To the editor:
I write this after having just returned home from the Lawrence Free State High School Winter Choral Concert. For Gov. Brownback’s information, the arts are alive and well in Lawrence, Kan.
Once again, it was standing room only and approximately a third of the audience had to sit in the commons of the high school and watch the concert on TV sets placed around the area. Ever since my children were at West Junior High, most of the choir concerts that I have attended have been standing room only, and many people have been turned away. I find this a tribute to the music departments of the Lawrence school district, but I also find it frustrating that all parents, grandparents, friends and family are not able to be part of the true audience for these performances.
My question is, do we need a performing arts center that will accommodate the audiences for these performances? The talent on display at these performances should be something all parents have the opportunity to witness firsthand. I applaud the staff of all the schools for encouraging the students to participate and for producing such quality performances. ... I just know that next time I hope I have a seat.
Comments
wissmo 1 year, 5 months ago
Watching our youth perform is always a great thrill.
Why not hold the concerts on more than one or two nights? How about an afternoon show for granny and the kids?
A person can pick up a newspaper and read about failed government policies not only here, but in other parts of the world as well everyday. We all need to realize our favorite pet government goodies are going to be cut or ended. It's an inevitable mathematical fact.
rvjayhawk 1 year, 5 months ago
Want a seat at the next concert? Try to get there a lillte earlier. Boo Hoo.
parrothead8 1 year, 5 months ago
Oh, I see...if everyone just gets there earlier, then there will be enough room in the auditorium for everyone. You must be some kind of mathematical genius.
Moderate 1 year, 5 months ago
“My question is, do we need a performing arts center that will accommodate the audiences for these performances? The talent on display at these performances should be something all parents have the opportunity to witness firsthand. I applaud the staff of all the schools for encouraging the students to participate and for producing such quality performances. ... I just know that next time I hope I have a seat.”
Moderate Comments: So we want to spend another $15 million to build a venue to handle the few times a year we are overbooked in our current venues. Is this lady part of the 1%?
Jane 1 year, 5 months ago
Sounds like the architect made a huge error. I've been in that auditorium, and it is very small. Those concerts are amazing, for sure.
GardenMomma 1 year, 5 months ago
Why not have them at our current Arts Center? Do they have to be held at the high school?
mr_right_wing 1 year, 5 months ago
If that many people are truly coming, the school district should investigate approaching KU to use the Lied Center. An admission may need to be charged to cover any possible 'rental' fees...but if these parents are this dedicated it would be a very small price to pay. (But also great PR for the university with area high school students.)
Paul R. Getto 1 year, 5 months ago
+1
Jane 1 year, 5 months ago
When my child was in the LHS choir a few years ago they did have a performance in the Lied Center. It was the most amazing concert! The acoustics were perfect, of course. The pauses in the pieces were so silent, so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes. Right now it brings goose bumps thinking of it...luckily I have it on CD and though my home is not the greatest acoustically it takes me back to that amazing night. I would consider making a donation to help with the expense if LHS and FSHS could do even one concert there per year. The kids really enjoyed singing in a 'real' concert venue, and were amazed themselves at how stellar they sounded. Like angels!
Commenting has been disabled for this item.