Sequim City Band

Sequim, Washington, USA, 98382

Home
Up

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you know the building looks like a barn?

The North Olympic Peninsula once abounded with dairy farms.

As old barns collapse from age and farm land is sold to developers,

the James Center for the Performing Arts preserves a sense of the past

with a barn-inspired facility in the park. 

The technology of the present enhances acoustical and structural treatments,

resulting in the finest sound that can be achieved,

while technology to reduce the impact of the facility on

land and natural resources

sustains the area for future generations.

Why aren’t you going to build a multipurpose auditorium

instead of a concert hall?

The facilities on the Olympic Peninsula that have stages

which will physically accommodate groups such as the Port Angeles Symphony,

the Sequim City Band, the Olympic Peninsula Men’s Chorus,

and the Peninsula Chamber Singers are limited.

When a facility is multipurpose, such as a high school stage,

the usage is limited by school activities and drama productions.

A dedicated concert hall will be ideal for live large and small musical performances,

video productions, limited drama activities, lectures and meetings –

activities that use a minimum of  staging to produce.

The duration of concert and lecture activities is much more concise.

The design of a concert hall does not include dressing rooms, “fly” space,

or storage areas for sets, thereby reducing the price tag dramatically.

Won’t it compete with other venues for funds and attendance?

There is no other venue of this type on the Peninsula .

The project will compete for the donated dollars in the area,

but the uniqueness of a concert hall is a large bonus to the community. 

It will complement existing theater facilities, not compete with them. 

There are approximately 30 music groups in the local area

that always seek space to perform. 

The residents on the Peninsula have proven to be eager concert goers. 

Live performance in this area never lacks an audience

Will taxpayers pick up the tab if the Center does not break even?

The Center will be built with non-profit dollars.  When it is completed,

The facility will be turned over to the City of Sequim to operate and maintain. 

The James Center will be run as a for profit facility, charging for use.

A minimum of use will pay maintenance costs. 

A maximum use of the facility will make revenue for the City.

Will the building be restricted to the City Band or similar musical events?

The rehearsal hall will be restricted to use by local non-profits groups

for their weekly rehearsals. 

Both the outdoor stage and the indoor stage will be used by a large variety of groups. 

The facility will be operated by a director that will   actively book groups

from outside the area as well as local groups. 

Musical series such as the Juan de Fuca concerts will be encouraged. 

Festivals that need several venues will enjoy having both the indoor and outdoor stages together.