Arts In The News
- Arts
The arts are bursting into life across Scottsdale Unified School District this fall! SUSD students are stepping into the spotlight, lifting their voices, and filling stages and venues throughout the community with music, theater, and unforgettable performances.
Theatre Departments Take the Stage
Saguaro High School will bring the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein classic The Sound of Music to the stage October 28–30. This heartwarming story follows the von Trapp family and is filled with iconic songs such as “Do-Re-Mi” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.” What also makes this show special is that we have students from the feeder schools joining the cast. This production has also been selected as a Gammage High School Musical Submission, recognizing the strong Musical Theatre program at Saguaro High School.
Chaparral High School will serve up the kooky, spooky musical comedy The Addams Family October 28–30. America’s favorite creepy family takes center stage as Wednesday Addams falls in love, bringing plenty of hilarious chaos to the household. This production is also a Gammage High School Musical Submission, celebrating the talent, teamwork, and artistic commitment to excellence. Chaparral will be defending the championship title they received last year as BEST Musical.
Adding to the excitement, Desert Mountain High School is also a recipient of Gammage High School Musical Awards submission, bringing Little Shop of Horrors to the stage in the Spring. This achievement celebrates the school’s outstanding musical theater accomplishments and the students, educators, designers, and families who bring each production to life.
These theater programs invite students to build confidence, collaborate, embrace discipline, and express themselves creatively while captivating audiences through powerful storytelling.
Orchestras Begin the Competition Season
Saguaro High School, Chaparral High School, and Cocopah Middle School will represent SUSD at the Fall Orchestra Festival at Campo Verde High School on September 23rd. Students will share their music with fellow performers, receive valuable feedback, adjudication from professional conductions/musicians and celebrate the growth, energy, and accomplishment early into the school year.
Marching Band
The High School marching band competitive season is underway, bringing bold music, powerful performances, and school spirit to stadiums across the state. Coronado High School, Desert Mountain High School, and Arcadia High School will have their first adjudicated competition at Highland High School on September 26. This will begin their road to State Championships, where Arcadis HS took the title last year in Div. IV, Coronado took the title in Div. IV the year before that, and Desert Mountain HS took 4th place in Div. III.
Marching band students pour their time, hard work and passion into every rehearsal and performance, blending choreography, musicianship, precision, and teamwork. Their shows reflect not only impressive musical talent, but also the perseverance, pride, and excitement that make these ensembles unforgettable.
Supporting the Arts in SUSD
This fall’s accomplishments showcase the remarkable talent, enthusiasm, and dedication of SUSD students and the educators who inspire them. Every rehearsal, competition, festival, clinic, and performance gives students the chance to shine while growing as artists, leaders, and engaged members of their community.
Families, alumni, and community members are invited to join the celebration by attending performances, cheering on student musicians, and applauding the achievements of these remarkable young artists. Together, we can keep the arts thriving, inspiring, and flourishing across Scottsdale Unified School District.
- Arts
Across SUSD, the beginning of the school year brings a renewed sense of energy, creativity, and possibility. Students are stepping into rehearsal rooms, practice fields, studios, stages, and performance spaces ready to learn, collaborate, and share their talents. Through music, theatre, dance, and visual arts, SUSD’s comprehensive arts programs help students develop confidence, discipline, creative thinking, and a lasting appreciation for artistic expression.
Marching Bands Take the Field
As Friday night lights begin to shine, SUSD marching bands are bringing unmistakable school spirit to varsity football games. From the opening notes in the stands to the final beat of halftime performances, student musicians energize the crowd with spirited pep band music, powerful rhythms, and memorable musical selections. Their performances create an exciting atmosphere that celebrates both athletic and artistic achievement.
Behind every performance is tremendous dedication. Marching band students rehearse music, refine formations, practice transitions, and build endurance so they can perform with precision and confidence. Their commitment is especially impressive as they balance rehearsals, academics, performances, and the responsibilities of being part of a large ensemble.
Choirs Prepare for Diamondbacks Game
Middle school and high school choir students are preparing for a special opportunity to perform the National Anthem at the September 16th Diamondbacks game. Representing their schools and the district on such a prominent stage is a meaningful honor, and students are approaching the event with enthusiasm, focus, and pride.
Preparation includes learning the arrangement, strengthening vocal technique, practicing diction, and developing the blend and unity necessary for a large ensemble performance. Directors are guiding students through rehearsals that emphasize breath support, accurate entrances, balanced harmonies, and a confident presentation. Each rehearsal brings the choirs closer to a performance that will be both polished and memorable.
Theatre Programs Prep for Fall Productions
SUSD theatre programs are preparing for their first performances of the fall, giving students the opportunity to bring compelling stories to life on stage. The process begins with auditions, where students demonstrate their acting skills, explore characters, and learn the importance of preparation and confidence. Once casts are selected, rehearsals focus on memorizing lines, developing character relationships, blocking scenes, and building the pacing and emotional depth of each production.
Theatre is a collaborative art form that extends well beyond the actors on stage. Students contribute to set design, lighting, sound, props, costumes, makeup, and stage management. Many are creating costumes, painting scenery, organizing technical elements, and solving production challenges alongside directors and fellow cast members. Through this shared work, students develop communication, creativity, responsibility, and problem-solving skills while preparing to welcome audiences to performances that reflect their dedication and imagination.
Orchestras Ready for Fall Festival
High school orchestras are preparing for the Fall Orchestra Festival with focused rehearsals and a commitment to musical excellence. Directors are selecting repertoire that challenges the ensembles while allowing them to showcase a range of styles, moods, and musical traditions. Rehearsals emphasize tone quality, intonation, balance, rhythm, articulation, and expressive interpretation as students work together to shape each piece into a polished performance.
Individual practice is an essential part of the preparation process. Students are strengthening technique, reviewing difficult passages, and developing the confidence needed to contribute fully to the ensemble. As they listen carefully to one another and respond to feedback, they are growing not only as instrumentalists but also as thoughtful and expressive musicians. The festival will provide an opportunity for students to celebrate their progress, learn from other ensembles, and share the artistic results of their hard work.
Dance Programs Plan Fall Performances
SUSD dance programs are developing choreography and preparing for their first fall performances. Students and instructors are exploring movement ideas, building sequences, and creating works that communicate energy, emotion, and meaning. Choreography development requires imagination as well as careful planning, as dancers consider musical phrasing, formations, transitions, spacing, and the overall impact of each piece.
Preparation also includes refining technique through consistent training in strength, flexibility, alignment, control, and performance quality. Dancers dedicate significant time and physical effort to rehearsals, repeating combinations and making adjustments so that the ensemble can move with precision and unity. Their artistic dedication is equally important, allowing them to make intentional choices and connect authentically with audiences. Together, the discipline and creativity of the dancers will shape performances that celebrate expression, perseverance, and collaboration.
Visual Arts Programs Foster Creativity
SUSD visual arts programs are giving students meaningful opportunities to delve into their creativity and develop their artistic voices. In studios and classrooms, students work with a variety of media, including drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, digital art, printmaking, and mixed media. They study artistic techniques and concepts while experimenting with materials, exploring new approaches, and learning how personal ideas can be communicated through visual expression.
High school students are also building art portfolios that document their growth, creative process, and strongest work. Portfolio development encourages students to revise thoughtfully, reflect on their choices, and present a cohesive collection that represents their skills and interests. For students planning to pursue art, design, architecture, or related fields in college, a well-developed portfolio can be an important part of the application process. Through sustained practice and exploration, students are gaining confidence while preparing for future academic and creative opportunities.
#SUSDArts
SUSD’s comprehensive arts programs provide students with a wide range of opportunities to perform, create, collaborate, and grow. From marching bands and choirs to theatre, orchestras, dance, and visual arts, students are developing valuable skills while contributing to vibrant school communities. As the new school year unfolds, SUSD looks forward to celebrating a year filled with artistic achievement, meaningful experiences, and continued student growth.
- Arts
Welcome back to an incredible new school year! As students return to our hallways and classrooms buzz with anticipation, we're thrilled to share the amazing transformations and preparations that have been taking place across our arts programs. This summer has been one of hard work, dedication, and exciting improvements—all designed to give our students and teachers the tools they need for an unforgettable year of creativity, performance, and artistic growth.
Marching Band Camp: Building Spirit, Building Community
Our marching band students kicked off the school year early with intensive summer camps that brought energy, discipline, and school spirit to every corner of the field. From sunrise rehearsals to evening run-throughs, our musicians have been perfecting their craft, learning new formations, and building the camaraderie that makes our marching band programs truly special.
These camps weren't just about learning the halftime show, they were about creating a foundation of teamwork and pride that will carry through the entire season. Our students have returned ready to inspire crowds, represent our school with excellence, and set the tone for a year filled with passion and performance.
Black Box Theatre Sound System: Crystal-Clear Innovation
Visit the Saguaro black box theatre this year and you'll immediately notice the difference. We've completed comprehensive sound system upgrades that will transform every performance, workshop, and rehearsal. State-of-the-art speakers, professional-grade mixing capabilities, and enhanced acoustics now ensure that every word, every note, and every sound effect will be heard with stunning clarity.
For our theatre students, this means the ability to explore more complex productions, experiment with sound design, and develop technical skills that mirror professional industry standards. For our audiences, it means an immersive experience that brings every performance to life. These upgrades don't just improve our facilities, they expand the possibilities for what our students can create and achieve.
Stage Floor Refurbishment: A Foundation for Excellence
Great performances start from the ground up, literally! Our stage floors at Arcadia HS and Tavan have received a complete refurbishment and replacement, providing our dancers, actors, and performers with a safe, professional-quality surface that meets the demands of rigorous rehearsals and spectacular shows.
The new flooring offers improved traction for dancers, better durability for sets and staging, and a polished aesthetic that elevates every production. Students will rehearse and perform with confidence, knowing they have a foundation that supports their artistry and protects their safety. This investment in our physical space is truly an investment in our students' potential.
Sheet Music Library and Instrument Inventory: Ready to Play
Behind every confident performance is thoughtful preparation, and our sheet music library and instrument inventory are organized and ready for the year ahead. Repertoire has been carefully cataloged for easy access, while instruments have been checked, maintained, and prepared so musicians can begin rehearsing with the tools they need from day one.
This careful organization supports every student—from beginners discovering their musical voice to experienced performers refining their craft. With well-maintained instruments and music ready at their fingertips, our musicians can spend less time searching and more time creating, collaborating, and growing.
Looking Ahead: A Year of Artistic Achievement
As we begin this school year, we're filled with excitement and pride. The marching band's early-morning dedication, the technical excellence of our upgraded sound systems, and the renewed beauty of our stage floors all represent the same thing: our unwavering commitment to providing students with exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and shine in the arts.
We are deeply grateful to the Scottsdale community and district for supporting the arts and believing in our students. Your generous support makes these improvements and opportunities possible, helping us create spaces where every young artist can learn, grow, and shine. Thank you for being such an important part of our arts community.
- Arts
What a remarkable year it has been for the arts across our district! From the moment students stepped on stage in September through the final curtain calls in May, our schools have been buzzing with creativity, passion, and outstanding performances. As we head into summer, let's take a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements of our artists (Visual and Performing).
Elementary: Where Imagination Takes Center Stage
Our elementary students brought pure joy and unbridled creativity to every performance this year. Whether it was enchanting musical theatre productions that had audiences laughing, singing along, and wiping away tears of joy, or band, choir, and vibrant visual arts showcases that lined our hallways with color and wonder, our youngest artists proved that age is no barrier to excellence.
Middle School: Bold Voices & Instruments Emerging
Middle school is where artistic voices begin to deepen and diversify. This year, our middle schoolers delivered exceptional musical theatre productions that showcased impressive vocal talent, dynamic choreography, and technical skill. Our band concerts featured everything from classical masterworks to contemporary arrangements, with students demonstrating growing technical proficiency and musical maturity. Our strings ensembles delivered lush, sophisticated performances that highlighted the beauty and versatility of stringed instruments, while our choir concerts showcased the power of the human voice—from intimate chamber arrangements to full ensemble pieces that resonated with emotion and precision. Behind the scenes, our visual artists were creating stunning work that demonstrated remarkable growth in both technique and artistic vision. Students working in traditional media like painting, drawing, and sculpture showed increased mastery of fundamental skills—understanding perspective, proportion, shading, and composition.
High School: Artistry at Its Peak
Our high school artists reached extraordinary heights this year. Elaborate musical theatre productions featured complex staging, powerful performances, and the kind of technical precision that rivals professional productions. The commitment, discipline, and artistry on display were truly inspiring. Our high school musicians delivered exceptional performances, with band, choir and choral concerts showcasing students who have refined their craft over years of dedication. Our High School performing arts received numerous Superior ratings and 1st places at state and national competitions. If this was not enough, we had the most students ever competing individually at State competitions and bringing home top honors and placements. BRAVO to these incredible young artists.
Our visual artists demonstrated exceptional technical mastery and artistic sophistication. Advanced painting and drawing students created work of gallery quality, showcasing command of color theory, advanced rendering techniques, and the ability to infuse their pieces with personal meaning and emotional depth. Sculpture students worked confidently with diverse materials—stone, clay, metal, and wood—demonstrating both technical skill and conceptual strength. Photography students captured compelling images that told stories and evoked emotion, with sophisticated understanding of lighting, composition, and the nuances of their medium. Beyond the studio, our visual artists competed at state and national levels, earning prestigious awards and recognition for their outstanding work. These achievements represent countless hours of dedicated practice, experimentation, and refinement—students who pushed themselves to master techniques, explore new mediums, and develop their unique artistic voices.
Looking Ahead to Next Year
The energy, talent, and dedication we've witnessed this year gives us tremendous confidence about what's to come. Next school year promises to be even more exciting, with more ambitious productions and showcases, expanded opportunities for student artists at all levels, and deeper connections between arts disciplines. We look forward to continued pursuit of state and national recognition, new ways to celebrate and support our creative community, and enhanced concert experiences and collaborative performances that bring our entire school family together.
- 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.