Carlmont's New Performing Arts Theater

When the curtain lifts for Carlmont High School’s upcoming musical “Oklahoma!”, it will be in a brand-new state-of-the-art performing arts center.
The $21 million project funded by Measure H, a $70  million bond passed in 2004, took a total of 13 months of construction, said Bettylu Smith, Sequoia Union High School District spokeswoman. Within the 21,000-square-foot facility is a 500-seat theater, top-rated sound system, theatrical lighting and a black box theater. “Oklahoma!” opens March 12 giving the public the first glimpse at the new facility.
“This facility is more than your average high school theater. The sound and lighting systems are top of the line and the acoustical treatments are way above par for more high schools,” said Genevieve Sagi Tep, visual and performing arts chair. “We also have a gala motorized orchestra pit lift. It’s going to be one of the most functional theaters on the Peninsula and a real asset for the whole community.”
The facility includes environmentally friendly flooring, furniture, acoustic properties within the ceiling and thermal windows, said Smith. The lobby overlooks a 150-year-old oak tree — from the lobby, this view is at canopy level. Plans include student artwork to decorate the lobby.
Some of the center’s costs — such as the flexible seating in the studio, the main stage sound shell, the grand piano and recruitment for a theater manager — were also covered by the Carlmont Academic Foundation. When it opens, plaques will be placed on armrests to more than 50 families who endowed seats to the center, said Smith.
“It’s really nice to have your kids perform in a nice facility. After over 25 years of teaching, this will be the first time my kids will have a home in a really nice facility,” said Instrumental Music Director John DaBaldo.
The center is part of a larger project for the arts. A new music and arts building currently under construction will include classrooms for arts, ceramics, band, music, practice rooms and a music library.

Did you Know????

Carlmont has a student body with a variety of students from many different cities including Belmont, San Carlos, East Palo Alto, Redwood City, and San Mateo. Its name derives from the campus straddling the two adjacent cities of San Carlos and Belmont (thus the portmanteau of San Carlos + Belmont = Carlmont). Because this hilly area is also referred to as "the highlands", the school team was named "The Scots", and the mascot is a kilted Scottish highland warrior. The Carlmont campus was built on 42 acres (170,000 m2) at a cost of about $2.5 million.
Carlmont was originally founded in the year 1952 as "a school within a school" at Sequoia High School, with four hundred fifty freshman and sophomore students. On April 19, 1953, the school was dedicated to Truth- Liberty- Toleration. The morning after, the students arrived by bus caravan from Sequoia high school to occupy the newly built high school facility.
Today, Carlmont has a student body of 2,300. The school offers many sports and extracurricular activities that promote student involvement and creativity.

Famous Carlmont Alumni

    Craig Barrett, former Chief Executive Officer, Intel Corporation
    Ed Berry, Sr., Class of 1982, played for the Green Bay Packers football team.
    Edward L. Evans, Class of 1989, organized labor leader with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.
    Dana Carvey, actor and comedian.
    Delaine Eastin, Class of 1965, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
    Cork Graham, Class of 1982, war correspondents (Associated Press); author of the 2004 bestseller The Bamboo Chest.
    Michelle McLaughlin, Playboy Playmate of the Month for February 2008.
    Bill Ring, Class of 1975, played for the San Francisco 49ers football team in the early 1980s.
    Samantha English, broadway actress starring in productions such as "Hairspray" and "Chicago".
    Alfred Brown, Class of 1988, played for the Denver Broncos football team in the early 1990s.