New performing arts building at Montgomery Catholic a show-stopper

The Catholic Week

MONTGOMERY — Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s encore was worthy of a standing ovation.

Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi blessed and dedicated the school’s new performing arts building on Feb. 10. The performing arts facility comes months after the school unveiled its new gymnasium.

The performing arts facility was actually converted from the school’s old gymnasium.

The $880,000 project includes office and storage space for the band program along with a state-of-the-art choral/drama classroom. It’s also properly climate-controlled, unlike the old gymnasium.

“Everyone in our band family is so excited and proud to be moving into this new facility,” said MCPS Director of Bands Alex Johnson.

“More than just a building, it’s a symbol of the support that our administrators give the fine arts and the passion that our students, faculty and families have for excellence. These things are all too rare in today’s world and we are beyond blessed by what God has given us here at MCPS.”

According to MCPS President Anne Ceasar, more than 80 middle and high school students are involved in band, as well as 50 elementary students.

“It’s a spectacular renovation and our community came together,” Ceasar said.

MCPS Drama Department Director Kate Berry naturally referenced a movie when explaining the new facility.

“The main thing I would want the Catholic community to know is how grateful we are for the investment they have made in the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being of all students who are going to benefit from what happens within the walls of this facility.  We truly educate the whole individual at Catholic; MCPS has taken a stand and really ‘put their money where their mouth is’  by dedicating time, talents, resources–and now physical space — to the arts. This feels like the ‘Field of Dreams’ moment for our programs and our school..”