Legendary composer John Williams attended the grand opening of the new performing arts center at his alma mater North Hollywood High School, part of a $320 million campus modernization project.
*John Williams* cut the ribbon on a world-class performing arts center at his alma mater, North Hollywood High School, marking a rare public appearance for the 94-year-old composer in the last two years.
The John Williams Performing Arts Center occupies 35,000 square feet and seats 800 people. The facility replaces the school's original 1927 auditorium as part of a timed to coincide with the school's 100th anniversary.
During the ceremony on Wednesday, the school's marching band played Raiders March and Williams watched from a wheelchair.
"That's a hard piece," Williams said after hearing the band perform. "I think you played that better than we could have."
The performing arts center includes state-of-the-art amenities including a mixing console, safe catwalks, blue velvet curtains, and rehearsal spaces. A 75-foot hand-painted mural inspired by Williams' filmography is still in progress by artist Ian Robertson-Salt. The mural will serve as a daily reminder to students that greatness can begin in a Los Angeles Unified classroom.
"At some point you have to stop calling that a coincidence," said Kathleen Kennedy, producer who was among the showbiz alumni at the event. "Something happened here, and something can happen again."
Other notable attendees included Don Hahn, producer of Beauty and the Beast, and Dean Devlin, writer-producer of Independence Day. The event also honored Susan Sontag and Barbara Ruick, both North Hollywood High alumni.
Williams moved to North Hollywood with his family in 1947. He transferred to the high school as a 15-year-old sophomore and joined the band and orchestra as a jazz-loving trombonist. His classmates included future actors and musicians.
Williams played in jam sessions with his father, Johnny Sr., a drummer, and the Columbia Pictures orchestra. He began making a name for himself as a wunderkind performer and arranger before scoring Star Wars and Harry Potter.
The performing arts center is the culmination of a $319.5 million modernization project that also includes modern classrooms and athletic facilities.
"This is a great, magical place, North Hollywood," Williams said during his remarks. "As I think about what else I might say to all of you younger people, students here, two words about this beautiful building: simply use it. Make sure you all use the place."
Joseph Williams, lead singer of Toto and the youngest son of John and Barbara, stood behind his father during the dedication ceremony.
The CO Architects designed the center with Michael Stebbins serving as project manager.
This article was generated with AI assistance.