Tusky Valley unveils a new performing arts center
The Tusky Valley band took the stage for its first public performance since the heartbreaking band bus accident that occurred in November.
It was standing room only on Jan. 7 when Tuscarawas Valley Middle-High School held a public grand opening of its new performing arts center. Parents, grandparents and other district residents crowded in for their first look at the 504-seat theater with its stage, orchestra pit and high-tech gear.
The nearly $6 million theater almost didn’t materialize. In November 2021, the pandemic had created supply-chain issues for construction materials, and costs skyrocketed. Undaunted, Tusky Valley Director of Operations Mark Murphy, then superintendent, drummed up support from local foundations, businesses and individual donors.
The center features state-of-the-art theater lighting and sound systems, a two-story control room, and cloud ceilings to reduce noise and amp up the acoustics.
Serving as master of ceremonies for the grand opening, Murphy led the audience through a program filled with laughter, a few tears and a great deal of optimism. He said construction of the auditorium was only possible through the generosity of key contributors including the Doris and Floyd Kimble Foundation, the Reeves Foundation, Eleet Cryogenics and Garry and Tenia Sears family, Andrew and Karrisa Reeves family, the Rosenberry Foundation, and numerous individual donors who added to revenue from the Rover Pipeline utility tax.
There were plenty of dignitaries on hand including Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Mrs. DeWine, who made it a point in November to attend calling hours for the six local people killed in a band bus accident in Licking County.
“Fran and I wanted to be here to support the band and the students,” DeWine said. “This is a resilient group of kids. They’ve been through things we can’t really even imagine.”
Several local elected officials and representatives from the Ohio School Boards Association and the Buckeye Association of School Administrators also turned out for the event.
Perhaps one of the most notable guests was Brynn Goedel, a Tusky Valley band member who survived the accident and is overcoming obstacle after obstacle on her road to recovery.
Stepping forward
The theme of the day, “Stepping Forward,” set the tone for a program focused on the transformative power of the arts in education. Murphy served as master of ceremonies for the program that included musical performances; remarks from administrators, staff and students; and a video titled “Students: all that they are and all that they can become.” The presentation was created by students in a new elective course using artificial intelligence software.
In his remarks Dr. Derek Varansky, district superintendent, called the performing arts center a beacon of artistic expression and a haven for youth. “It symbolizes our commitment to provide our students not just with a curriculum, but an experience that transcends textbooks in classrooms, igniting passions and unlocking boundless potential,” he said.
Tiffany Shaw, master teacher for Project Lead the Way and the vice president of the Ohio Middle Level Association, echoed Varansky’s sentiment, saying education is not only about imparting knowledge, but also inspiring students to believe in themselves, to discover their passions and realize their fullest potential.
Richard Gooding, school board president, said the performing arts center will help develop well-rounded students through the expression, love and enjoyment of the performing arts.
Sally Green, a 17-year school board member, was recognized for being elected president of the Ohio School Boards Association for 2024.
Touching performance
The Tusky Valley High School band took the stage first, delivering the promise of many performances to come.
The Tusky Valley Elementary School choir performed the song “For Good” from the musical “Wicked,” and the TV select choir performed “Sisi Ni Moja,” meaning “we are one.”
One of the most poignant moments came when Abby Gaynor read the poem “Don’t Quit” by John Greenleaf Whittier. Gaynor’s mother was killed in the band bus accident.
At the end of the program, those in attendance roamed the halls of the new school, where luncheon stations dished up sandwiches, tacos and assorted desserts from local eateries. Live music in the cafeteria was provided by Larry Notz, David Green and John Bauer, and attendees could view AI and Project Lead the Way presentations.