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NHS Auditorium Project Gets Underway

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NHS Auditorium Project Gets Underway

By Tanjua Damon

If you have ever attended a performance or meeting in the Newtown High School auditorium, you may have noticed that in some areas it is hard to hear. Fundraising efforts are underway to help change that.

Kevin and Phyllis Braun have been organizing events such as An Evening of Music held November 2 to help raise money for the project that will cost more than $200,000. Phase I of the project, costing $90,000, is underway thanks to a joint effort of fundraising and collaboration of the school system. The first part of the project will address the acoustics.

“We are sound treating the walls and on stage with the appropriate rigging,” Dr Braun said. “Half way back in the auditorium, it just doesn’t give you a clear sound. The sound treatments will baffle that with the sound panels to absorb the extra noises.”

The Berkshire Big Band and the Dartmouth Cords, an all-male a cappella group from Dartmouth College, played in the auditorium to help benefit the fundraising efforts. Former Newtown High School student Ryan Braun is a member of the performing group.

The sound panels are expected to be in place before the holiday concert season begins for all the schools.

Phase II will replace all the electronic amplification system that has worn out over the years and needs to be replaced. There will be 32 different channels of sound as well as handicapped sound so those who need help hearing, according to Dr Braun, may use microphones and headsets. IBM has also donated a computer that will facilitate the recording of programs.

“They will be able to enhance a lot of the technology programs that they have at the high school,” Dr Braun said. “Or add new ones.”

The second phase will cost in excess of $100,000 and should be completed by June 2002. There will be another concert on January 11 featuring The Yale Alley Cats and the Ron Vitarolli Jazz Group.

“The auditorium is used by nearly a third of the students in school. The high school now has all the concerts for the elementary schools,” Dr Braun said. “Even large meetings are held there. Churches use the auditorium at holiday time. Two dance groups and NOMAD use it. The auditorium is used quite often. It’s getting worn out. These systems need to be addressed.

“We have a community theater and a community meeting house with the auditorium,” he added.

Anyone wishing to donate to the auditorium project may send a check to the NHS Auditorium Renovation Project to Newtown High School at 12 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook 06470. Put Sound System Improvements in the check memo.

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