Construction to bring EMHS theatre

Joel Lehman

Eastern Mennonite High School is receiving its newsest addition, an auditorium that seats 650 people and a stage that can comfortably seat 250 orchestra members.

A multi-million dollar addition to Eastern Mennonite High School is rapidly changing the scenery to the east of campus.

The principal of EMHS, Paul Leaman, says that the addition, approved by the board of directors in May 2003, is for "space that will enrich academic, music, and art program opportunities."

Over the past couple of years, EMHS has been dealing with the problem of overcrowding. "During chapel, kids were sitting in the hallway," says Jason Hostetter, a 2003 graduate of EMHS.

The addition includes several new classrooms: two music rooms, wet and dry art laboratories, a science room, and seven general-use rooms. Four private practice rooms for music students and several new offices are being constructed.

The major part of the addition will come in the form of an auditorium acoustically designed for music and drama. The new auditorium includes a balcony and will seat 650 people. The stage itself will be able to comfortably hold a 250-member concert band or orchestra.

One of the main reasons for having such a large stage built is so that "EMHS can host district and regional fine arts events." says Leaman. Another feature of the auditorium is the glass entry way, which covers an entire wall of the structure. The glass wall looks uphill towards EMU's Lehman Auditorium. Leaman says that the overall aesthetic atmosphere will be "one of simplicity, yet quality."

The addition to EMHS is a much-needed enhancement for the school to function at its highest potential. Most teachers will finally have a classroom to call home, and there will no longer be classes held in the dining hall or foyer.

Hostetter commented that he "wished they would have done it before [he graduated]." However, this was not possible due to a lack of funding. EMHS still needs about $3.5 million to cover the total cost of the addition and furnishings for the building. Although the total amount was not yet raised, after looking at the current inflation and interest rates the board decided in May 2003 to start building.

The needed funding will come from a variety of places, including a sizeable loan. A group of EMHS friends have agreed to cover the interest on $1.6 million of the loan over the next five years. Also, each family that has a student attending EMHS is being asked to pay an annual $350 Capital Improvement Fee that will finance an additional 1 million. The "Building to Equip ...Equipping to Serve" campaign will focus on raising the outstanding 3.5 million over the next 3 - 5 years so the school can become debt free.

The current enrollment at EMHS is 335 students. After the project is completed, Leaman says the school should be able to accommodate "up to 400 students." The addition will bring new possibilities to the future of EMHS. Hostetter agrees, saying, "It's a really good thing."