Nearly seven years after its opening, Rio Americano High School’s Center for the Arts stands as a cornerstone of community

In September 2017, Rio Americano High School cut the ribbon on its signature project, a Center for the Arts, featuring brand new band rooms and a performing arts center. This space, made possible through voter-approved bonds, was necessary to facilitate the school’s premiere band programs and connect the school with its surrounding community. 

“We had been trying to get a performing arts center established for over 20 years,” remarked Josh Murray, Rio Americano’s band director. “This building has truly become a cornerstone of the community, not only for our students, but for the district and greater Sacramento area as well.”

Rio Americano’s Center for the Arts has been widely used for a variety of purposes. It has hosted community events such as performances from Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Orchestra, award ceremonies such as the Spirit of San Juan Awards, and has also provided a weekly music rehearsal space for San Juan Unified’s Adult Education Program.

Watch the video below to get a closer look at how the community continues to get great use out of Rio Americano’s band rooms and Center for the Arts.