This beautiful building echoes with the sounds of music and memories in its reincarnation from its earlier life as Natchez High School when it was filled with the energy and bustle of generations of young people working to be the best citizens possible. It was renamed in honor of Miss Margaret Martin, long time educator and principal of the school, a devotee of the arts, and a highly admired advocate of integrity, honor, and excellence in every endeavor.
After an extensive period of neglect and disuse, the building became the home of the Natchez Opera Festival, now the Natchez Festival of Music, and took on its new life as Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center. The Natchez Opera Festival worked to organize and obtain a large number of grants to help restore the building, beginning with addressing such basic needs as a new roof. Window panes have been replaced and the exterior window frames painted. The entire building has been thoroughly cleaned.
Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center and the Natchez Festival of Music have evolved together to create an exceptional auditorium and venue for fine arts. The entire auditorium has been painted and acclimatized with central air conditioning and heat, the floors have been redone, the aisles have been carpeted, drapes have been hung on the windows and chandeliers from the ceiling, and the seats have been upholstered with padding and cushions. A totally rebuilt stage, raised in order to provide an orchestra pit, and a new stage curtain and a totally computerized state of the art lighting system have been added. New in 2008, the Dress Circle (Balcony) will have its own patron lounge across the hall from the auditorium. Ongoing projects include the renovation of bathroom facilities and rehearsal rooms.
The Natchez Festival of Music shares Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center with the Natchez Ballet Academy and the Natchez Art Association, with which it will co-produce Always, Patsy Cline on June 21 to raise funds for the art group to provide a summer arts program for children.
The Natchez Festival of Music continues to enhance this wonderful facility so that it will add to the enjoyment and memories of a very special home for the finest in music and arts.
Capital Improvements needed for the Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center
Seat Repair
| $125 |
Window AC
|
$175 |
Security Locks
$500
| Chairs
|
$1,000 |
Makeup Lights
|
$2,000 |
Computers
|
$2,500 |
Spotlights and Dimmers
|
$3,000 |
Patron Lounge
|
$3,500 |
Stairway and Hallway Repair and Paint |
$5,000 |
Carpeting
|
$10,000 |
Front Restrooms
|
$20,000 |
Electrical
|
$20,000 |
Rear Restrooms
|
$30,000 |
New Restrooms
|
$50,000 |
Orchestra Pit and Stage
|
$100,000 |
|
