The Frisco ISD Visual and Performing Arts Center debuted this month with a week of preview performances and art shows that demonstrated the power of community support for fine arts.

The weeklong celebration also reflected years of planning, leadership and community investment that made the project possible. Approved by voters in 2018, the facility stands as a reminder of a promise made — and kept — to the Frisco ISD community.

“Fine arts benefit us all, and Frisco ISD students will now have a dedicated space to grow their talents and share the impact of the arts with the entire community,” said Superintendent Dr. Todd Fouche. “We are deeply grateful to the current and past district leaders who championed this vision, as well as the voters who believed in our students and made this facility possible. We have a lot to celebrate, and we do so with our entire community.”

Over the course of the week, nearly 7,000 patrons attended events at the new facility, experiencing firsthand the impact of fine arts education.

Amid all the moving parts, rehearsals and sound checks, one word repeated a lot was “gratitude” — for both the people who worked hard to make the preview week happen and for the opportunity to celebrate fine arts excellence on such a large stage.

“Seeing our students, educators and community come together throughout this opening week filled us with incredible gratitude,” said Pete Hazzard, Frisco ISD managing director of fine arts. “The Visual and Performing Arts Center represents more than a new facility — it reflects our community’s belief in the power of creativity and collaboration.”

The Frisco ISD Visual and Performing Arts Center is expected to serve students starting this fall, when it officially opens for district use.

A special thanks goes to the student performers and to the artists whose work was displayed, as well as their amazing directors and teachers:

• Centennial and Lebanon Trail theater programs

• Fowler, Lawler and Liberty orchestras

• Clark, Wakeland and Lone Star bands

• The Frisco ISD Elementary Honor Choir, Memorial High School choir and percussion ensembles from Lebanon Trail, Memorial, Reedy and Wakeland

• Band, choir, dance, theater and orchestra students from all 12 high schools who took part in the collaborative performances

• Art students who earned Top of TEAM designation (elementary), platinum medals at Junior VASE (middle school), Gold Seals at state VASE, or best of show at the annual vertical art shows