Concert Series Ushers In Royal Oak Schools Updated Auditorium

ROYAL OAK, MI – You could call a series of three upcoming concerts by the Royal Oak High School band, orchestra and choir “Kimball Auditorium Redux: The Musical” — and you never know who might show up for a cameo role.

High school band director Dave Jensen composed a fanfare that will premiere at band concert, and you don’t know who might show up to perform

“I wanted to have something special and something specifically dedicated to our first performance in the new auditorium,” Jensen said. “I am using the numbers 2016 both rhythmically and harmonically to create the melodic structure of the piece.”

The suspense comes to a crescendo with some surprise guests — alumni band members who are currently involved in the music industry who have been invited to perform solo performances.

Here’s the Royal Oak Schools fall performance schedule, with each concert beginning at 7 p.m. at Kimball Auditorium:

• Wednesday, Oct. 5, ROHS Band Concert
• Monday, Oct.10, ROHS Fall Orchestra Concert
• Thursday, Oct. 20, ROHS Choir Spectrum Concert

The series celebrates the $400,000 renovation of Kimball Auditorium to include a new stage facade, painting acoustical treatments and all new electrical work, including both theatrical and house lighting.

To refurbish the auditorium, the Royal Oak Schools Performing Arts Committee
raised more than $100,000 to replace the nearly 60-year-old seats in the auditorium.

“We all had or have kids in drama, band and orchestra, and choir programs,” said Scott Brown, group’s chairman. “The school was addressing needs in the auditorium and we decided to join as partners in the effort in the most tangible way, by raising the money for the seats.”

Money was raised by volunteers at beverage tents and at the gate during the Arts, Beats & Eats festivals, as well as 50/50 raffles, a golf outing and seat-naming sales.

ROSPAC is made up of school administrators, teachers, PTA members, performing arts coaches, booster club officers, and Royal Oak citizens who want to assist Royal Oak Schools in providing student performing artists with a top tier facility, equipment and opportunities.
“We have some of the most talented performers in the state and our goal is to help provide facilities and equipment that match their excellence,” Brown said

Major donors to the project included the Royal Oak Schools Foundation, Holiday Market, Royal Oak Ford, Royal Oak Optimist Club, Royal Oak High School Drama Boosters, Royal Oak High School Band and Orchestra Boosters, Royal Oak High School Choir Boosters and the Royal Oak High School PTSA.

“This effort is a great example of the kind of community-school partnerships that make Royal Oak not only a great school district, but a great community in which to live,” Royal Oak school Superintendent Shawn Lewis-Lakin said. “This is what being a Community of Excellence is all about.”