 13 is another date to get on the calendar! WPS and the Wahoo Newspaper have partnered to bring Brass in Blue to the stage for a 2:00 p.m. Brass in Blue is a part of the U. S. Air Force’s Heart of America Band from Offutt Air Force Base. This free performance is open to the public.
A full listing of scheduled school and community events will be posted soon.
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November 6, 2011 Performance-Learning Center Open House: