Anticipation sweeps WHS students as the new performing arts wing wraps up its construction, prompting a new chapter of musical memories.

On May 15th, the new music rooms will be open for students and classes. However, there is still landscaping and final touches that need to be done. These final touches will just decorate the room and are not a hazard to students. 

These rooms will be significantly larger in square footage while having more windows for light and space for equipment. Both the storage room and office were connected in the  previous band and choir rooms; however, the new room will only be connected to the storage room, giving the teachers their own office space. There will be more doors in the band room that lead outside for easy trailer access. There will also be doors in both rooms that lead to a new glassed-in hang-out area where students can eat lunch.

The current band and choir will be well-spent as they will be turned into classrooms and offices. 4 new classrooms including a special ed classroom will be gained in this area. 

These new updates drive excitement among the music students as they get ready to move everything from the standard room to the renovated one.

In a survey sent out to the music students, they shared their feelings regarding the significant change.

Students’ feelings about moving are spread out. 69.5% are ready to move, while 30.5% are mixed about the change. 

There was a common yearning for better acoustics and more space to rehearse and hang out. 

Sophia Valchine awaits the room’s new features: “I know the choir room will have mirrors so we can see our faces while we sing and I am excited about that.” 

These improvements also bring sadness as students say their goodbyes to the music rooms that have brought them familiarity and comfort. 

Morgan Kelly expresses that she is, “Definitely going to miss all of the memories that were made in the old band room. That band room is where I’ve spent a lot of my time in high school and it has become my safe space”.

This new chapter of the performing arts program is one of the many ways that WHS grows; students hope that this change will bring nothing more than the best memories.