Students took over the grand opening of the new Harrison High School Performing Arts Center on Thursday night for the re-opening of the completely renovated auditorium with a gala concert and reception.

The cost of the project was completely covered by a $1.2 million grant from the New York state EXCEL building improvement program and a $215,000 donation from the Harrison Educational Foundation.

At the event, Board of Education President David Singer presented Paul Curtis, Chairman of the Harrison Educational Foundation, with a plaque in appreciation of the Foundation’s contribution toward the renovation and its continuing generous support of the schools.

The renovation is part of the district’s mission to expand its arts curriculum.

The performing arts enrich the lives of students whether they are performing, working behind the scenes, studying or in the audience, said Superintendent of Schools Louis N. Wool in his welcoming remarks.

During the celebration, Harrison Mayor Joan Walsh read a proclamation declaring Feb. 28, 2008 Performing Arts Day, saying the Performing Arts Center benefitted the entire Harrison community.

But the electrifying performances were the centerpiece, as the students wowed a crowd of about 400 parents, faculty, school supporters and education and elected officials with the performances they said were their way of saying thanks.

The Concert Band and the High School Chorus were joined by three small performance groups, the Jazz Ensemble, the Jazz Singers and the Percussion Ensemble. Two cast members in the upcoming production of “Miss Saigon” sang a number.

The school’s 4-month-old dance company had its debut—as did the school’s new Tech Crew, which will manage all technical operations for all events, including those by outside groups.

There are a lot of photos on the district’s website.

(Report and photo courtesy of Lanning Taliaferro/Harrison school district.)