Students stand on the stage of Bayfield High School’s new Performing Arts Center. The state-of-the-art complex was completed last summer with the help of a bond issue that passed in 2012. In addition to the 450-seat theater, it includes sound-proof rehearsal rooms, practice studios and up-to-the-minute lighting and sound systems./Photo by Jennaye Derge

Hitting a high note

Bayfield High School boasts state-of-the-art theater complex

by Stew Mosberg

Opened in September 2014, Bayfield High School’s Performing Arts Center defines the new facility as a cutting-edge achievement.

The center was the pipe dream of the school’s Director of Performing Arts Derek Smith, who was instrumental in the early concept and an active participant in getting the bond issue passed to help finance the project. Smith is quick to acknowledge, however, that it took an “army” to shepherd the project to fruition. The bond issue was voted on in 2012 and passed by only 100 votes, but it was enough to refinance a prior bond obtained from property taxes. The entire program is indicative of a long-term vision by the community that will also serve other schools in the district, not just Bayfield High School.

“I have been teaching in the new facility since September,” said Smith, “and it is, I believe, the finest music education and performing arts facility for any school district in Colorado.”

And while he may be biased, that statement is not purely conjecture. Smith, who teaches band, choir and theater at the facility, positively beams with pride when he shows off the space. In addition to boasting a brand-spanking new 450-seat theater, it incorporates up-to-the-minute sound and lighting systems; a stage that could easily accommodate a Broadway musical; storage space for props, sets and costumes; as well as totally sound-proof rehearsal rooms. It has band rooms, practice studios and extra wide doorways to allow for movement of large-scale equipment and theatrical sets. All spaces are ADA compliant, plus everything is connected with easy access to other areas of the school complex.

Derek Smith, director of music at Bayfield High School, teaches a class in the new performing arts building Friday afternoon./Photo by Jennaye Derge

The overall project called for more than a theater space, however. It also included an auxiliary gymnasium, baseball field and new school security system. Durango architect Mike Epersbacker, of RMBA Associates, created the complex with input from a BHS steering committee formed by Troy Zabel, superintendent of the Bayfield schools.

Zabel said the project had been a goal long before he arrived, but explained that the first year he was hired, there was a comprehensive strategic planning process that spanned nearly eight months. “It involved over 50 representatives from a wide cross section of the community,” he said. “From the combined interests of the group, the development goal of a performing arts center, auxiliary gymnasium and new baseball field was identified.”

It is heartening to listen to Zabel describe the results and worth noting that projects of this magnitude can not only succeed, but exceed expectations when a team of like-minded people work together.

 “I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished with all of the facilities (that were) covered with this bond initiative,” he said. In addition to finishing all three major projects identified, the bond also bought a 40-acre parcel of land, addressed roofing issues throughout the district and added LED lighting and security at the entrances to each school – all under budget, he said.

Amy Lyons, who oversees the district’s finances, said the project goes back to the district’s last strategic plan, in 2012. “The budget was limited to the amount of debt we were able to issue from the November 2012 election which was $11.9 million total,” she said. Lyons conceded that due to “very thoughtful debt planning and management” over the past several years, the district was able to issue that amount without increasing the debt mill levy or property taxes. 

Lyons’ opinion mirrors that of everyone involved in the project when she says, “Each time I enter the building, I feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment for all of our hard work. Our community should be very proud.”

It was essential to have someone with construction management expertise look out for the school’s best interests, from project inception through completion. Following an extensive search, Marty Zwisler was chosen to represent the district, in part because of his past performance in similar roles working for other public and private entities in the area. Zwisler, now relocated to Arizona, says he served as an “owner’s rep,” working closely with key teachers, administrators and the board. His job was to ensure project needs and expectations were at the forefront of all design and construction decisions made during the nearly two-year process. “I still find it hard to believe that Bayfield has such a remarkable performing arts facility,” he said. “The entire community should be really proud of it.”

As to how the center will be used, Zabel reflects the belief of many when he says he wants students to take advantage of the facilities to their fullest potential. “We also believe that they are community facilities and hope to see community concerts, theater and other functions taking place within the facilities as well,” he adds.

Patrick San Marco is the project engineer with FCI Constructors, who built the center. In his capacity, he acted as liaison between FCI and the field crew to provide technical support as well as “submittals,” detailed product information that covers everything from the dirt up to the roofing. “They serve to help reduce unforeseen conditions by ensuring that all of the puzzle pieces of the building work together properly and to the owners’ satisfaction,” he explained.

In referring to the resulting center, San Marco lauded the communal input. “The most unique aspect to the theater was the involvement that certain school members had in the design development phase,” he said, adding that they took the initiative to contact other schools with great theatrical programs to incorporate their ideas into the Bayfield project.

 “The most satisfying part was when I took my fiancée to one of the High School’s Christmas performances,” he said. “Sitting in a packed auditorium and seeing the amount of pleasure the space brings to the community brought an overwhelming sense of jubilation to me that I will never forget.”