Sierra Canyon's Arts Fest Unveils a New Tradition

Sierra Canyon's Arts Program has expanded its annual showcase from Arts Week to a month-long celebration known as Arts Fest.

Arts Fest spans various artistic disciplines and is a testament to the School's commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression among its students. From captivating exhibitions to electrifying performances, these Trailblazers' incredible talent and hard work offered a glimpse into the future of the arts. As part of this celebration, the Upper Campus community received a visit from Karen Hudson, the granddaughter of the renowned architect Paul Williams and director of the Paul Williams Architectural Archives, who shared captivating anecdotes and insights into her grandfather's groundbreaking architectural achievements. The Upper Campus Plaza was also transformed into an open-air gallery as students, faculty, and staff gathered to paint the scenery around them. 

Senior Art Exhibition and Grades 7-12 Art Exhibition
The Senior Art Exhibition was a comprehensive showcase that included various artistic mediums, such as Photography, Painting, Design, Sculpture, and Architecture. This curated event provided a platform for our graduating artists to present the culmination of their years of study and exploration in their respective fields, showcasing their skills, creativity, and personal growth.

Complementing the Senior Art Exhibition was the Grades 7-12 Art Exhibition, a sprawling display featuring artwork from Middle and Upper School students across all Visual Arts classes throughout the Upper Campus. From the dynamic strokes of brushwork to the meticulous details of mixed media, the exhibition transformed classrooms, hallways, the Stairwell Gallery, and Founders Union into a tapestry of creativity.

Concert in the Canyon
Concert in the Canyon showcased the work of our talented Lower and Upper Campus musicians.

The Sierra Canyon Chamber Ensemble, ranging from Pre-Kindergarten to 7^th Grade students, performed various classical, fiddle, and popular tunes. The advanced Lower School Musicians took the stage to perform Paganini's "Witches' Dance," a mesmerizing piece that showcased their remarkable skills as they combined playing and dancing seamlessly. Next, their spirited rendition of the popular Irish jig, "The Irish Washerwoman," further highlighted the versatility and range of the young musicians.

All three Upper Campus Ensembles performed a diverse mix of music ranging from Jamiroquai and Dave Matthews Band to Frank Ocean and Bob Marley.

The grand finale of the evening was a truly spectacular moment, as both the Lower and Upper Campus musicians united to perform "Boogie Woogie," captivating the audience with their infectious energy and musical synergy. The collaborative performance was a testament to the spirit of unity and camaraderie that permeates Sierra Canyon's music program.

One Night Only
One Night Only - A Dance Recital celebrated the Upper Campus Dance Program, featuring various styles such as contemporary, jazz, Bollywood, and hip-hop. It also included a Lower School Dance Company A/B guest performance choreographed by Upper School Dance Company member Alexis O. '26. At the closing of the performances, there was a National Honors Society for Dance Arts induction ceremony, recognizing students for artistic merit, leadership, and academic achievement in dance. Induction is earned through meritorious work in dance, maintaining a high GPA, and demonstrating excellent character. Sienna S. '24, Julia B. '24, Eliza F. '25, and Ava N. '25 achieved this honor this year, exceeding program requirements and contributing significantly to the School's Dance program. They were honored with certificates, induction pins, and graduation cords, with Sienna receiving an additional medal for graduating with Honors.

Film Festival
The silver screen lit up with the 14^th annual Sierra Canyon Film Festival at United Talent Agency in Beverly Hills. This year, our SC filmmakers Zahra B. '25, Dean G. '26, Ethan S. '24, Marquez C. '24, Justin P. '25, Sahil B. '25, Colin F. '24, Willow S. '25, Sam L. '24, and alum Dylan G. '20 showcased their talent alongside a selection of curated films from high school and college students around the country. Additionally, the Festival featured an exclusive college fair, showcasing esteemed institutions such as ArtCenter College of Design, Loyola Marymount University, USC, Woodbury University, and many more. Click here to view a list of this year's winners.

Matilda The Musical
Matilda The Musical is ready to captivate audiences, starting with tonight's opening night! Join us for a weekend of performances on Friday and Saturday, May 3-4, at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, May 5, at 2:00 p.m. This Lower and Middle School production will showcase the immense talent of Kindergarten through 9th Grade students and promises to entertain audiences of all ages. If you have not already done so, click here to purchase your tickets!

As we begin to close the curtain on a successful Arts Fest, we look forward to our student artists' continued growth and evolution, fostering creativity and excellence in the years to come.

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