The Harmony Performing Arts Project will add a brand new orchestra room to Hudson High School and renovate the band and choir rooms. The project will also provide a state-of-the-art auditorium for all performing arts at the high school. The $5.5 million project is a joint venture of public and private funds, though it is mainly privately funded with support from parents, alumni and community members.
An orchestra room would mean more instrumental storage, LED lighting, acoustical clouds and 5,000 square feet of new space. Senior cellist Katie Huber says, “this is beneficial for performing arts students because currently all the orchestra kids practice on stage, which makes it hard to set up and take down the chairs and stands.”
Obviously, with a new room creating an environment for music stands and chairs to stay in place, organization and time management would also be solved. Huber adds, “getting instruments from the rooms and bringing them across the hall is a hassle.” Senior violinist Mallory Shenkenberger emphasized efficiency in a new room as well stating, “the dedicated practice space will allow for students to access new resources, collaborate efficiently and improve the overall sound quality for rehearsals and performances.” Shenkenberger even shares her jealousy of younger generations being able to experience the new room as the project is set to be done by the 2026-2027 school year.
Choir room improvements would include removing concrete risers and providing portable risers for flexible space. Junior Lauren Brownley shares, “the new room would get rid of these risers and allow Vocal Impact to rehearse inside the room. JuniorVienne Bateman shares how a new layout “would help students feel like the school holds the choir program and other arts programs with the same regard as many other athletic and academic programs.”
All choir students and performing arts students can attest to this statement. Especially in an athletic-heavy community, a designated space for each performing art program would guarantee more respect and achievements, even more than they already receive.
Similar to the orchestra room, a newly renovated band room would include LED lighting, acoustic ceilings and new flooring. Sophomore Evan Lee first chair clarinet of the band explains how the orchestra and band share rehearsal periods in the auditorium, which can be a little inconvenient for students. Lee says, “future students [will] be able to grow in a space that is built just for their passion.”
Alongside these upgrades, HHS will also be getting an upgraded auditorium, which would mean new comfortable seats, acoustic upgrades, a new stage for performances, a mid-house station and more. This would benefit all performing arts and theater students.
Hudson is fortunate to have a strong community invested in the performing arts of the talented students in all grades who benefit from the high school’s renovation. These upgrades will set up the success for all music and performances here at Hudson High School.
