Legendary composer John Williams returns to North Hollywood High School to celebrate grand opening of performing arts center named in his honor as part of $320 million campus modernization project.
John Williams, the Oscar-winning film composer behind Star Wars, Jaws and Indiana Jones, returned to North Hollywood High School to celebrate the grand opening of a performing arts center named in his honor.
The 35,000-square-foot John Williams Performing Arts Center replaces the school's original 1927 auditorium and is part of a $320 million campus modernization project. The event included performances from the school's marching band and student dancers, as well as the unveiling of a 75-foot mural depicting films scored by Williams.
There are few moments in public education quite like this one, said Andres Chait, Acting Superintendent for the Los Angeles Unified School District. 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.
Williams, who attended North Hollywood High School in the late 1940s, joined LAUSD officials at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. He performed with the school band, playing scores from his own films including Star Wars, Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones.
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, said LAUSD Board President Scott M. Schmerelson. 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.
Williams later studied at UCLA and Juilliard before launching a career as a studio musician. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he has won five Academy Awards and received more than 50 nominations.
The performing arts center is part of a larger campus modernization project that also includes 53 new classrooms, a gym, new tennis courts, basketball courts and a baseball field. The project is timed to coincide with the school's 100th anniversary.
Neighborhood Council Valley Village Board members were present at the ceremony, presenting a bronze marker to recognize the 15 Coastal Live Oaks that are now protected as City of Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument #1239. Long time Board member and North Hollywood Alumna Alice Hart presented the plaque to LAUSD Board President Scott Schmerelson.
I'm overwhelmed and full of joy because this place, the couple of years I spent here like you are doing have been, for me, formative in my thinking, in my professional work and so on, Williams said.
This article was generated with AI assistance.