By Bryan Eneas

PACI celebrates musicians with new rooms

Jun 9, 2017 | 7:02 AM

One of the oldest institutions in the city is becoming a leader in musical education.

It was standing room only as the Prince Albert Collegiate Institute (PACI) celebrated the grand opening of their state-of-the-art music room and recording studio.

Media and communications teacher Ryan Hughes said the mixing board used by the students drew some major compliments.

“A renowned technician of soundboards across the country came in and helped us out [with] the soundboard, and said it was pretty amazing was in a high school,” Hughes said.

According to principal Dawne Adams, PACI’s More Than A Room program began five years ago with renovations to the school’s dance studio.

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Five renovations later, it was time to bolster the music room.

Maia Houle, a Grade 12 student at PACI, said the music room and recording studio motivated her to work towards completing an independent project.

“Before I knew the music room was being turned into a recording studio, I was under the impression I’d have to use my phone and mix it myself,” Houle said. “Once the recording studio was opened I managed to get four songs written in the last two weeks alone.”

The second song she preformed was an original piece she created one night before. 

“My mom’s been a huge influence in my life,” Houle said. “I just sat down last night and decided to write her a song because she’s so important to me.”

New fitness room showcased

The musicians of PACI weren’t the only ones to celebrate as a new fitness facility was also opened.

PACI alumni stepped up to help through fundraisers and donations at the recommendation of principal Adams. Several local businesses offered their services to make the room possible.

Physical education teacher Khris Kalika said he and the students who helped dismantle the old weight room had come to refer to the space as “the torture chambers.” 

“Teaching my classes in [the new space] has been amazing,” Kalika said. “We’re all extremely happy, it gets used more and more every day. Not only that but it gives our students a chance to set life long goals towards being physically active.”

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas