Arts In The News
- Arts
District Showcases Student Creativity Across Music, Theater, Dance, and Visual Arts
Scottsdale Unified School District is thrilled to highlight an extraordinary spring season in the Visual and Performing Arts, with students across elementary, middle, and high schools demonstrating exceptional talent and dedication. From intimate gallery showcases to full-scale musical theater productions, SUSD students are making their mark—locally, statewide, and beyond.
Building a Foundation for Artistic Excellence
This season’s achievements reflect years of investment in arts education at the elementary and middle school levels. Early exposure to music, theater, dance, and visual arts continues to cultivate confident, expressive students, creating a strong pipeline of emerging artists prepared to excel in high school and beyond.
Music Programs Earn National Recognition
SUSD’s middle and high school music ensembles have taken their talents on the road this spring, competing in out-of-state festivals and earning top honors at Forum Festivals. Students also had the opportunity to perform at Disneyland, where their polished performances captivated audiences, an achievement underscoring months of disciplined rehearsal and artistic growth.
All-State Musicians Shine
Twenty-two SUSD high school musicians were selected to participate in the prestigious All-State Festival, held April 18 at Arizona State University. This honor highlights the exceptional caliber of the district’s instrumental music programs and the dedication of its student performers.
Visual Artists Bring Home Awards and Scholarships
At the Sister Cities Young Artist & Author Showcase, Desert Mountain High School students earned notable recognition:
- Junior Sophia Schader received first place and a $250 award.
- Edgar Garcia, an Art 1 student, earned third place ($150) for one piece and an honorable mention ($50) for another.
- Freshman Zara Valcheva received an honorable mention and $50.
These accolades reflect the creativity and technical skill fostered within SUSD’s visual arts programs.
High School Theater Programs Take the Spotlight
SUSD’s high school theater departments also garnered significant recognition at the Gammage Musical Theatre Awards.
At Desert Mountain High School, Legally Blonde the Musical featured standout performances by Ellie Anderson, Eva Sher, Ash Rosenfield, Josh Roga, and Andy Contreras. The production’s high-energy number, “What You Want,” was recognized for outstanding dance performance.
Chaparral High School’s production of Hadestown showcased performances by Lincoln Hoekstra, Sam Brigham, Maximum Liptak, and Katerina Anderson, with “Livin’ It Up on Top” earning accolades for its outstanding dance performance.
Both productions received multiple nominations in technical categories, including set and props, lighting, sound, costumes, and hair and makeup—demonstrating the collaborative excellence behind the scenes.
Both schools earned nominations across multiple technical categories including Best Set & Props, Best Lighting, Best Sound, Best Costumes, and Best Hair and Makeup.
Leadership Recognition
- Karina Koppikar (Chaparral High School)
- Victoria Tesch (Desert Mountain High School)
A Triumphant Finale: State Competitions Showcase SUSD’s Musical Excellence
As the school year draws to a close, SUSD’s High School Band and Orchestra State Concert and Jazz competitions have provided a powerful culmination to the spring season. Together, these performances marked a vibrant celebration of student creativity, dedication, and artistic achievement, an inspiring finale to a year of exceptional work in the arts.
This past March, Scottsdale Unified School District came alive with creativity, talent, and joy. We are incredibly proud of our students, teachers, and families for making Music in Our Schools Month truly unforgettable.
Saguaro Sabercat Jazz Band Achieves Highest Honor
Congratulations to the Saguaro Sabercat Jazz Band on earning a Superior with Distinction at the Arizona Area Jazz Festival, the highest rating achievable in music competition! This extraordinary achievement is a testament to the dedication of our students and the exceptional instruction they receive. What an incredible way to represent SUSD excellence!
Scottsdale Family ArtsFest: 10,000+ Reasons to Celebrate
The annual District Arts Festival brought our entire community together on a picture-perfect day. With over 10,000 visitors enjoying the festivities, the Scottsdale Family ArtsFest showcased the remarkable breadth of talent across every SUSD school.
From elementary through high school, performing ensembles graced two stages, filling the air with music and energy. Visitors strolled through galleries of student artwork and connected with the City of Scottsdale and local arts vendors.
A heartfelt thank you to all the teachers who dedicated countless hours preparing their students for this wonderful celebration. Your passion for the arts makes all the difference!
An Inspiring Evening at the Music Instrument Museum
March concluded with SUSD Night at the Music Instrument Museum, a magical experience made even more special by free admission for families.
Our audience was treated to performances from talented Chaparral and Saguaro High School students, who competed in the State Solo and Ensemble Festival. Adding to the evening's magic was artwork inspired by the MIM created by Mohave Middle School students, a perfect blend of visual and performing arts that truly rounded out Music in Our Schools Month!
All-State
We are thrilled to announce that 22 exceptional students from our High Schools have earned a position in the Arizona's All-State Band, Choir, and Orchestra, a distinction that represents the pinnacle of musical achievement at the high school level. These talented musicians auditioned on March 6 and 7, competing against the finest young musicians across the entire state of Arizona. Their success is a testament to their dedication and unwavering commitment to musical excellence. The path to All-State selection is one of rigorous preparation and relentless practice, with our students investing countless hours perfecting their craft, preparing audition materials, and refining their musical skills under the guidance of our dedicated faculty. The journey doesn't end with selection, in April, our All-State musicians will reconvene at Arizona State University, where they'll rehearse intensively with renowned clinicians and conductors, culminating in a spectacular performance on ASU Gammage stage. To our 22 All-State musicians: congratulations on this exceptional achievement that reflects your outstanding talent, resilience, and passion for music. You represent the very best of our schools and our state's musical community, and we cannot wait to see you shine on the Gammage stage.
Desert Mountain High School
- Michael Zhang – Violin Jackson Snyder – Teacher
- Cassidy Veale – Soprano Amanda McKay – Teacher
- Phoebe Haarer – Soprano
- Shangyi Li – Alto
- Lyla Yango – Alto
Chaparral High School
- Layla Su – Oboe | Jennifer Mireau – Teacher
- Ethan Chang – Cello | Shana Roberts – Teacher
- Lily Gram – Soprano | Sammy Brauer – Teacher
- Malori Nierad – Tenor
- Kevin Burnside - Bass
Arcadia High School
- Kyla Guzman – Viola | Nate Conell - Teacher
Saguaro High School
- Kendyll Darling – Sop | Gaylin Tutnick - Teacher
- Scarlett Dunlop – Alto
- Sadie Norman – Alto
- Norval Tyler-Priniski- – Tenor
- Joe Giorlando – Tenor
- Davis Sterling – Tenor
- Dylan Mastricola – Bass
- Kean Gutierrez- – Bass
- Shawn Krishnan – Violin | Robert Reyes – Teacher
- Veit Oesterle – Violin
- Reid Fleischman – Violin
Looking Ahead: High School Jazz Festival
As we move into Apri, Jazz Appreciation Month, mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening!
- April 13th
- Scottsdale Community College Outdoor Amphitheater
- 5:00 PM
- FREE admission
All five SUSD high schools will perform, celebrating jazz, in an outdoor setting that promises to be spectacular. Whether you're a devoted jazz enthusiast or experiencing this genre for the first time, this is an evening you won't want to miss.
March hits a high note across Scottsdale Unified School District as stages light up, gallery walls fill, and student talent takes the spotlight for Music in the Schools Month. From electrifying festival performances and national art honors to the buzz of Scottsdale’s upcoming ArtsFest, SUSD students are making this a month to remember.
Spotlight Moments
Hearts and horns: On Valentine’s Day, 100 of our talented high school band, orchestra, and choir students wowed the Regional Festival audience, and now they’re heading into auditions for All‑State Band, Orchestra, and Choir. Huge applause for these musicians blazing a path to higher honors!
Festival fever in Flagstaff: The weekend before regionals, our choirs showcased top-tier artistry at the Jazz & Madrigal Festival. Desert Mountain, Chaparral, and Saguaro Choirs earned Superior ratings in Jazz. Desert Mountain and Chaparral Madrigal Choirs also scored Superior ratings and a special shout-out to Coronado Jazz Choir for an Excellent rating!
Visual arts triumph: Desert Mountain visual artist Emily Polec captured two Silver Awards at the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, a proud moment celebrated by her teacher, Paul Golfen, and the whole school community.
ArtsFest Returns: A Weekend of Creativity and Community
Mark your calendars for one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year, Scottsdale’s ArtsFest. This free event brings together the very best of student creativity for a vibrant weekend of art, music, and community connection.
March 6 | 5:00–9:00 PM
March 7 | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Families will experience artwork from every SUSD school, enjoy live performances by student ensembles, explore local vendor booths, and sample offerings from a variety of food trucks. It’s a dynamic, family-friendly celebration that showcases the incredible talent and spirit of our students.
Admission is completely free. Bring your friends, your appetite, and your applause!
Grand Finale: SUSD Night at the MIM
Music in the Schools Month concludes on a high note with a special evening at the Musical Instrument Museum on March 27. SUSD families and community members are invited to enjoy free museum admission, inspiring performances by our high school solo and ensemble award winners, and a unique gallery showcase featuring MIM-themed artwork created by Mohave Middle School students.
Event Details:
March 27 | 5:30–7:30 PM
Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, AZ
This celebratory event brings together music, visual art, and community pride in one unforgettable setting, a fitting finale to a month dedicated to student creativity and excellence.
Join us in applauding these outstanding students. Their talent, dedication, and passion are what make SUSD shine.
For students and their immediate family/caregivers, teachers, administrators, and staff. No cost!
- Explore a world of music together!
- Play instruments in the hands-on Experience Gallery!
- Enjoy SUSD student ensemble performances!
- Parents & Caregivers: See your child’s favorite exhibit!
- Teachers & Administrators: Learn more about MIM’s field trip program and enjoy our exhibits!
The second semester is off to an inspiring start across Scottsdale Unified School District. Our students and programs are already earning regional honors, awards, scholarships, and recognition. These highlights are just a sample of the creative energy building in our schools. From Schemer Art’s New Horizons Student Art Show to regional music honors and Thespian festival triumphs, SUSD arts students are making the Valley proud!
SUSD Artists Take Center Stage at New Horizons
This year’s New Horizons Student Art Show at the Schemer Art Center brought together the Valley’s brightest young artists, with entries from 46 schools competing for top honors. Known for its competitive reputation, the show welcomed only each school’s best, making every award a true mark of excellence.
Desert Mountain High School was well represented. Cadence Kross earned the Heartfelt Award ($50) for a dress honoring the school’s former fashion design program, a piece that resonated deeply with family and tradition. Lauren Gustafson wowed the judges with her large colored pencil work, Forget Me Not, taking home four awards: the Colored Pencil Society of America Award, Encouraging Youth Award, Excellence in Art Award, and Inspiring Youth Award, for a total of $300.
Arcadia students also made their mark. Jessica Collins walked away with two prestigious scholarships, while Chaparral’s juniors brought home multiple awards and cash prizes. Layla Su was recognized with the Joy and Beauty Award, Sue Hunter Award, and Nora Eileen Award totaling $200, and Leyton Smith earned the Inspirational Artist Award and the Ali and India Ozer Award ($100).
From traditional drawings to wearable art, the New Horizons Student Art Show highlighted the creativity, dedication, and talent thriving in SUSD schools, proving the next generation of artists is ready to leave their mark.
SUSD Students Strike a Chord with Regional Music Achievements
Scottsdale Unified School District’s instrumental and vocal students hit all the right notes at Regionals this season, earning top placements, repeat regional qualifications, and multiple superior and excellent ratings at Solo & Ensemble competitions. From orchestra strings to soaring choir voices, the district’s music programs continue to showcase both talent and dedication.
Saguaro High School led the charge with standout performances. Shawn Krishnan claimed the highest-scoring violin in the region, while Veit Oesterle ranked second among violists. Reid Fleischman, a four-year regional qualifier, maintained his position as first violin from sophomore through senior year, and Ines Mendoza Corral earned second-highest scoring cello honors. Freshmen also made waves, stepping into key orchestra sections and earning high chair placementsa testament to the program’s depth and development. Band and choir students added to the district’s success, with Sam Smith earning a spot in Orchestra on English horn and Elise Nutter in Band on trombone. Impressively, 16 choir students earned positions in the regional choir, showcasing a wide range of vocal talent.
Saguaro Solo & Ensemble Highlights
- Shawn Krishnan & Veit Oesterle — Handel/Halvorsen Passacaglia for Two Violins, nearly perfect score (99/100), qualifying for Tier 2 in February
- Chamber groups performed Hoffmeister Duet and Dvořák’s String Quartet with excellent scores
Chaparral High School ensembles shined as well. Fourteen chorus students earned regional choir spots, plus one alternate, while 15 orchestra students represented violin, viola, cello, and bass sections. Band members, including Marie Huang (1st chair piccolo) and Layla Su (1st chair oboe), earned high chair placements, with 14 students advancing in total.
- Symphonic Chamber Ensemble (17 students) – Mozarts’ Eine Kleine Nacthmusik, 2nd movement (Superior rating)
- Alex Oberle – Viola solo (Superior rating)
- Ethan Chang – Cello solo (Superior rating)
- Zoe Wong – Piano solo (Superior rating)
- Nate Curry & Tahe Liu – Violin/Cello Duet (Excellent rating)
- Firebird Freshmen Quartet (Zoe Wong, Alex Oberle, Finley Smith, Ethan Chang) – (Excellent rating)
Chaparral Solo & Ensemble Highlights
- Woodwind trio of seniors Audrey Hofelich, Marie Huang, and Anaia Castillo — Superior rating
Coronado High School contributed five regional placements, including Isabella Miranda, marking her third consecutive year at regionals.
Desert Mountain High School also hit a high note. Cassie Veale earned first chair soprano with a perfect score, accompanied by five other choir students and an alternate. Band and strings students placed across woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings, with 17 students making the regional ensemble roster.
Desert Mountain Solo & Ensemble Highlights
- Michael Zhang — violin, Superior
- Saxophone Quartet (Joshua Hwang, Nathan Lee, Garrett Mann, Zain Pollmann) — Superior
- Additional Excellent ratings: violin trio, solo tuba, trumpet, marimba, and more
Arcadia High School
- Arcadia HS had 7 students make Regionals and 1 alternate
Across SUSD, the dedication of students, teachers, and program directors continues to elevate music education, proving the Valley’s young musicians are performing at the very top of their game.
Spotlight on Excellence: SUSD Theatre Shines at the Arizona State Thespian Festival
SUSD theatre programs are earning statewide and regional recognition, showcasing the talent, dedication, and creativity of students and educators across the district.
Chaparral Theatre achieved a top-10 finish out of 54 schools in the BACKStage Technical Theatre competition at the Arizona State Thespian Festival. The program also earned an International Thespian Society Gold ranking, marking a significant accomplishment and reflecting the strength of its technical theatre program.
Saguaro High School students made their mark through participation in the PlayWorks project, delivering standout performances throughout the festival. Senior Davis Sterling was selected as the PlayWorks winner, earning the opportunity to perform his original piece on the festival’s mainstage.
Arcadia Theatre celebrated a banner year highlighted by superior ratings, measurable student growth, and multiple honors. Theatre Director Richard Fairchild was named Central Region Teacher of the Year, a distinction made especially meaningful as the nomination came from students. In addition, Arcadia’s theatre troupe earned Gold Honor Troupe status in its first year of application. Student Lily Trieu further represented the program through a PlayWorks audition and performance, taking the stage in front of an audience of more than 2,500 students.
Together, these achievements underscore the continued excellence of SUSD’s theatre programs and their impact on student voice, artistry, and leadership.
Middle School Recognition: Mountainside Students Earn All-State Band Honors
- 6th All‑State: Lucas Boemark, William Brimacombe
- 7th All‑State: Cadence Sandburg (2nd chair French Horn); William Stromer (2nd chair tuba)
- 8th All‑State: Jacob Smiljanich (1st chair oboe)
Electric Sound, Emerging Stars: SUSD Middle School Honor Band Shines
The sound was powerful, the energy unmistakable, and the talent undeniable as more than 200 middle school musicians came together for the annual SUSD Middle School Honor Band. Representing the district’s top sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade performers, students spent hours in focused rehearsal before delivering a dynamic first performance together.
Tackling challenging repertoire with confidence and artistry, these musicians met the demands of high-level ensemble playing head-on, blending precision with passion at every turn. The result was an electrifying showcase of dedication, musical growth, and collaboration, an unforgettable moment for directors, families, and fellow students alike.
Where Movement Meets Mastery: A Day of Dance Inspiration
A full day of high-energy dance immersion brought together all five district high schools, uniting Intermediate and Advanced dancers for intensive training with world-class artists. The experience challenged students to push boundaries, refine technique, and explore movement in powerful new ways.
Dancers participated in three dynamic clinics led by industry standouts. King Charles, the creator of Chicago footwork and a choreographer whose credits include Madonna and tours with will.i.am, brought signature rhythm, edge, and streetwise artistry to the studio. Kelli Forman shared professional insight from her work on X Factor, Dancing with the Stars, America’s Got Talent, and Glee, guiding students through a modern dance session grounded in industry-level technique and performance craft. The day concluded with Shauna Meredith, whose energizing kinesemiotics workshop emphasized purposeful movement, intention, and connection.
Throughout the day, students embraced the opportunity to learn, experiment, and grow—filling the room with focus, creativity, and excitement. The experience left dancers energized, technically stronger, and inspired to bring fresh artistry back to their home studios and stages.
Strings in Harmony: Middle School Orchestra Festival
On February 27, seventy of SUSD’s top middle school orchestra musicians came together at Saguaro High School for a day of intense rehearsal and inspired performance under the direction of conductor Joshua Lynch.
After hours of focused practice, the students delivered a concert that captivated the audience, showcasing ensemble balance, expressive lyricism, and a musical maturity well beyond their years. The event was made even more memorable by a pre-concert duet performed by two high school violinists, offering a shining example of artistry for the younger musicians to admire and emulate.
The festival highlighted not only technical skill, but also the joy, collaboration, and dedication that define SUSD’s orchestral programs.
Why This Matters
These early-semester achievements highlight the remarkable depth and diversity of artistic talent across SUSD, from visual arts and fashion design to orchestral mastery and theatrical brilliance. Students are earning recognition on regional and state stages, securing scholarships, and growing as creative thinkers, musicians, and performers. Behind every accomplishment are dedicated teachers, thriving programs, and supportive communities, all coming together to cultivate the next generation of artists and innovators.
It has been an incredible first semester, showcasing remarkable talent, grit, creative risk, and thrilling successes. Our arts students have filled auditoriums, stadiums, galleries, and community spaces with work that moved audiences, earned top honors, and showcased how dedication and joy combine to create extraordinary results.
Marching Bands: Excellence on the Field
- Four of five high school marching bands advanced to championships; a testament to their dedication, long hours of rehearsal, precision, and teamwork.
- Huge congratulations to Arcadia High School for taking first place in their division. The band’s musicality, drill design, and showmanship set a new standard and made the entire community proud.
Theatre: Standing Ovations and State-Level Recognition
- SUSD Theatre students earned multiple Superior ratings at the State Thespian Conference. These awards reflect powerful performances (individually and in groups), disciplined rehearsal processes, and strong ensemble work. From monologues to full-stage productions, our thespians represented the district with creativity and professionalism.
Choir: Voices Rising at Home and Beyond
- Choir students were selected for state ensembles, an honor that highlights individual excellence and rigorous musicianship.
- Our choirs performed at Diamondback games, connecting with community audiences and sharing school spirit on a big stage.
- Premieres of original choral works showed students as creators as well as performers; competitions brought home top awards, underscoring our choral ensemble’s technical and expressive strengths.
Dance: Moving Audiences with Vision and Precision
- Dance concerts this semester captivated audiences with choreography that seamlessly blended creativity, musicality, and theatrical lighting design.
- Choreographers and dancers pushed boundaries, delivering polished performances that were as emotionally resonant as they were technically accomplished.
Visual Arts: Bold Work, Big Recognition
- Visual arts programs earned top state awards and showcased student work in standout exhibits and art shows.
- Teachers challenged students to take creative risks, raising the quality and ambition of the artwork each year, from experimental mixed media to masterful portfolio pieces.
Community & Connection: More Than Performances
- Hundreds of activities across the semester; shows, concerts, pep assemblies, feeder school performances, gallery openings, and community events, created countless moments for students to share their passion.
- These events connected schools, families, and neighborhoods while opening performance pathways for younger students inspired by older role models.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
To every student who stayed after school, practiced until their fingers ached, and stepped onto a stage or field with courage: thank you. To directors, teachers, choreographers, designers, volunteers, and families; your guidance, time, and support made every success possible.
This semester’s achievements are not just trophies and titles; they’re evidence of growth, collaboration, and a thriving arts culture. Let’s carry this momentum forward; more creativity, more collaboration, and more chances for every student to shine.
Congratulations to an incredible semester, we can’t wait to see what the next one brings!
Save the Date — Scottsdale Family Arts Fest
Join us at the Scottsdale Civic Center for the Scottsdale Family Arts Fest!
- When: March 6 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
March 7 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM - Where: Scottsdale Civic Center
Bring your family and friends for two days of live performances, hands‑on art activities, student showcases, food, and community celebration. Mark your calendars, you won’t want to miss it!