Students at Athena-Weston School District were part of an historic milestone on Thursday, Dec. 7.
The sixth through twelfth graders from Weston Middle School and Weston-McEwen High School performed their winter band concert at the GEM Theatre in downtown Athena. They were the first band to play in front of an audience in the space since 1925.
The GEM Theatre has been undergoing a multi-million-dollar restoration for the last 20 years, led by Rob McIntyre, who is also the band and music teacher at the middle and high schools. He has helped raise $2.1 million so far for the project.
The concert was opened with remarks from Oregon State Sen. Bill Hansell who said McIntyre’s leadership and financial prowess coupled with hundreds of volunteers over the years has made the GEM Theatre renovation a reality. He thanked all of those involved who “have created a legacy for all of us to enjoy.”
Four bands from the schools played a variety of holiday songs, including Jolly Old St. Nicholas, Let it Snow, Blue Christmas (with a surprise appearance from Elvis), Ukrainian Bell Carol and more. The audience was encouraged to join in singing the last chorus of Auld Lang Syne. McIntyre encouraged people during the singing to think about the past of the theatre building that was abandoned for so long and celebrating the transition from the past to the future. “I know if this building has feelings, it’s happy. The theatre should serve this community and region for 100 years and shows what a few people can do if they never give up,” McIntyre said.
For more informatin on the GEM Theatre, visit its website.
