A state-of-the-art auditorium at the new Montezuma-Cortez High School will be named after Ralph E. Vavak, a legendary music educator at the school from 1956 to 1986.
“Mr. V” would surely appreciate the school’s commitment to the musical and theatrical arts that the 450-seat auditorium brings to town.
Audiences will soon enjoy concert and jazz bands, symphonies, choirs, live theater, comedy acts and musicals, films and more.
“The acoustics are really amazing, and the auditorium was professionally engineered to create a full, rich sound with no echo,” said MCHS band director Rodney Ritthaler.
The large stage, tapered high ceiling and baffled walls are a performers’ dream, and allow for every audience member to experience excellent sound quality as they relax in cushioned seats.
“Of course, it depends on me getting students to play the right notes, which is my main mission,” said Ritthaler. “Our first performance will be the Christmas concert.”
Speakers, rows of stage lighting, and a drop-down viewing screen and video projection equipment are all monitored and controlled from an enclosed booth in the back.
The sound system features two large speakers that each contain 24 smaller speakers that can be fine-tuned and adjusted directionally. A bass speaker is positioned on the ceiling.
To dedicate the auditorium, the San Juan Symphony will perform an inaugural concert on Oct. 4, put on by Southwest Colorado Concerts.
“We are really looking forward to it. The auditorium is made for them, and the venue is the only one in town that can support that type of concert,” said Joyce Stevenson, president of SWCC. “The dedication concert features an internationally renown cello soloist.”
Southwest Colorado Concerts will put on a series of yearly performances at the venue.
The auditorium will improve student theater productions as well, said MCHS theater director Nicholas Sandner.
“It’s a gorgeous space and top of the line compared to what we had before,” he said. “The seats are more comfortable, the acoustics are great – it is something you would expect at a large university.”
The theater department’s first performance will be in November and feature the 1936 comedy “You Can’t Take it With You.”
The drama department’s separate classroom is also a “Black Box” theater with curtains, sound and modern lighting. The smaller venue is perfect for one-act comedy shows, experimental theater, improv and puppet shows.
“It is more intimate and interactive because the actors will be much closer to the audience,” Sandner said. “The main stage is also much closer to the audience than the old theater.”
Designated dressing rooms for actors and performers are an upgrade as well. And the curtain system on the stage allows for backstage to be closed off during performances, making set changes more convenient and productions more professional.
Sandner said the banks of lighting and huge drop-down screen will enhance performances with creative video and light shows.
“I hope our new facility will attract more theater students,” Sandner said. “We can train them in a more complete way, and if they decide to go into the profession of the performing arts, they will have a good foundation.”
Tickets for the Oct. 4 Southwest Colorado Concerts dedication show will be sold at the auditorium 20 minutes before the show. To guarantee a ticket, you must buy a season pass for $45, which includes four concerts and local performances.
For a season pass, contact Jim West at (970) 882-0120.
