January 26, 2006

Students and community celebrate Pioneer High
School’s PAC grand opening

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

With plenty of excitement, several hundred students, parents and residents turned out Saturday for the gala grand opening of Pioneer High School’s new performing arts center.

The Pioneer Jazz Band had everyone’s feet tapping. Photo by Dean Grometer

The old PAC was damaged by a fire on Nov. 30, 2003 and later ruled arson. A juvenile and a Pioneer student were later arrested.

“This is wonderful,” said San Jose Unified School District [SJUSD] spokesperson Karen Fuqua. “Out of misfortune we were able to do so many extra things with the insurance and bond money in this multi-purpose room. And this is a great turnout. Pioneer has so much community spirit!”

Not only was the 500-seat theater packed, videos of past performances, a silent auction for gift baskets to raise money for the performing arts department and a plethora of tasty treats tempted the guests as students gave tours backstage.

“It’s completely different back here now,” said student Ashley Freitas. “It’s twice the size backstage. We only had one curtain before and now we have many. And we have composite floors instead of wood for dancing. That was Mrs. Dini’s idea.”

Halfway through the opening festivities, drama teacher Steve Dini introduced some special guests on stage: SJUSD Superintendent Don Iglesias and board member Veronica Lewis.

A special visit by San Jose Unified School District officials. Left: Pioneer’s drama teacher Steve Dini, SJUSD Don Iglesias and board member Veronica Lewis.

“This just proves that after something bad happens, something very good can happen,” said Iglesias.

And to christen the new stage, a medley of performers entertained the crowd.

Pioneer’s advanced drama group had the audience’s apt attention with their rendition of “No Business Like Show Business.” Keeping feet tapping were Dini’s The Glue Factory, a group of parents and thespians who performed a song from each of the musicals they have performed during the past nine years, finishing off with a “Lullaby of Broadway.”

Student David Danning wrote a poem, “Ode to the PAC.” And the Jazz Group had the place jumping under maestro and band teacher Ken Roberts. And the entertainment kept coming with a modern dance number, Pioneer’s chamber choir and the Mustang chorale. Alumni Alan Chang flew in from Canada to perform. Chang is the pianist for popular crooner Michael Buble.

Amidst all the gaiety of the event, one thing became clear—the PAC is back!

“Arsenic and Old Lace” will be performed by Pioneer students on Jan. 26-28. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Call (408) 927-0637 for advanced purchase. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.