Gates Chili Central School District

It was a night to remember as student performers graced the stage of the brand-new Gates Chili Performing Arts Center (GCPAC) for its grand opening on March 31. The event was held on the last day of Music in Our Schools Month and was a celebration of music and performing arts programs across all Gates Chili schools.

All members of the Gates Chili community were invited to explore the new space and take self-guided tours of the cutting-edge facility. The completion of the GCPAC is the final phase of the 2017 voter-approved capital improvement project. With seating for more than 1,000 audience members, a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system and new rehearsal spaces for Gates Chili student musicians, the new facility shines a spotlight on Gates Chili’s dedication to music education. 

GCHS student LaVarr Fuller (‘23) and GC graduate Elvio Fernandes (‘90) served as the evening’s masters of ceremonies. Fernandes is most well-known for his roles as guitarist, keyboardist and vocalist for the Grammy-nominated band Daughtry. He and Fuller lead the packed house through an evening of musical performances by the Paul Road Elementary School Band, show choirs from both Gates Chili middle and high schools, the Gates Chili HS Jazz Band and members of the high school theatre program. 

Fernandes returned to GCHS the day after the grand opening to talk to music students about his experiences as a Gates Chili student and as a professional musician.