Arts Blog

Arts Proficiency Seal

115 students from SUSD’s five high schools have successfully earned the Arizona Department of Education’s Arts Proficiency Seal, recognizing their dedication and excellence in the arts. This significant accomplishment highlights the hard work and talent of our students, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the teachers, parents, and community members who have supported them on their artistic journeys. Your encouragement has played a crucial role in their success. Let us celebrate these young artists and continue to inspire future generations to pursue their passions in the arts. We are incredibly proud of their achievements!

DMHS IB Visual Arts Exhibition

We were excited to celebrate seven of our talented Desert Mountain High School International Baccalaureate (IB) Visual Arts students at a remarkable visual arts exhibition last month that culminated their high school artistic journeys as part of the IB Diploma Programme.

This exhibit showcased the top artwork of Carlo Adamson, Evangeline Au, Elizabeth Curley, Emma Feeney, Harper Helfman, Julienne Hong and Teagan O’Neil, reflecting the outstanding creativity, technical skills, and unique perspectives they have developed during their art studies at Desert Mountain. Each student had multiple pieces on display from their IB art portfolios, accompanied by explanations of their inspirations, from relating Greek mythology to current events and consumer overconsumption and waste to the grief experienced following a grandparent’s passing and balancing being part of two cultures.  

We also want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to their teacher, Anne Wilkins, whose exceptional guidance and unwavering support have been instrumental in helping these students achieve their artistic visions.

Middle School Theatre Programs Take the Stage

We celebrated our vibrant middle school theatre programs and their outstanding music theatre productions this past month! Students from Mountainside Middle School brought to life the beloved show Mean Girls, showcasing their talent and creativity in every scene. Meanwhile, the students at Cheyenne Traditional School enchanted audiences with their imaginative interpretation of Alice in Wonderland, transporting us to a whimsical world filled with wonder. And Cocopah Middle School students dazzled us with their performance of Xanadu, highlighting their incredible energy and enthusiasm on stage. These productions not only reflect the hard work and dedication of our young performers but also the invaluable support of their teachers and staff. Join us in applauding the achievements of these talented students and celebrating the joy of theatre in our schools!

SUSD Jazz Night

In April, we celebrated Jazz Appreciation Month, bringing together all five of our high school jazz bands, along with the Scottsdale Community College jazz band for a magical evening of … you guessed it: jazz music! This special event showcased the incredible talent and creativity of our young musicians, providing them with a platform to share their passion for jazz. The collaboration between the different bands created an unforgettable atmosphere filled with rich melodies and vibrant rhythms, highlighting the importance of community and the arts in our schools. It was a night to remember, filled with exceptional performances and a shared love for jazz that resonated with everyone in attendance!

SUSD Students Shine in 36^th Annual Art & Writing Competition

The theme of this year’s Scottsdale Sister Cities Young Artists and Authors Showcase was “Friendship: The Heart of Global Peace,” and our high school writers and artists had plenty to say about how friendships power understanding, collaboration, and peace across borders.

Chaparral’s Mia Hawley took top honors on the art side, along with a check for $250, with her creation, “A World We Weave Together.”  Desert Mountain students Julienne Hong (“Interwoven Paths”), Aisha Aliniazee (“Reflection”) and Cadence Figura (“A Minnesota Fall”), and Isabella Falgiano (“Earth Watches Over”) closed out the top five artists selected for recognition.  Desert Mountain Class of 2024 grad Adelina Grotenhuis’s poem, “Imaginary Boundaries,” won the authors side of the competition and $250.  SUSD Art teachers Carson Bilger, Tyler Novak and Anne Wilkins were also honored for their excellent guidance of our outstanding art students.

We deeply appreciate the local Sister Cities organization, Scottsdale Artists School and the Scottsdale Public Library system for continuing to provide this tremendous community opportunity to SUSD students!

High School Theatre Programs Create a Community through Musical Theatre

Both Coronado and Chaparral High schools created remarkable community experiences through their spring musicals, inviting their feeder schools to special daytime performances. This collaboration not only showcased the talent of our high school performers but also provided younger students with an inspiring glimpse into the world of high school theatre. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the programs and to the administrations at both schools for supporting this wonderful experience, fostering a love for the arts and building connections within our community. It was a fantastic opportunity for students and performers alike, and we are grateful for the memories that were created!

Two SUSD High School Theatre Productions Up for 2025 Gammage Awards

We are proud to announce that Saguaro High School's theatre program, with its fall presentation of Bye Bye Birdie, and Chaparral High School's recent presentation of Anastasia are both semifinalists for ASU Gammage High School Musical Theatre Awards.  Finalists will be announced at the May 24^th awards ceremony  at Gammage Auditorium on the ASU campus.

These outstanding productions feature individual actors, along with exceptional contributions in lighting, sound, makeup, and costuming, all competing at a high level. Congratulations to these talented students and their dedicated instructors for elevating excellence in their programs and showcasing the incredible talent within our schools. Your hard work and passion for the arts inspire us all!

Finalist nominations from these shows include:

• Jake Price, Chaparral; Xander Zeeb, Saguaro – Best Lead Male
• Sydney Hassler, Chaparral – Best Female Lead & Best Vocalist
• Luke Chester, Chaparral – Best Supporting Male
• Katerina Anderson, Chaparral – Best Supporting Female
• Chaparral, “Land of Yesterday” – Best Dance Ensemble
• Chaparral – Best Set & Props, Sound, Hair & Makeup
• Chaparral & Saguaro – Best Costumes
• Karina Koppikar, Chaparral – Best Stage Management

We wish both of these excelling fine arts programs well in the competition and, as they say in the theatre biz, “Break a leg!”

Learn More at the Source 

Third Edition of Family ArtsFest Is the Best Yet!

The SkySong campus in south Scottsdale was abuzz with activity March 21-22 as our community convened to celebrate SUSD student creativity at the third annual Scottsdale Family ArtsFest event.  This tremendous collaboration by SUSD, Scottsdale Arts, the City of Scottsdale, Arizona State University’s Scottsdale Innovation Center, Scottsdale Community Partners and its Alli Ortega Empty Bowls program, Entertainment Solutions and the Coppola-Cheney Group of Lee & Associates made for an amazing celebration of SUSD’s Fine and Performing Arts programs.  Thousands of students, parents, staff, neighbors, and community partners gathered for the two-day event to celebrate musical performances, art exhibitions, hands-on activities, and locally created tasty treats. If ever there was a community partnership, this is it!  We are so proud of our talented students who were brave and bold enough to perform on the big stage and share their artistic work. And we are forever indebted to SUSD arts educators who give their all to ensure students receive the very best training in their chosen arts field.  Thank you, one and all!

SUSD Students Receive Top Honors!!

Thirteen SUSD high school students were selected to participate in the Arizona All-State Ensembles.  After two rounds of auditions (Regional and All-State), these students have been named to the All-State Band, Orchestra and Choir.  

• Desert Mountain Orchestra (Bryan Hummel, Director)
  • Lillie Harper – Viola
  • Michael Erickson – violin
  • Armaan Patel – Bass
• Desert Mountain Choir (Amanda McKay, Director)
  • Cassidy Veale – Soprano
  • Shangyi Li – Alto 
  • Maximilien Farkas - Bass
• Chaparral Band (Jennifer and Sean Mireau, Directors)
  • Layla Su, 3^rd chair, Oboe 
  • Dhruva Ganjam, 4^th chair, Euphonium
• Chaparral Choir – (Dr. Sammy Brauer, Director)
  • Malori Nierad – Tenor
• Saguaro Choir (Gaylin Tutnick, Director)
  • Kean Gutierrez – Bass
  • Dylan Mastricola – Bass
  • Norval Tyler-Priniski – Bass
• Saguaro Orchestra (Robert Reyes, Director)
  • Reid Fleischman – Violin

These students will come together over the weekend of April 10-12 to rehearse and perform with other All-State ensemble members.  It is quite an honor to be named to these ensembles, and we are proud of these students’ achievements and the leadership of their music educators!

Saguaro HS Orchestra Brings Home the Championship

The Saguaro Orchestra journeyed to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, March 20-23 to compete in the Music in the Parks competition.  The Saguaro Symphonic Orchestra earned a Superior 1st place, the highest score possible, and the Saguaro Advanced Orchestra earned a Superior 2nd place award. Saguaro Symphonic also earned Best Orchestra in the competition!  And for the second year in a row, the combined Saguaro orchestras received the competition’s "Esprit de Corps Award," in recognition of their exemplary attitude of positive support and outstanding personal behavior throughout the festival weekend.  

 

Congratulations, High School Choirs!

Chaparral, Coronado, Desert Mountain and Saguaro High Schools headed to Flagstaff the second week of February to compete in the Jazz and Madrigal Festival.  SUSD brought home five Superior ratings and 1 Excellent rating (missing a Superior by a single point).  Bravo to these incredible choirs and their directors for Elevating Excellence every day!!

Another Successful Parada Del Sol!

Thank you to the multiple SUSD bands and schools that took part in the 2025 Parada Del Sol Parade last month.  The judges were blown away by our entries, and SUSD brought home six awards!!!  

• We've Got Spirit - Pueblo Elementary
• Let's Hear it for the Kids - PANDA Program
• Best Youth - Hohokam Elementary
• Best School - Tavan Elementary
• Best Marching Band - Desert Mountain High School
• Overall Best - Echo Canyon

Marine Drum and Bugle Corp at Saguaro HS

Don't miss it on Tuesday, March 4 at Saguaro High School – a special performance by the U.S. Marines Drum and Bugle Corp.  It gets underway at 7 p.m. in the football stadium.  

Arts-Integration from Kennedy Center Brings Excitement to Classrooms

Kennedy Center artist Melanie Rick worked with teachers and students at Pima, Navajo and Laguna Elementary schools last week, bringing visual arts and ELA curriculum to life.  Ms. Rick modeled lessons in the classroom and teachers received professional development on how to incorporate Visual Arts with the CKLA Amplify curriculum.

Incorporating Visual Arts with ELA provides a multi-sensory approach that can deeply engage students, enhance comprehension, stimulate critical thinking, and foster creativity.   It’s incredible to be able to offer our students and teachers the opportunity to work with amazing Kennedy Center artists, creating such empowering learning environments!

Mark Your Calendars!

Coming up the Friday and Saturday after Spring Break, March 21-22, it’s the 3^rd Annual Scottsdale Family ArtsFest at ASU’s SkySong.   ArtsFest is a free, two-day festival of creativity that includes performances and exhibitions by Scottsdale Unified School District students, family- friendly arts activities by Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation, Alli Ortega Empty Bowls fundraiser, interactive demonstrations from City of Scottsdale departments, and culinary delights from local food trucks throughout the SkySong campus, located on the southeast corner of Scottsdale and McDowell roads.  For more information on the event, visit www.skysong.com/artsfest.  The event runs from 5 – 9 p.m. on Friday and picks up again on Saturday at 9 a.m. and runs through 2 p.m.  Hope to see you there with the whole family!

Click Here for Arts Fest Flyer

Learn More at the Source

 

 Celebrating Scottsdale Unified School District's Musical Achievements

Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) is thrilled to announce that 94 talented students have been selected, along with 16 alternates, to participate in the prestigious Arizona All-Regional Band, Orchestra, and Choir. 

These exceptional young musicians now have the incredible opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside some of the top musicians in the region on February 14-15. These culminating events not only highlight their individual talents but also foster a spirit of collaboration and excellence in the arts.

The selection process for the All-Regional ensembles is highly competitive and being chosen is a testament to the students' commitment to their craft and the support they've received from their teachers and families. SUSD is proud to celebrate this milestone and looks forward to seeing these talented students shine in their upcoming performances.

Congratulations to all the selected students and alternates! Your hard work and passion for music are truly commendable.

Desert Mountain HS Choir – Amanda McKay, Director

• Cassidy Veale (1^st chair Soprano)
• Alexandra Frazier
• Shangyi Li
• Abigail Cociuba
• Lyla Yango
• Max Farkas (1^st chair Bass)
• Alternates: Hussein Chami, Isabel Gonzales Fernandez

Desert Mountain HS Band & Orchestra – Bryan Hummel, Director

• Orchestra:
  • Michael Erickson
  • Lillie Harper
  • Kyle Hwang
  • Armaan Patel
• Band:
  • Makenna Wyszynski
  • Jordan Marsello
  • Arya Madi
  • Adriana Chen
  • Addison Ward
  • Robert Jurtka
  • Brian Dorsey
  • Gavin Mistalski
  • Nathan Lee
  • Joshua Hwang
  • Jack Alexander
  • Samuel Nachtrab
  • Griffin Stalzer

Coronado Band – Brett Bell, Director

• Flute: Bella Miranda 
• Clarinet: Gabrielle Nickerson
• Alto Sax: Jair Herrera-Sebastian
• Alternates: Gabe Peabody – Oboe; Diego Esteban Hernandez – Tenor Sax 

Coronado Orchestra – Sam Brasen, Director

• Viola: Emma Araki

Chaparral Band – Jennifer Mireau, Director

• Flute: Sourena Nadri, 5^th chair; Anaia Castillo, 6^th chair; Michael Kahn, 9^th chair; Marie Huang, 10^th chair
• Oboe: Layla Su, 1^st chair 
• Clarinet: Audrey Hofelich, 12^th chair
• Trumpet: Mason Ulepic, 10^th chair; Kendrick Quon, 11^th chair
• Euphonium: Dhruva Ganjam, 1^st chair; Marcus Mireau, 3^rd chair
• Trombone: Aaron Pak, 2^nd chair 
• Percussion: Noah Pak, 6^th chair; 2^nd Alternate: Jack Seidel 

Chaparral Orchestra – Shana Roberts, Director

• Piccolo: Katelyn Su, 1^st chair 
• Oboe: Eleanor Greenfield, 2^nd chair 
• Trumpet: Finn Feldman, 2^nd chair 
• Percussion: Gabe Gillespie, 3^rd chair 
• Violin: Jason Kai, Aidan Kai, Emily Large, Daniele Perkovich, Isolabella Fornelli, Brianna Testa, Esther Lee
• Viola: Bryce Watson, Elena Barr

Chaparral HS – All-State Jazz

• Trumpet: Finn Feldman

Chaparral Choir – Dr. Sammy Brauer, Director

• Sopranos: Sammie Zell, Lily Werkheiser, Elliana Ellett, Finley Seidel
• Altos: Bellamy French, Brooklyn Kreuser, Ellie Sachs, Ava Hurley, Annika Lundquist 
• Tenors: Ryn Price, Malori Nierad, Gabi Schmid
• Basses: Levi Loving, Brantley Carden
• Alternates: Riley Dougherty, Lean Smaczney, Blake Iannone

Saguaro High School Choir – GayLin Tutnick, Director

• Sopranos: Kendyll Darling, Maddie Giorlando; 5^th Alternate: Sierra Lopez Hart
• Altos: Scarlett Dunlop; Alternates: Kyndal Seamans, 1^st Alternate; Makenna Douglas, 4^th Alternate
• Tenors:  Joe Giorlando, Davis Sterling
• Basses: Norval Tyler-Priniski, Kean Gutierrez, Dylan Mastricola

Saguaro High School Band – Sam Litt, Director

• Clarinet: Sadie Williams
• Oboe: Brookelynn Bond (Orchestra); Alternate: Samuel Smith

Saguaro High School Orchestra – Robert Reyes, Director

• Violin 1: Reid Fleischman, Maya Otto
• Violin 2: Michael Rodarte, Lea Jaramilla, Claire Filipowicz, Maria Caruso; Alternate: Hayley Graziano
• Viola: Claire Holtry, Leah Gutierrez, Grace Maguire, Brogran Springborn; Alternates: Brianna Mobley, Isabella Tassoni
• Cello: Ines Mendoza, Henry Simpson, Dominic Roe
• Bass: Will Milligan; Alternate: Cole Farrell

Arcadia High School Band & Orchestra – Tristan Jagielko, Director

• Trumpet: Chase Braden 
• Horn: Andrew Brown 
• Violin: Anabelle DeHaan 
• Viola: Kyla Guzman, David Darnal

Shout Out to Cocopah Middle School!

Congratulations to Cocopah Middle School for an outstanding achievement! Six talented students from the school have been selected to be part of the Arizona Middle School All-State Orchestra. This remarkable accomplishment reflects their dedication, hard work, and the exceptional guidance of their music educators.

Being chosen for the All-State Orchestra is a significant honor, showcasing these students' musical abilities and commitment to excellence. Their participation in this prestigious event will not only enhance their skills but also provide them with invaluable experiences as they perform alongside other gifted musicians from across the state.

Cocopah Middle School is proud of these young musicians' achievements and looks forward to their continued success in the world of music. Keep up the great work!

7/8th Orchestra All-State – Auditioned

• Violin: Alexander Oberle, Camilo Tafur, Maple Hollywood 
• Viola: Finley Smith

5/6th Orchestra All-State - By Nominations

• Violin: Evie Johnsen 
• Cello: Eden Cormier

High School Theatre Programs Shine at Regional Competition

Congratulations to our exceptional high school theatre programs for an outstanding performance at the recent Regional Theatre Competition! In late January, they brought home an impressive total of 33 Superior Ratings, showcasing the incredible talent and hard work of our student actors, directors, and crew.

The Superior Ratings reflect not only the students' dedication to their craft but also the invaluable support and guidance from their dedicated theatre educators. This achievement highlights the importance of the arts in education and the commitment to excellence within our schools.

These talented individuals have demonstrated creativity, teamwork, and passion, making our community proud. As they continue to pursue their theatrical endeavors, we look forward to seeing how they will inspire others and elevate the arts in our schools.

Kudos to all the participants for their hard work and remarkable achievements! Your passion for theatre truly shines!

Arcadia
Superior Ratings:
Senior Lauren Guana; Juniors Emily Rios Quinto, Kelly Mitchell

Desert Mountain
Superior Ratings
Seniors Bridget Hartstein, Trinity Hammack; Drama Club President and junior Tess Willingham; sophomores Mali Patel and Elizabeth Tratnack

The Northern Arizona Festival of Theatre (NAFT), sponsored by the International Thespian Society, held its annual competition at Paradise Valley High School Jan. 25^th. 

Coronado High School Theatre
Superior Ratings:

• Simon Smith - Stage Management, Alice in Wonderland; Scenic Design, Addams Family
• Benjamin Nava – Monologues
• Colt Sura – Monologues, Musical Solo
• Arizona Molina - Musical Solo
• Stella Shelton, Benjamin Nava, Colt Sura, Arizona Molina - Group Acting Scene 

Coronado students also brought home awards for eight performances and presentations that were ranked as Excellent,  just below a Superior, keeping up with the DramaDons’ tradition of striving for the best! 

• Diego Hernandez – Monologues
• Alice in Wonderland
• Arizona Molina, Stella Shelton – Musical Duet
• Stella Shelton – Musical Solo
• Benjamin Nava – Musical Solo
• Arianna Olsen – Monologues
• Adriana Verdugo, Colt Sura, Benjamin Nava, Arianna Olsen, Stella Shelton, Arizona Molina, Max Lehr, Diego Hernandez – Group Musical Number
• Max Lehr – Monologues
• Yizette Ortiz – Stage Management

Chaparral High School Theatre
Superior Ratings:

• Ava DeRuvo – Solo
• Valentina Barone, Karina Koppikar – Duet
• Sam Brigham, Sydney Hassler – Duet
• Sydney Hassler – Solo 
• Kaden Brussow – Theatre Marketing
• Bridget Haley – Costume Construction
• Ellie Sachs, Kalli Schultze, Grace Bieberle – Musical Theatre Group
• Luke Chester – Solo

Excellent Rating:

• Vivienne Spamer – Dance Solo 

Saguaro High School Theatre

These students received Superior ratings in various Theatre events and have qualified for nationals: 

• Hope Viskovicz – Scenic Design
• Alana Solomon – Monologues
• Kendyll Darling – Short Film
• Chloe Penner – Monologues
• Chloe Penner – Musical Solo
• Isabella Finley – Monologues
• Isabella Finley, Makenzie Rourke – Acting Duo
• Chloe Penner, Xander Zeeb – Musical Duet
• Sophie Messinger, Alana Solomon – Acting Duo
• Ambree Dowell, Roman Tonn – Acting Duo

Below is a list of students who earned an Excellent in those same theatre events:

• Kendyll Darling – Monologues
• Kendyll Darling – Musical Solo
• Victoria Beck, Kendyll Darling, Davis Sterling – Group Musical
• Victoria Beck, Leah Brown, Emily Miret, Alana Solomon – Group Acting
• Victoria Beck, Kendyll Darling – Musical Duet
• Roman Tonn – Musical Dance Solo
• Amara Poland – Short Film
• Amara Poland –Monologues
• Katelyn Cornell – Monologues
• Sophie Messinger, Chloe Penner, Alana Solomon – Group Musical
• Chloe Penner, Hope Viskovicz – Duo Acting 
• Kendyll Darling, Ambree Dowell, Amara Poland – Group Dance Musical 

The Saguaro Tech Challenge team, named “The Saguaro Scene Queens,” tied for 1^st! The team of Liliana Karpinski, Vivian Longini, Isaac Olson and Hope Viskovicz competed in multiple events: hang, knot tying, threading a sewing machine, cable coiling (in which they had the fastest time), and light. Congratulations!!

Solo and Ensemble Festivals

Congratulations to Even More of Our Talented High School Musicians!
Heartfelt congratulations to the students at Desert Mountain, Chaparral, and Saguaro High schools for their outstanding achievements at the State Solo and Ensemble Competition! These talented musicians have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, showcasing the rich musical talent within the Scottsdale Unified School District.

We are especially proud to announce that nine students from SUSD will be advancing to Round 2 of the competition, due to their Superior Ratings. This remarkable accomplishment reflects their hard work, commitment to excellence, and the invaluable support of their music educators.

As they prepare for the next round, we celebrate their achievements and look forward to seeing them continue to excel in their musical journeys. Your passion and dedication inspire us all! Keep up the fantastic work!

Desert Mountain High School
Superior Ratings:

• Michael Erickson – violin solo
• Michael, Lillie Harper – violin/viola duet
• Adriana Chen – oboe solo
• Addison Ward, Hanson Remm, Alden Freeson – clarinet trio
• Trey Collins, Robert Juruthka – clarinet duet
• Christina Strode, Nathan Lee, Garrett Mann, Zain Pollman – saxophone quartet

Chaparral High School Band
Superior Ratings:

• Anaia Castillo, Marie Huang – flute duet
• Audrey Hofelich, Dhruva Ganjam – clarinet/euphonium duet 

Excellent Ratings:

• Gabe Gillespie – percussion solo
• Aaron Pak – trombone solo

Saguaro HS Orchestra
Saguaro String Quartet: 95/100 Superior

• Reid Fleischman – violin 1
• Claire Filipowicz – violin 2
• Claire Holtry – viola
• Ines Mendoza – cello

Saguaro String Trio: 82/100 Excellent

• Michael Rodarte – violin 1
• Rebekka Boltz – violin 2
• Leah Gutierrez – viola

Learn More at the Source

 

Middle School Honor Band Convenes at Desert Mountain High School Next Week

Mark your calendars for next Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 6 p.m.!  Top SUSD middle school band members will take the stage at Desert Mountain High School in the all-district Honor Band.  These students have been selected as the top musicians at their schools and will work all day that day for this performance.

The one-day festival will see our middle school bands come together and rehearse in grade-level ensembles under the direction of Saguaro High School band director Samuel Litt (6^th grade ensemble), Coronado High School band director Brett Bell Saguaro (7^th grade ensemble) and Chaparral High School band director (8^thgrade).  You will be amazed at what these top middle school musicians can accomplish in one day under the guidance of our amazing high school band directors!  Entrance is FREE – doors open at 5:30 p.m.   The performance gets underway at 6 p.m. in the DMHS Auditorium.

Middle School Orchestra Festival at Chaparral High School

Our middle school orchestras will perform in exhibition at the SUSD All-District Orchestra Festival on Jan. 30.  Orchestra members will take the Chaparral High School Auditorium stage to perform for their fellow middle school orchestra students in preparation for Spring festival performances.

In an effort to Elevate Excellence in their performance, the orchestras will perform and receive comments from other middle school directors, celebrating the success of the ensemble and suggesting possible areas for improvement.  The event takes place during Chaparral’s school day: parents of ensemble students are welcome to attend, but please note that the doors will open at 9:30 a.m., then locked, once all the orchestras are in place.  Should you arrive after the doors are locked, please proceed to the school office to gain admission.  Performances will run from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. 

Chaparral’s 12News CHAMPION

Congratulations to Chaparral High School Visual Arts student Emily Mayer, who was recently chosen as a 12News Champion.  Emily is a senior and a student of a very proud Visual Arts teacher, Carson Bilger.  “Emily is an incredible art student … her ability to draw and paint realistically is astounding. She is meticulous and her work ethic is of the highest level.”

Emily is part of Scottsdale Arts’ Visions program through which top high school art students attend workshops with professional artists.  As part of Chaparral’s Art Club, she creates realistic portraits for the Memory Project, a charity that provides artwork as mementos to disadvantaged children from around the world.  When Emily is not drawing or painting, she is a member of the school’s varsity girls soccer team.

ParadesRUs!

December 28^th saw SUSD marching bands strutting down Phoenix’s Central Avenue in the 2024 Fiesta Bowl Parade.  Congratulations to Desert Canyon Middle School and Coronado High School’s award-winning marching bands for this annual Valley spectacular!

Four days later and an ocean away, the Desert Mountain High School marching band could be found winding its way through central London as part of that city’s annual New Year’s Day Parade!

This is not an unusual undertaking for the Marching Wolves – they’ve participated five times before - but it’s the first time since 2018-19 that they have been able to participate.  Despite the soggy weather and a late start on New Year’s Day, the show went on!

The students’ trip also included visiting famous sites in and around the English capital, including King Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace.  The band also performed in historic St. John the Evangelist Church as part of the Parade’s Concert Series.  What a fabulous experience for our students!

 

71^st Annual Parada del Sol Parade and Trail’s End Festival

You won’t want to miss the annual Parada del Sol Parade through Old Town Scottsdale on Saturday, Feb. 1!  SUSD marching bands and school floats will entertain the assembled sidewalk spectators, so grab a lawn chair and come on down, pardners!  Heading up this year’s parade as Parade Marshall, on horseback?  SUSD Superintendent Scott Menzel!  🤠

Learn More at the Source