Curtis Holiday Concert (Video)

Thursday night's holiday concert at Curtis High offered beautiful string music, angelic harmony and a bit of history.

The performance was the first since the school's performing arts center underwent a $1 million renovation - part of an $86 million bond that voters approved in 2006.

The directors of the school's orchestra and choir programs - Joel Westgaard and David Dickerson - talked about how much the students and teachers in Curtis' award-winning arts programs appreciate the voters' help.

"If it wasn't for the supporting community, we couldn't have this," Dickerson said. "I don't think you see many places like this."

Westgaard, a Curtis alum who knew the George Curtis, the school's namesake, said he would loved the new center.

Those who attended the annual concert said they could notice the difference - the sound was clearer and the lighting was brighter and more crisp.

Rick Maloney, a UP School Board member and father of a member of the choir, was one of them. He also credited the night to the community.

"It's a continuing expression of their trust in the skills, and really the pride, in the school and its art program," he said.