By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – A North Buffalo girls' high school has transformed a former convent into a new music center. The center was dedicated Tuesday night at Holy Angels Academy with some special guest appearances.
The music center is located on the third floor of the school at the corner of Shoshone Drive and Hertel Avenue. In 2004, the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart moved out of the convent allowing for construction of the new music center. It features a 700-square foot rehearsal studio and five practice rooms. Principal JoAnne Grippi says the school had a "rough start" in searching for the right chemistry between students and teachers and finding the right place for the music program.
"We finally hit on the right combination, I think, with the teachers involved," Grippi said. "They have done a great job in melding a program we are very proud of."
Grippi says any school absent of music is a disservice to students. She says it make her "cringe" to learn that some struggling schools are often forced to remove music and art programs in order to save money.
"The fact of the matter is it raises student achievement levels, and that is very important."
Some very special guests were on hand for Tuesday night's dedication -- Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Director and Conductor JoAnn Falletta and Bishop Edward Kmiec. Grippi says it was a challenge to book Falletta, but managed to schedule her as a guest speaker.
"I heard JoAnn Falletta speak at a recent Catholic school dinner and I certainly know her feelings on education and music. A female conductor is a rarity out there, and for her to speak to our students, in their own school, about the value of music and a way of expressing themselves," Falletta said. "I'm sure itis an opportunity these girls will never forget."
The music center is part of the school's long term strategic plan for future expansion.