The new Owatonna High School has brought students many new opportunities; from the Federated field, to the gymnasium, to the Wenger Auditorium. These spaces give students access to some of the most advanced equipment. From the roar of the crowd after a big touchdown, the fight song being played or the sound of the choir singing, these age old sounds will now be amplified within the new school.

The state of the art auditorium is one of the most intricate parts about the new school. Including the new lighting systems, sounds systems and other architectural aspects that make the new space what it is. Senior Kate Sande said, “My favorite aspect of the auditorium is all of the different lighting options it has with new technology.”

OHS theater director Mr. Erik Eitrheim said, “The best part of the new auditorium is the scene shop. The addition of this space will make everything that happens on the stage function better.“ Another new addition to the auditorium is the orchestra pit. The pit allows for an orchestra to play under the stage while a performance is going on above them. Choir teacher Ms. Paula Asmus said, “The pit is such an important part of the new auditorium! We will be able to control the volume that is coming out of the pit, and the audience will feel more immersed.” 

New additions to the auditorium will allow for some new possibilities. Mr. Eithreim said, “The entire auditorium is fitted with LED lights both on stage and in the side panels.” The lights have a great deal of different colors that can be used. He added, “This gives us the ability to change colors ‘on the fly.’” These new lights give the auditorium a new feel and a much more advanced look.

“The new auditorium will also bring some new traditions for the OHS students,” Ms. Asmus said, “I am most excited for the opportunities our students will have, the traditions we will build, and the memories that will be made in our new space.” 

Concert choir will sing in the auditorium for the first time on Monday, Dec. 4.