April 21, 2023
By Kelli Gile, WVUSD Office of Community Resources
DIAMOND BAR, CA—Walnut Valley USD marked the official opening of the new South Pointe Middle School Performing Arts Building on April 19.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony signaled completion of the nearly $5.2 million construction project funded by voter support of Bond Measure WV passed in 2016.
The celebration was attended by parents, teachers, staff, students, community members, and local officials.
“As you can tell by the special guests in attendance today, this grand opening means a lot to so many,” said Principal Dr. Matthew Brummett.
“This facility is a testament to our shared commitment to the education and arts in Walnut Valley!”
The South Pointe choir, under the direction of AJ Stevens, kicked off the event with the “National Anthem” followed by a clarinet quartet performance of “Pink Panther.”
“We envision this building as a center for creativity where people can gather, exchange ideas, and experience the transformative power of the arts,” Brummett said.
“It is our hope that this facility will provide a hub for creativity and cultural events in our community offering a wide range of performances, concerts, plays, and exhibitions.”
The 10,000 square-foot building features the latest in sound, lighting, and acoustics allowing for a world-class performing arts venue.
“Buildings like this will impact the students in our community for decades and decades – and we can’t thank you enough for providing that!” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.
“We want to thank you for your support – this building is phenomenal!” shared Board Member Larry Redinger.
Instrumental Music Director Susan Willmering said it was “humbling” being a part of the building’s planning process.
“I still have the first sketch trying to figure out what our dream home would look like and how it would function,” she said.
“And now to see it built is unreal!”
Willmering also shared that watching the large structure erected during the pandemic while her band classes were held outdoors in the parking lot was “almost like a mirage” not knowing if they would ever be allowed to move back inside.
Choirs and bands finally practiced in the building for the first-time last week.
“It is a game changer for us!” Willmering said.
“For the first time, we have space to move around during rehearsal, with excellent acoustics, and we can give much better feedback to students.”
“We are very excited for the future and are indebted to the community for this gift.”
After the ceremony, visitors toured the state-of-the-art facility that features expansive band and choir rooms with 24-foot-tall ceilings, ensemble rooms, instrument storage rooms, practice rooms, music library, and storage room.
“This new building will help us remain inspired as we grow as musicians,” said student speaker Emma Li, a 7th grade Chamber Singers choir member.
“In this new facility, we know the sky’s the limit for us,” added 7th grade Band President Megan Liu.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to each and every person that played a part in making this possible!”
Shown:
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony! Walnut Valley USD marks official opening of the new South Pointe Middle School Performing Arts Building on April 19.
Big Day! Choir Director AJ Stevens and Instrumental Music Director Susan Willmering celebrate the Performing Arts Building grand opening.
Grand Opening Day! South Pointe Middle School’s new Performing Arts Building was open for tours after the ceremony.
South Pointe students perform during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Walnut Valley USD celebrates completion of 10,000 square foot Performing Arts Building at South Pointe Middle School.