As demolition of Bend High School’s auditorium proceeds, almost everything that was stored inside the structurally unsound facility has been destroyed.

Structural engineers preparing for renovation at Bend High found fractures in the trusses that supported the auditorium’s roof in July, and said complete demolition of the facility was the safest option. The roof is now gone, and the remaining walls are next.

Because the area was unsafe to enter, nearly everything that was stored in the auditorium — including props and theater costumes — has been destroyed, though a few items were saved, including the school’s concert grand piano, purchased for $32,000 made through fundraisers and grants in 2014.

“It’s the right call with the shape the building is in and the issues we’ve had in there, but still it’s hard to say goodbye to a room that has so much history with it and has so many connections with the community,” said choir director Matthew Pierce, who has taught at the school for three years and is a Bend High graduate himself. “Everyone in town counts on that auditorium.”

The 1,400-seat auditorium was used by many organizations in Central Oregon, including the Central Oregon Symphony and the Central Oregon School of Ballet, as well as the school’s arts and music programs, for decades.

Construction continues at Bend High

The renovation at Bend High — an approximately $175 million bond-funded project that will replace classroom wings, the gymnasium, the school’s front entrance and more — is on track and going well, said Principal Chris Reese. It is set to be completed in 2028.

“It’s been all-hands on deck, and people have been working really really hard, because they know that students are showing up that first day whether we’re ready or not,” said Reese, who is starting his 11th year as principal.

Despite all the ongoing construction, the school has no plans to cut any current classes, performing arts or athletics.

The classrooms, practice areas and equipment storage for choir, band and orchestra weren’t affected by the auditorium demolition.

Reese is finding alternative spaces for events and drama class, which was previously held in the auditorium. Administrators are considering the nearby Presbyterian church as a space to rent for drama classes. For concerts and rehearsals for band, choir, orchestra and theater, administrators are looking to partner with other high schools and middle schools in the district. Bend High may be using props from other schools as well.

“There is some silver lining in this,” said Reese, “an opportunity to face challenges and work with our students and come out bigger and better for it.”

Some items were not stored in the auditorium and were saved from demolition, including the large podium used for graduations. The piano and piano bench were also recovered late last week. Reese said the piano will be looked over for damage by an expert.

“That podium has seen a lot of graduates, to become members of the long blue line,” said Reese. “That to me is a win.”

Crews are removing roof debris from the auditorium demolition and then will bring the walls down, said Reese. Crews estimate they will wrap up demolition the week of Aug. 19.

Construction for the school’s renovation will continue through the school year. The first phase includes the three-story classroom wing, new commons area, new administration suite with counseling and the main entrance and main parking lot off Ninth Street. The area surrounding the auditorium space will be up and running by the start of school, Reese said.

The second phase will be a new gymnasium, while the third phase was set to be a performing arts wing, though with the auditorium demolition the timeline has changed. Administrators will hold discussions about the performing arts renovation from now into the fall.

The timeline for rebuilding the auditorium is unclear, Reese said.

‘Giving the kids a good experience’

Pierce runs all choral ensembles at Bend High and Pilot Butte Middle School. He is also the vocal music director for musicals and liaison for events that involve the choral programs.

“It definitely came as a shock,” he said of the demolition. “I have had a lot of my formative educational experiences in that auditorium. When I decided that this is what I want to do with my life, that’s where I was performing and learning those lessons, in that room.”

Pierce would love to use spaces at Bend High for concerts such as the indoor commons space. The choir used it last spring for a concert when the auditorium had water damage. Overall, he wants to make sure the students have a good experience.

The auditorium’s equipment was in decent shape aside from the lighting, which was aging and was planned to be replaced with the bond project, he said.

Pierce said he plans to be on the planning groups to rebuild the auditorium.

“I always tell people it’s the best house in town,” he said. “Having my last show in there be my last show and not knowing that it would be my last performance has been something that’s been on my mind lately. Now I’m looking forward to the next step.”

Bend High’s auditorium will be demolished. Where will big events go?