by Jim Mulligan
Reedley College marked an historic milestone on Tuesday, November 19, with the grand opening of the McClarty Center for Fine and Performing Arts. The $30 million facility, a state-of-the-art addition to the campus, drew over 200 attendees––including dignitaries, community leaders, and members of the McClarty family––for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration.
The McClarty Center or Fine and Performing Arts is the new pride and joy of Reedley College, located on Reedley Avenue on the north end of the college campus. – photo courtesy of Reedley College
Dr. Jerry Buckley, Reedley College president, led the event alongside esteemed guests such as former college presidents, Dr. Sandy Caldwell and Donna Berry, and State Center Community College District Chancellor, Dr. Carole Goldsmith. The McClarty family, including Harold McClarty, his wife, Debbie, and their children and grandchildren, participated in the ceremony. Harold McClarty gave a heartfelt poetry reading, including a piece by his granddaughter, which served as the unofficial first performance in the new center. The event also featured a memorable vocal performance of “Pure Imagination” by former Reedley College student, Emily Lopez.
L to R: RC President, Dr. Jerry Buckley; former interim President, Donna Berry; SCCCD Board V.P., Danielle Parra; Harold McClarty; Debbie McClarty; former RC President, Sandra Caldwell; SCCCD Chancellor, Dr. Carole Goldsmith; SCCCD Board President, Magdalena Gomez. Joining in foreground, the McClarty’s four grandchildren. – photo courtesy of Mr. David Borofka
The McClarty Center is designed to be a mecca of fine and performance art for the college and the surrounding communities, featuring advanced acoustics and facilities for hosting concerts, plays, lectures, and more. President Buckley described the center as “not just a building, but a symbol of creativity, collaboration, and inspiration for generations to come.”
Harold McClarty reading a poem about the Central Valley written by his granddaughter on stage at the grand opening, joined on stage by his four grandchildren. – photo courtesy of Mr. David Borofka
To celebrate its opening, the center will host a series of free inaugural concerts in December (the MCFPA Opening Celebration: Music Program Showcase already took place on December 4). These include:
Commemorative Piano Concert – Renowned pianist and composer Philip Aaberg will perform on a Steinway Concert Grand Piano gifted by the Belknap family, on Saturday, December 7, at 7 p.m.
United in Peace and Joy: A Musical Journey – Featuring the Norman Zech Reedley College Community Orchestra, directed by Mason Lamb, on Sunday, December 8, at 3 p.m.
A Winter Fantasy – A concert by the Reedley College Community Band and Jazz Band, directed by Christine Keenan and Patrick Alvidrez, on Friday, December 13, at 7 p.m.
These concerts are free, with donations to the Reedley College Music Program gratefully accepted.
Following its grand opening, the McClarty Center was already hosting significant events, including the Reedley College Agriculture Conference that took place on Wednesday, November 20. The conference showcased cutting-edge technology and trends in agriculture, reflecting the college’s broader commitment to educational excellence across disciplines.
Inside the Performing Arts Center
Photo by Danny Jimenez
As Reedley College celebrates this monumental addition to its campus, the McClarty Center for Fine and Performing Arts is set to become a cultural and educational hub, enriching both the campus and the surrounding community for years to come. For more information on upcoming events, visit the college website reedleycollege.edu or contact (559) 494-3000.
You can find more Reedley stories in our Reedley News section.
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