Richard J. Reynolds Memorial Auditorium opened on May 8, 2024. After forty years or so, public buildings that get a lot of use (such as the auditorium) have to be renovated. The first renovation was completed in the early 1960’s during the tenure of Reynolds High School principal John Tandy. In 2000, the Auditorium underwent another major renovation. This was overseen by donations totaling $6.2 million solicited and received by “The Friends of Richard J. Reynolds Auditorium” organization….which at the time was chaired by Nick Bragg…who personally oversaw every aspect of the comprehensive renovation (that was completed in 2002).

To view a video that tells about the renovations, click ono the picture at the top of the page.

Shortly after that, Harry Corpening assumed the role of Chair of “Friends.”   The “Friends” Board of Trustees made the determination that they would do those things that would increase the rental of that great hall.  In 2006, they funded the creation and installation of an orchestra pit cover (which brought about the booking of four very popular annual Pops Concerts by the Winston-Salem Symphony).

They then found that to book any renown musical group, the Auditorium would need to have a customized acoustical shell. An acoustics firm in South Norwalk, CT was contacted (per guidance from Bob Moody, the Music Director of the Winston-Salem Symphony), and that firm came back with a quote of $259,800 for the design, creation and installation of the acoustical shell. The Board went about raising those funds.

After having raised $110,000, Harry Corpening asked Dr. Don Martin (Superintendent of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System...which owns and operates the auditorium)  if “Friends”  could market the naming rights of the (at that time) newly constructed building directly behind the Auditorium for $150,000…with the understanding that those monies would go towards this acoustical shell.

Dr.Martin asked the School Board, and they agreed to this idea (with the stipulation that an additional $30,000 be given to the school, for programming needs of the students presently using this building). “Friends” agreed to these terms.  Mr. Corpening then went about looking for people to talk to about this naming opportunity, and his long-time friend Jim Holmes, III was the second person he contacted.

Jim suggested that the Board raise the funds needed by naming the building (which was then merely referred to as The Arts & Education Building) for his deceased first-cousin (who was a member of Mr. Corpening’s  Class of 1968 at RJR):   Judy Voss Jones.  He also told Mr. Corpening he would head up the Capital Campaign to raise this $150,000.

The Board very much liked that idea.  During this time the Federal Government issued a $1.5 million H.U.D. grant making Reynolds High School an Arts Magnet High School.  There was a line-item in that grant sending $30,000 towards the acquisition of an acoustical shell. Since "Friends" had already raised the $150,000; this $30,000 influx of funds allowed them to have the monies the School Board wanted for the programming needs of the students using the Judy Voss Jones Arts Center.

Should you wish to make a donation to support the Auditorium, click on the above picture.