The first phase of the Houlton Community Arts Center construction project came to a rapid close just in time for the opening events.  The first usage of the auditorium was on November 20 for the Houlton HS production of “Damn Yankees”.  Both the show and the experience in the new venue was well received by hundreds of audience members.  Patrons were wowed by the newness of every aspect of the auditorium, especially the views from the balcony.  Upgrades to lights and sound were appreciated by the tech crew and the audience members.  Everything came together nicely for the three performances, and it was also wonderful to have the lead architect, Carla Haskell, and our main contractor Peter Chase of Buildings Ectetera in attendance.

After the opening weekend, the next major event was held on December 2nd, as the Houlton HS Band and Chorus invited members of the Houlton Community Chorus and McGills Community Band to join them on stage.  The audience was impressed with the auditorium and it was a packed house for the event.  It was wonderful to finish out the evening by combining over 150 voices and instruments in a special closing number.  Another highlight to the evening was having world renown composer Samuel R. Hazo conduct his own compositions for the first performance of the Houlton HS Band on the newly expanded stage.  The audience was impressed with all aspects of the concert and also pleased with how everything came together for the first community celebration of the Houlton Community Arts Center and the full opening of the HHS auditorium.