The Cleveland Orchestra Performs with Students for Auditorium’s Debut Beachwood students sit side by side with Cleveland Orchestra music mentors in a performance of Ravel’s Bolero By June Scharf ccording to Lisa Goldman, district orchestra director, a complaint all music teachers hear from students and parents is “I thought this was supposed to be fun.” It’s really no different from what any coach might hear and, quite frankly, for many students, participating in music alongside other musicians actually is their sport, their social life and their team. But fun was had in absolute abundance last month when these students got a chance to play in the big league. Thirty-nine BHS musicians sat side by side with members of the world-famous Cleveland Orchestra, playing their hearts out for one number during the joint, free-of-charge Saturday evening performance. Their one song A together was Bolero (an excerpted seven-minute version) by Maurice Ravel. To witness the merging of talents was as emotionally impactful as it was auditorily enthralling. Goldman beamed throughout the performance as she witnessed the fruits of her labor – her students shining alongside local musical luminaries. The auditorium itself was another element that complemented the stellar performance, making its debut before a capacity crowd, with a simulcast sent to the high school’s community room for an overflow audience. The space has undergone a three-year, massive $4.8 million renovation, during which it was gutted to create a wider, state-of-the-art raised stage and a redesigned seating area, able to accommodate 624- 685, depending on the set-up. Additional restrooms were added, and the space is fully compliant with handicap-accessibility requirements. A full-stage lighting system now exists with an expansive sound system, and sound reflectors and panels were installed to enhance the acoustics. Three retractable screens allow for multi-media productions, and backstage areas were reconfigured to support a scene shop and dressing rooms. Architects Westlake Reed Leskosky masterminded the reimaging of the space, originally built in 1974. The Saturday night concert, celebrating the debut of the new auditorium, featured performances by BHS ensembles, including the orchestra, choir, a brass trio and woodwind quartet. After intermission, members of The Cleveland Orchestra assumed the stage, led by associate conductor Brett Mitchell. Their program began with Celebrate Discovery by John Williams, followed by Overture: The Consecration of the House by Ludwig van Beethoven, “Red Cape Tango” from Metropolis Symphony by Michael Daugherty, Leonore Overture No. 3 by Beethoven, and Bolero with BHS students. A dessert reception followed the conclusion of the concert. Leading up to the performance was a two-week educational program where five members of the orchestra, all Beachwood residents (see sidebar), plus conductor Mitchell, coached and mentored BHS orchestra and band members in sessions specific December 2016 n Beachwood Buzz 7