A Joyous Reopening: Parker Hall Returns to Life

11 Nov A Joyous Reopening: Parker Hall Returns to Life

A momentous celebration took place on campus with the reopening of Parker Hall on 31 October 2025, an event that acquired even more significance by coinciding with Worldwide Woodstock Day. 

The morning began with a Woodstock Chapel service, featuring a thought-provoking, engaging – and entertaining! – devotion by Jonathan Abraham ‘01, setting the perfect tone for the day. Guests then gathered for a special tea in the sunny Amphitheatre before entering the stunningly renovated and remodelled auditorium for its dedication ceremony. Those in attendance included Woodstock staff and students, people from our local community and broader alumni family, and distinguished guests Rahul Amin ‘71, one of the lead donors and supporters of the project, Pankaj Tripathi, former parent, and Kim Gingerich Brenneman ’79, Vice President of Friends of Woodstock School, USA. 

In his opening address, Acting Principal Mark Windsor ’78 lauded the incredible efforts of all those involved in the conception, funding, designing and building of the huge undertaking. He paid homage to Parker Hall’s rich past, recalling some of the wonderful events that had taken place on its stage over the decades, and praised the way the space had been renovated and upgraded to lovingly preserve its history and beauty while also equipping it with state-of-the-art facilities to carry Woodstock into the future.  

Jonathan Abraham ‘01 at the All School Chapel

Woodstock Chaplain Adam Maynard offered a profound and beautiful dedication prayer that seamlessly connected the space’s past and future. Inspired by the prayer spoken in 1932 at the original Parker Hall opening ceremony, he re-consecrated the auditorium with words of gratitude and humility, honouring the original ideals while anticipating new possibilities.  

Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations Naomi Maynard gave tribute to the hundreds of alumni, staff, parents and friends whose generosity made the restoration possible, affirming that every gift and act of kindness had helped breathe new life into the space, each carrying a story of love and loyalty to Woodstock School. 

Director of Estates Raveesh Dogra, who led the Parker Hall renovation project, shared his immense pride and satisfaction in seeing the project come to completion. He reflected on the difference between building something entirely new and renovating a space as unique as Parker Hall, the latter bringing with it some very particular challenges. But the result? A space that beautifully blends our heritage with our vision for the future. 

Finally, President of the Woodstock Board Thsespal Kundan offered words of heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the Board and presented awards of recognition to the many people involved in the impressive and hugely successful project. 

Our honoured guests were also invited to take the stage, each one offering different insights into the impact of Parker Hall on past generations. 

Rahul Amin shared fond memories of attending chapel services at Parker Hall as an eighth-grader, asserting that such gatherings played a huge role in bringing the entire community together and fostering the deep sense of family that students enjoyed at Woodstock. 

Citing her classmates’ view of Parker Hall as the ‘cultural nexus’ of the school, ‘the hub where everything happens’, Kim Brenneman thanked alumni for answering the call to fund the renovations, pointing to the overwhelming response as proof of how important the venue continues to be for every Woodstocker. She delivered warm greetings from the Board of FWS, emphasising their deep sense of honour, privilege and gratitude in their work with Woodstock. 

And lastly, Pankaj Tripathi spoke of the incredible beauty of the newly renovated hall, comparing its charm and character to that of a Victorian theatre. He recalled how, many years earlier, it was this special space that inspired his decision to send his daughter, Aashi ‘24, to attend Woodstock, believing firmly that training in the performing arts does not just make one a better actor or performer, but a better person. 

Interspersed with the speeches throughout the morning were vibrant performances on the Parker Hall stage in a programme that masterfully wove nostalgia with clear appreciation for the newly transformed space, its gorgeous aesthetic, and particularly its cutting-edge audio-visual upgrades that now elevate every performance. From puppetry and Indian classical performances to Western instrumentals, Korean drumming and staff musical acts, the skill, variety and energy displayed served as a wonderful testament to Woodstock’s creative spirit. 

Today, Parker Hall continues to be an integral part of Woodstock’s educational and creative life. With its upgraded facilities, it now stands ready to inspire and shape generations of performers and storytellers to come. 

Missed the event?

Take a virtual tour of Parker Hall — click here.

You can also watch the highlights and performances from the reopening ceremony — click here.

For those who couldn’t be with us in person, we hope this glimpse captures the excitement and spirit of the newly rejuvenated Parker Hall!