Breaking Ground On History

Thursday was a historic day for the Media, Visual & Performing Arts Center as well as the Christian Brothers community.

On the afternoon Thursday, April 4, 2013, a beautiful event occurred on the Christian Brothers campus. Students, faculty, and supporters of the CB community all came together to break the ground on the George Cunningham Performing Arts Center.

Christian Brothers President Mr. Lorcan Barnes gave a fantastic speech, in which he explained the new Thea Stidum Theater being built inside the Center will have will have 350 seats, outstanding sidelines, and first class acoustics.”

Christian Brothers senior Kaalen Kirrene (‘13) gave a moving speech about how he is overjoyed that his brother and sister will get to use the new equipment and location even though he will not get to use it himself.

Mr. Ron Slabbinck gave a wonderful speech about how this new center will reach all the different forms of art at Christian Brothers and will help students to truly express themselves.

“Whether a student finds their voice as an actor, a great painter, or a film producer, they will soon have a frame that will compliment their voice,” the director of the Visual & Performing Arts Department said.

But the new facilities are not just a stage for Theater and Video displays — it is also a platform for music, painting, and all other forms of art.

“It will give us the opportunity to showcase our kids in a more pertinent way” says Mr. Findlay Macintosh, who will be having art shows at the center in order to display his students’ best works.

Performing Arts student Frank Huntington (‘15) was excited as well, saying “I think its gonna be a big change for the band program.”

The band and choir programs will both soon have a great new location to practice, perform, and learn.

Mrs. Holly Slabbinck, one of the choir instructors says she is “excited to see the kids shine and see their talent will be fully realized.”

Students will soon be awestruck by the amazing new facilities that will bring them the opportunity to truly display their talents and passions.

In his speech, Mr. Barnes gave the best description in simply stating “it will be a showcase for our students.”