John Williams Conducts Ribbon Cutting of
North Hollywood High’s New Theater
LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Unified, North Hollywood High School and honored alumnus John Williams celebrated the grand opening of the John Williams Performing Arts Center on April 30, marking a milestone in both the school's storied history and its landmark campus modernization.
This new facility replaces the school's original 1927 auditorium and serves as the marquee of a $320 million, bond-funded, campus modernization project — opening just in time for North Hollywood High School’s 100th anniversary.
"There are few moments in public education quite like this one," said Acting Superintendent Andres Chait. "John Williams walked the halls of North Hollywood High, and today those halls lead to a world-class performing arts center that bears his name. This building is a message to every student who steps onto that stage — that their dreams are worth investing in, and that greatness can begin right here in a Los Angeles Unified classroom."
The event featured student performances and the North Hollywood High School Band performing some of legendary Maestro John Williams’ most iconic scores including Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and Indiana Jones. The John Williams Performing represents Los Angeles Unified's commitment to providing students with world-class facilities for learning and performance.
“What a memorable day to recognize one of LAUSD’s most celebrated alumni,” LAUSD Board President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “John Williams has made music come to life, and his work will forever be enshrined with the naming of North Hollywood High School’s auditorium dedicated in his name. It is the pride of the North Hollywood community and for all of Los Angeles Unified. Congratulations to a great man, Mr. Williams, on a legendary career.”
The campus-wide transformation reflects a strong, shared commitment to learning environments that are dynamic, purposeful, and built for the students of today and the needs of tomorrow. In addition to the performing arts center, the project includes the construction of a classroom building with 53 classrooms and support spaces, a gymnasium, new tennis courts, basketball courts and baseball/softball field. It also includes modernization and seismic retrofits of three historical buildings and campus-wide improvements such as additional parking, landscaping, and hardscaping.
“Today marks an exciting new chapter for North Hollywood High School,” Chief Facilities Executive Krisztina Tokes said. “This modernization reflects our commitment to learning environments built for today’s students and tomorrow’s needs, and the new John Williams Performing Arts Center will create lasting opportunities for student artists.”
###