Arts Blog
SUSD Marching Bands Shine as Competition Season Heats Up
The Scottsdale Unified School District’s (SUSD) marching bands are soaring high this season, capturing the top three placements in every competition so far. With the State Championships in November, anticipation is building to see where these talented student musicians will place among Arizona’s best.
You can experience the energy and artistry of these performances firsthand at the 2025 SUSD Marching Exhibition, taking place November 6 at 6 p.m. at Chaparral High School. All five SUSD high schools will perform their competition shows in this free event. The evening begins with a powerful rendition of the National Anthem by all high school trumpet players and concludes with a spirited pep song featuring every band playing together. It’s a night of music, community, and school pride you won’t want to miss.
Congratulations to the three Saguaro and five Arcadia Marching Band members selected for the prestigious Arizona Marching Band Association (AzMBA) All-Star Marching Band. These standout musicians will represent SUSD in the Fiesta Bowl Parade this December, a proud achievement for both the students and their directors.
The celebrations continue across the district’s thriving arts programs:
- Desert Mountain High School’s Choir Program proudly celebrates three students selected for the highly competitive Arizona Choral Educators All-State Jazz Choir. A special thanks to teacher Amanda McKay for guiding these students to such an impressive achievement. The students will perform at the culminating festival concert on November 8 at Horizon High School.
- The Saguaro High School Symphonic Orchestra earned the Superior with Distinction rating, the highest possible honor, at the Fall Orchestra Festival. Their exceptional performance has earned them an invitation to audition for the State Conference. Bravo to conductor Robert Reyes for consistently elevating excellence.
- The Chaparral Learning Community Glow Concert was a radiant showcase of talent, featuring orchestra programs from Cochise, Sequoya, Cherokee, Copper Ridge, Cocopah Middle School, and Chaparral High School. Families and community members were dazzled by the collaboration and talent on display during this October 22 event. A special thanks goes to Shana Roberts for masterfully bringing this unforgettable concert to life.
- The Tonalea Music Program showcased exceptional talent and dedication at the Arizona State Fair, delivering a memorable musical experience for all in attendance. The band energized the crowd with a dynamic selection of pieces, while the choir captivated listeners with their rich harmonies and expressive vocals The orchestra demonstrated remarkable skill and passion, rounding out a program that highlighted the diverse musical abilities of the students. The event concluded with a grand finale featuring a combined performance by the band, choir, and orchestra. This left the audience mesmerized and singing along. Congratulations to all the students and directors for their hard work, artistry, and for representing SUSD with such pride and professionalism.
- The theater arts are equally vibrant this season! Chaparral High School’s production of Clue! delighted audiences with stellar performances under the guidance of drama teacher Andrew Foree. Up next, Saguaro High School will present ‘The Crucible’ on November 6 and 8, a performance you won’t want to miss.
- Be sure to mark your calendars for upcoming Coffee House concerts, Chaparral’s in late October and Saguaro’s in November. These intimate performances highlight the incredible vocal and instrumental talent thriving across SUSD. Whenever you see “Coffee House” on a school calendar, be sure to come out and witness the magic these musicians and teachers create every day.
For a full schedule of performances and events, view the Fine Arts Calendar and come out to support the vibrant arts programs across Scottsdale Unified School District.
Desert Mountain Dance Department Performance
The Desert Mountain Dance Department delivered a stunning performance with the Taiwanese Traditional dancers at the Mesa Center for the Arts on September 14. This unique cultural presentation allowed students to explore and share rich heritage through movement and expression. Audience members were treated to a vibrant display of costumes, music, and storytelling that highlighted the beauty of traditional dance forms.
Coronado High School Coffee House
Coronado High School’s Performing Arts Department hosted their annual Coffee House on September 18 and 19, celebrating the talents of student performers and artists. The intimate atmosphere provided a perfect setting for students to showcase their musical, vocal, and artistic skills to family, friends, and peers. Attendees enjoyed a night filled with diverse entertainment and creative energy, fostering community connection through the arts.
Chaparral High School Symphonic Orchestra
Chaparral High School’s Symphonic Orchestra gave a remarkable performance at the Fall Orchestra Festival on September 19th, earning a prestigious Superior rating. This achievement reflects months of dedicated rehearsals and the orchestra’s commitment to musical excellence. Their rich, harmonious sound captivated the audience and judges alike, highlighting the strength of the district’s orchestral program.
Choir Programs from Ingleside and Desert Mountain Middle Schools Attend Diamondbacks Game
The Ingleside and Desert Mountain Middle School Choirs had an exciting opportunity to perform at a Diamondbacks baseball game on Sept. 20, energizing the crowd with their powerful and polished performance. Singing in such a large, public venue gave students valuable experience and boosted their confidence. The community proudly cheered as their voices echoed through the stadium, marking a memorable day for the choir.
Desert Mountain and Saguaro High School Marching Bands Competition
The Desert Mountain and Saguaro High School Marching Bands competed fiercely on September 20th, achieving 2nd place wins in their divisions. These outstanding results showcase the hard work, precision, and spirit of our marching band students. Their performances were filled with dynamic formations, musical excellence, and unified teamwork that impressed judges and audiences alike.
Chaparral High School Tri-M Volunteering Event
The Chaparral High School Tri-M Music Honor Society, representing orchestra, band, and choir students, is set to volunteer at the Feed My Starving Children event on September 29th. This service opportunity allows students to contribute positively to the community by helping package meals for those in need. It’s inspiring to see our young artists giving back with kindness and leadership beyond their artistic talents.
Chaparral High School Theatre Presents "Clue"
Chaparral High School Theatre Department will bring the classic mystery "Clue" to life on stage from Wednesday, October 8th through Friday, October 10th. Performances begin each evening at the school’s theater, offering audiences an entertaining evening filled with suspense, humor, and clever plot twists performed by talented student actors. This production promises to be a highlight of the fall season, showcasing the creativity and dedication of our theatre students.
Tonalea Middle School Band and Orchestra at Arizona State Fair
The Tonalea Middle School Band and Orchestra will perform at the Arizona State Fair on October 9th at 12:30pm, sharing their musical talents with a wide public audience. Participating in such a lively event gives students valuable performance experience and the chance to celebrate the joy of music. Families and fairgoers are invited to come support these young musicians as they bring energy and harmony to the fairgrounds.
Chaparral High School Marching Band at Disneyland Parade
The Chaparral High School Marching Band has the prestigious honor of performing in the 70th Anniversary Disneyland Parade on October 12th at 2:45pm. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will showcase the band’s precision, spirit, and musical excellence in a national venue. The performance is a proud moment for the students, families, and the entire Scottsdale Unified School District community.
Saguaro High School Theatre Presents "The Crucible"
Saguaro High School Theatre will present "The Crucible", a powerful and thought-provoking drama, from October 23rd through 25th. This classic play explores themes of fear, justice, and morality, offering audiences a profound theatrical experience. The student actors and crew have worked diligently to bring this intense story to life, promising a moving and memorable production.
These exciting events highlight the incredible talent, hard work, and community spirit thriving in Scottsdale Unified School District’s arts programs. We encourage all families to come out, support our students, and celebrate the vibrant creativity that enriches our schools! Be sure to visit www.susd.org and check the Arts Calendar for a full list of exciting school performances happening across SUSD this October.
Cocopah 8th Grade Shines Bright at The Terraces of Phoenix!
On Monday, August 18th, the talented 8th grade Orchestra from Cocopah took the stage at The Terraces of Phoenix Senior Living Center, delivering a memorable performance that left the audience inspired and delighted. This special event showcased the hard work, dedication, and spirit of these young performers as they shared their talents with the community.
From the moment they stepped on stage, the students brought energy and enthusiasm, captivating everyone with their impressive skills and teamwork. Their performance was a wonderful celebration of creativity and confidence, highlighting the vibrant arts program at Cocopah.
We are incredibly proud of our 8th graders for their outstanding performance and the positive impact they made. Events like these remind us how important it is to encourage young talent and foster a love for the arts.
Thank you to The Terraces of Phoenix for hosting this inspiring event, and congratulations to all the Cocopah 8th Grade orchestra students and their wonderful director Shana Roberts for a job well done!
Teachers Advancing Their Craft Ahead of a New School Year
On Saturday, August 23rd, dedicated educators from across Arizona took significant steps to elevate their skills and strengthen their professional networks through specialized workshops.
Brett Bell, Band Director at Coronado High School, and Nate Conell, Band Director at Arcadia High School, participated in the ABODA Judges Workshop. This training
equips them with valuable insights and judging expertise in preparation for the upcoming marching band season. Their commitment ensures that students receive high-quality instruction and feedback throughout the competitive season.
Meanwhile, Alissa Wahl joined fellow arts educators at the Phoenix Arts Museum for Teacher Day. Immersed in workshops and collaborative sessions, Alissa deepened her knowledge and fostered meaningful relationships with peers from around the state, enhancing the arts education community across Arizona
These educators exemplify the spirit of lifelong learning and dedication to their craft, setting a powerful example for their students and colleagues alike. Their proactive approach to professional development promises a vibrant and enriching school year ahead.
Fine Arts Department Celebrates the Start of an Exciting School Year
As the new school year kicks off, the Fine Arts Department is thrilled to spotlight the dedication and hard work of our talented marching bands from Arcadia High School, Chaparral High School, Coronado High School, Desert Mountain High School, and Saguaro High School. These ensembles have been diligently preparing for the year ahead with focused rehearsals on their marching show music, pep band tunes, and essential marching fundamentals.
Students and directors alike are buzzing with excitement as they perfect intricate routines and energizing music selections designed to inspire school spirit and community pride. This early preparation promises dynamic performances at upcoming football games, pep rallies, and competitions throughout the season.
We commend all the students for their commitment, teamwork, and passion for the arts. Their hard work not only enriches our schools but also brings joy and unity to our communities. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to cheer on these outstanding bands as they hit the field this fall!
Theatre Programs Gear Up for an Exciting Year with Arizona Thespian Leadership Camp
This summer, theatre student leaders from our high schools headed to the Arizona Thespian Leadership Camp to develop their skills, build leadership, and prepare for an outstanding year of theatrical productions. The camp experience is designed to inspire creativity, teamwork, and confidence—key elements that will fuel their performances on stage throughout the year.
At the camp, students engage in workshops, collaborative projects, and leadership training that help them grow both as performers and as members of their theatre communities. This opportunity strengthens their ability to bring compelling stories to life and fosters a deep appreciation for the art of theatre.
We celebrate these students’ dedication and enthusiasm and look forward to a vibrant season of drama and artistry that will engage, entertain, and inspire audiences across our schools and community.
Scottsdale Unified School District Celebrates Another Year of Outstanding Arts Achievements
We wrapped up the 2024-25 proudly celebrates an extraordinary year of excellence in SUSD music and arts programs. Recognized as an Outstanding Music Education District by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), SUSD continues to set a high standard for arts education in our community.
This year, our talented students have shined brightly on state and national stages. We are thrilled to have multiple students selected for the prestigious All-State Jazz Band and Choir, showcasing their exceptional musicianship and dedication. Even more remarkable, one of our students earned a coveted spot in the National Jazz Choir, representing SUSD among the nation’s best young vocalists.
Our district’s commitment to musical excellence is further reflected in the 13 students who earned places in the All-State Choir, Band, and Orchestra ‒ an incredible achievement demonstrating the depth of talent across our schools.
Adding to our district’s artistic accolades, Chaparral High School and Saguaro High School both earned finalist positions in this year’s Gammage High School Musical Theatre Awards. When the curtains went up on the May 24th awards show at ASU, it was Chaparral’s Jake Price, Katerina Anderson and Luke Chester who took home top honors for Best Lead Male, Best Supporting Female and Best Supporting Male, respectively, for their performances in the school’s March production of Anastasia. Jake now goes on to compete in the Jimmy Awards, the National High School Musical Theatre Awards program, in New York City later this month! Chaparral also picked up the Gammage award for Best Dance Ensemble.
All of these recognitions highlight the continued outstanding work of our high school theater programs and the creativity and hard work of our students and staff.
Budding Yavapai Artist
A design created by Thunderbird third grade student Sky KeVine was among those chosen by the Arizona Historical Society in this year’s postcard design competition. The society sponsors a statewide contest each year in celebration of Arizona’s birthday. Sky’s drawing was also a Superintendent’s Blue-Ribbon winner at SUSD’s ArtsFest event in March. Soon, you’ll be able to purchase Sky’s drawing in the form of a real postcard that will be for sale in Arizona Historical Society gift shops!
