Northshore Concert Hall at Inglemoor High School prepares for student use

With the finishing touches in place, the Northshore Concert Hall at Inglemoor High School prepares to welcome student performers in the coming weeks and months. 

In addition to the Concert Hall space, this unique building project also includes new classroom spaces for the music program at Inglemoor High, and student instruction began there with the start of second semester on Feb. 1. This project was made possible by the generous support of Northshore voters, who approved the 2018 Capital Projects bond.

“The performing arts are integral and core to the work we do and value here in our Northshore School District,” said Northshore Superintendent Michelle Reid, Ed.D. “We are so thankful to have our community’s support of music education that allowed our district to build the Northshore Concert Hall. This is a state-of-the-art facility that will serve our students for years to come.”

The Concert Hall will be the venue for student and community music performances across the District. With 752 seats, including ADA-accessible seating in the orchestra and balcony levels, the acoustics were carefully designed with sound quality in mind throughout the venue, said Dri Ralph, executive director of support services and capital projects. This includes both small and large details to improve the experience for concertgoers, she said, like absorption and reflection panels for improved acoustics and suspended flooring for the stage, which acts like a drum to amplify sound. 

In its construction, the Concert Hall uses simple materials in unique ways, Ralph said, with music providing the inspiration throughout. Wood, brass, and other materials are incorporated into the building. Upon entering the lobby, visitors can see wood paneling along the wall that took its inspiration from piano keys, she shared, with vertical slats that vary in width.

The building reflects the excellent work of Cornerstone General Contractors and architecture firm of Hutteball + Oremus. 

During the design process, Ralph and other district staff worked with teachers, parents, and students to generate ideas and think through the best use of space.

Students and staff are gearing up to perform in the venue in the months to come.

“The energy is growing with our music teachers across the District,” said Hillary Radocaj, Northshore’s music coordinator. “Being able to host music performances in the Concert Hall is a very exciting opportunity for our music students and staff.”

North Creek High School sophomore Harini Thiagarajan is a violinist and was one of the first students to perform on the Concert Hall stage as part of Dr. Reid’s State of Our Schools address to the community on Feb. 3.

“It was an incredible experience playing the violin as part of the inauguration of the Concert Hall,” said Thiagarajan. “The design of the hall is super sleek and polished and I am thoroughly impressed by the acoustics that amplified the performers’ playing. I’m very excited to perform here more often in the future as part of North Creek’s Chamber Orchestra and eager to see many more young and bright [Northshore] musicians showcasing their musical talent in the hall.”