Back Story:

The Somerset Friends of Music thought of the great idea to name the Somerset Berkley Regional High School Performing Arts Center (auditorium) after Dr. Robert Perry. 

The SFOM presented this idea to the Somerset Berkley Regional School Committee. This committee decided that since none of them knew Dr. Perry, a subcommittee needed to be formed to do more research.

The SBRHS School Committee Facility Naming Subcommittee was formed and hosted a meeting in July to discuss the naming proposal. 

It was concluded that since they really didn't know Dr. Perry, they needed to "do further research" to determine whether or not it would be a good fit. It was suggested that instead of the PAC, maybe the hallway or another room would suffice.

The Concern:

The concern we have is that regardless of how much information the subcommittee gathers, there is no way they could possibly truly understand the essence of Dr. Perry. It is impossible for them to even recreate the experiences we all have had, and how he has impacted our lives in so many ways, because of music.

The hope is that this petition will help them see the outpouring of support for this naming, and some anecdotes that can hopefully paint the best picture for the subcommittee.

We also want to deter the naming of any other location in the building. A smaller room like the band room or the hallway would not be an ideal location for the naming after Dr. Perry.

Why naming the PAC after Dr. Perry is great:

The PAC is the central location for all performance and all music. It is the room that brings everything together. It's the room that brings all of the hard work to life. This embodies Dr. Perry. For a lot of us, music, performance and Dr. Perry were at the center of our universe, and for some, they still are! The impact and inspiration is ever-lasting. 

Somerset is known as MUSICTOWN! Music is a huge part of our community, and a strong part of our roots. I cannot think of anything better and more fitting than naming the SBRHS PAC after Dr. Perry. 

That being said, this upcoming fall is the 50th anniversary of the Musictown Festival. FIFTY YEARS! Dr. Perry has shaped our community and students for a significant part of those 50 years. How incredible would it be to present this to him on the 50th anniversary Musictown Festival when he flies up this fall? 

What's Needed:

Sign and leave a comment with a story! We need to explain to the subcommittee why we all love Dr. Perry and how he has affected our lives. We need to show the subcommittee that he is beyond worthy of this recognition. We want to show the subcommittee that naming the PAC is the best choice (not the hallway, not the band room, etc.).

Thank you for your support! :)