Standing ovations and emotions filled the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Elliott N. Duchon Concert Hall at Rubidoux High School on March 10th. Rubidoux’s choir, band, and symphony orchestra performed for a packed audience at the event.
After always having to perform in their school gymnasium or other theaters, students debuted their brand-new space with stellar performances. They proved that their talent needed this space on their campus to efficiently showcase their music.
The new concert hall opened its doors after nearly two years of construction. Designed for band, choir, and orchestra to learn and perform in, the 14,000-square-foot building includes a large concert hall for 300 guests, music classrooms, and an outdoor amphitheater.
The venue is dedicated to Elliott N. Duchon, former Jurupa Unified School District superintendent of seventeen years, whose passion for music led to the expansion of music programs in JUSD schools. Under his leadership, Pacific Avenue Academy of Music was established and instrumental strings programs were implemented there, as well as at Mission Middle School and Rubidoux High School. These music projects led to Mr. Duchon’s vision for Rubidoux to have a concert hall venue.
Evelyn Salazar and Natalie Cervantes, senior performing arts students, stood alongside Mr. Duchon as they cut the ribbon and welcomed everyone into the building. “It felt like such an honor that I was able to open the place up for everyone,” said Evelyn, a chamber choir senior, who has seen the choir program grow throughout her time at RHS and is excited for future classes to have this elevated facility at their disposal.
Mr. Duchon’s vision for this venue is for students to learn in this environment to prepare them for a future in music. For Annalyse Jimenez, a sophomore, this is exhilarating for her bright goals of pursuing music after graduation, “What excites me the most is the amount of performance opportunities we’ll get,” she said.
As a cello player in the orchestra and a marimba player in the band, Annalyse said that being able to perform in a professional venue will equip her for her big dreams, “It sounds so beautiful… it’s kind of unbelievable. I’m still kind of processing that [the concert hall is] here,” said Annalyse about the breathtaking features of the hall.
The grand concert hall is a huge milestone for students pursuing a future in music. “For many generations to come, the district will be a destination for creativity and music,” said Dr. Trenton Hansen, JUSD Superintendent, during his speech at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
JUSD continues to build facilities and opportunities that allow students to grow. As Kevin Corridan, RHS principal, stated, students will be encouraged to attend school, make connections in the community, and improve academically in their own spaces.
Sarah Choi, orchestra and band director, dedicated Rubidoux’s new symphony orchestra's first performance to Mr. Duchon. “Thank you, Mr. Duchon, for believing in Rubidoux High School, and for believing in all of us,” she said, “[and] for your tireless devotion in ensuring that our students get exactly what they deserve.”
