A Season of Creativity Comes Alive at Spring Arts Fest | News

May 2nd 2025

Sierra Canyon's annual Arts Fest transforms the spring semester into a schoolwide celebration of creativity, collaboration, and artistic expression.

This year's festival highlighted the visual and performing arts through exhibitions, performances, and inspiring guest speakers for students across all divisions. Renowned composer, music director, and educator Patrice Rushen visited the Upper Campus to share her experiences breaking barriers in the music industry and encouraging students to pursue their artistic goals with purpose. National Geographic photographer and storyteller Ami Vitale met with students on both campuses, using her powerful images and fieldwork to foster discussions on environmental awareness, empathy, and global connection.

Concert in the Canyon

Concert in the Canyon featured a high-energy evening of music showcasing Upper Campus vocalists and instrumentalists, who performed a vibrant mix of genres and eras, from classic rock to modern pop. The concert highlighted the range and depth of Sierra Canyon's music program, filling the Barn with excitement and artistry.

Senior Art Exhibition and Grades 7–12 Art Exhibition

The Senior Art Exhibition featured a compelling array of capstone projects from graduating students, showcasing thoughtful design and refined technique across disciplines such as photography, painting, design, sculpture, and architecture. Simultaneously, the Grades 7–12 Art Exhibition offered a dynamic, campus-wide display of student work, transforming hallways, classrooms, and the Stairwell Gallery into an immersive celebration of visual storytelling and creative exploration.

Film Festival

At the 15th annual SC Film Festival, audiences enjoyed an evening of original films by Sierra Canyon filmmakers—including Dean G. '26, Sahil B. '25, Nikhil M. '26, Justin P. '25, Willow S. '25, Laura S. '28, Krish C. '26, Charley V. '26, Deidre F. '29, Mila H. '29, Riley A. '29, Akira T. '29, Savannah S. '29, Emma F. '29, and Amelia B. '29—alongside curated works from student artists nationwide. Held at United Talent Agency in Beverly Hills, the festival not only spotlighted cinematic talent but also invited students to connect with representatives from top arts-focused colleges and universities.

Click here to view this year's SC Film Festival winners.

Lower School Art Fair

This year marked the inaugural Lower School Art Fair, a new tradition celebrating the creativity of students in Grades Pre-K–6. Themed Wonder: Art and the Environment, the exhibition highlighted eco-conscious creativity through recycled sculptures, nature-inspired paintings, and more. The fair invited families to explore how young artists can creatively respond to the world around them.

One Night Only – Dance Concert

Upper School dancers took the stage at El Portal Theatre for One Night Only, a vibrant concert featuring original choreography across contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, and musical theater. The evening also included a guest performance by the Lower School Dance Company, bridging divisions through movement and collaboration. A highlight of the night was the annual induction ceremony for new members of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA), which recognizes students for their artistic merit, leadership, and academic achievement in dance. This year's inductees—including Alexis O. '26, Sophia T. '26, Payton J. '25, Liv K. '25, Nova T. '25, and Olivia T. '25—were honored with certificates, pins, and graduation cords, symbolizing their commitment to excellence in both dance and academics. Medals were also awarded to recognize seniors graduating with Honors: Sophia, Liv, and Alexis, as well as Ava N. '25 and Eliza F. '25, who were inducted into NHSDA last year.

The Little Mermaid

The Lower School's Enrichment production of The Little Mermaid, directed by Kelsey Tarantino and Michealeen Christakos, brought the beloved undersea classic to life with performances from Sierra Canyon's youngest actors. The show captivated audiences with vibrant music, colorful costumes, and confident performances. Two full-stage performances from 2^nd through 6^th Grade students were complemented by a charming presentation from the Kindergarten and 1^st Grade Showstoppers, who showcased songs and dances from the musical. It was a heartwarming celebration of creativity and teamwork.

High School Musical

Opening tonight, the Middle School production of High School Musical is set to bring an exciting weekend of music, dance, and fun to the stage. Featuring students in Grades 6–9, the cast brings this iconic Disney story to life with catchy numbers, lively choreography, and an uplifting message about friendship and finding your voice.

Click here to purchase your tickets.

Lower School Recitals

Arts Fest will conclude with two final performances from our youngest musicians and dancers. The Lower School Music Recital on May 19 and the Lower School Dance Company Recital on May 31 will each showcase the talent, creativity, and growth of students in Grades Pre-K–6.

Admission to both events is free.

As the final performances draw near, Arts Fest continues to exemplify Sierra Canyon's enduring commitment to fostering artistic excellence. Students embrace the opportunity to share their talents and passions with the broader school community, marking another meaningful chapter in the School's vibrant arts tradition.

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