To celebrate the opening of the visual performing arts center (VPAC), the district’s fine arts departments have put together a week of student performances, featuring theater productions, band and orchestra concerts, choir showcases, dance performances and visual art open houses. 

Senior band member Kellen Trice will perform a selection of five advanced band pieces on opening night. One of the pieces is “Synthesis Drop,” which was commissioned specifically for the FISD VPAC grand opening.

“I was really excited when I found out about the opportunity,” Trice said. “It’s such an important project for the district, and knowing that our band gets to be part of the grand opening is really special. I’m excited to see how the center will be used by students and the community in the future.”

Similar to band students, choir students will also be performing a commissioned piece that was specially written for the grand opening. Additionally, they will be singing a Nigerian Christmas carol and a contemporary choral piece.

“Getting the opportunity to perform at the grand opening is so special because it means I get to be a part of the beginning of something meaningful for our community,” senior choir member Yusra Zaman said. “I think it’s an honor to help create the first memories in a space that will inspire future performers and audiences.”

To prepare for opening night, students have been meeting at different high schools across the district to practice. Students have even worked outside of rehearsals to make the performances ready for the stage.

“We received our music a few months in advance, so we could practice individually before coming together as a group,” Trice said. “We’ve also had several rehearsals where we focused on collaboration, balance and refining the performance as an ensemble.”

On opening night, Everley Fugere, junior Stars Dance Team officer, will perform a lyrical routine choreographed by Whitney Cook, Lebanon Trail Emerald Elite coach. The routine features dance team officers from Frisco, Lebanon Trail and Reedy high school, and it is one of four dance routines being performed. For Fugere, the hardest part of preparation has been the limited amount of time to rehearse.

“Usually, learning and cleaning a dance takes several weeks, and even a few months, but we’ve only had three practices to prepare,” Fugere said. “However, all of us dance incredibly well together and Ms. Cook knew her choreography and every clean she wanted inside and out, leaving no room for miscommunication or misinterpretation. She encouraged each of us dancers throughout the entire process, while pushing us to work as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

For Zaman, the practices allowed her to meet like-minded peers from across the district, and she’s left feeling increasingly excited for the opportunity to perform.

“Honestly, these rehearsals have just felt more meaningful than a normal concert preparation because we know we’re performing for such an important occasion,” Zaman said. “ It’s been so amazing to come together with students from many different singing backgrounds to do something amazing for this community. It’s so rewarding to share this experience with others who value choir as much as I do.”

As Zaman finishes her last year in choir, she recognizes how fine arts education can be life changing for students. 

“Being in choir has impacted my high school journey in so many ways by giving me a sense of belonging and confidence,” Zaman said. “It also just allowed me to grow as a performer and build lifelong friendships and memories that I’ll carry with me in this next chapter of my life.”

While FISD athletes have access to professional level athletic stadiums like The Star and Toyota Stadium, there has not been a similar caliber facility available to fine arts students, until now.

“Having a professional performance space allows students to showcase their work at a higher level and encourages growth in music, theater, dance and other programs,” Trice said. “Performing in a large arts venue feels more focused on the musical and artistic side of what we do, and it helps us give even more attention to details in our performance and improve as musicians. It’s exciting to be part of an event that celebrates the arts and creates a new space for students to share their talents.”

Tickets for Saturday night are already sold out as the community anticipates the grand opening of the facility and students await their debut on stage.

“Truthfully, the more I think about it, the more nervous I become,” junior Everley Fugere said. “However, I’ve performed in front of hundreds of people before like nothing! Yes, the nerves still get to me, but I feel confident in the dance and I know that it’s going to be a great couple of shows.”