The Show Must Go On…

Caroline Quinn and Emily Blanchard

Starting last January, the new auditorium construction has been a pinnacle of conversations among students, staff, and community members. Information is buzzing around SHS as students have watched the auditorium slowly progress since the construction of the middle school started last year.

Mr. Richter, the choral teacher at Scituate High School, discussed the new details of the auditorium in relation to his classes. He relayed everything about the new auditorium — from cost to architectural details. The wide, grand walls wrapping around the new large auditorium benefit not only the eyes but students’ vocal quality carrying through the new space. The ceiling is made customary for SHS’s new auditorium, with a sweeping ceiling that projects and carries vocals better than the average white tiled ceilings that existed in the previous auditorium. Richter stated how band members also have reason to be excited, due to the inclusion of a new band shell: a designated area for band members that enhances instrumental sounds collectively.

Other exponential improvements include stadium seats in the back, a catwalk for lighting, a classroom, and a drama room for set construction. In addition, several practice rooms, storage, and bathrooms will benefit students in every area of the drama and music departments.  The new auditorium will have 750 seats instead of the 420 in the old auditorium. Consequently, the drama and music departments will be able to present larger shows. More elaborate sets and state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems will be available. Richter stated, “Acoustically, the auditorium will be a huge improvement over the old one. Everything will sound better.” The new auditorium will allow for  professional concerts and a progressive learning environment.

As the interview was being conducted in the former staff lunch room, the music department piano could be heard in the background. Students were talking and singing loudly throughout The Scituation’s recording of the interview. Music students who have made the makeshift chorus room their home look forward to the opening of the new auditorium and Mr. Richter’s new classroom. Both students and staff are ecstatic about the improvements to their performance and classroom space, and they are embracing the opportunity to create, collaborate, and grow as performers and artists. The new auditorium is expected to foster a heightened educational environment for everyone at Scituate High School.