Del Val’s arts program recently hosted both visual and performing arts students from multiple sending districts to showcase their work in the District Arts Festival.
On Mar. 26, young performers visited Del Val and practiced performing with high schoolers. Throughout the morning, instrumentalists rehearsed to prepare for the night’s performance. During lunch, band director Thomas Hayden announced next year’s marching band show, “Marian: The Lady Hood of Sherwood Forest.” After the short break, vocalists started their run-throughs, singing the song “Amazing” with high school choir members.
Middle school performers returned later in the night and showcased their talents to both family and friends. Kingwood Township sixth grader, Franklin Hughes, enjoyed talking to people from other schools and performing. He loved the environment around him, especially singing at a higher level with high school students.
“I’m pretty confident. Besides, some songs are in English,” Hughes said, recalling his experience performing with the choir.
The festival began in the mid 1990s under the direction of former art teacher BJ Fedor. Kyle Tinnes, supervisor of fine and practical arts, was excited to host another festival.
“[Fedor] retired several years ago, and she was the one who started it. She was actually recently inducted into the Arts Hall of Fame,” Tinnes said.
District Arts started as a visual arts festival to display artwork from students all over the district, but over time, music was incorporated into the event.
The goal is to bring younger artists to Del Val so they can associate themselves with the high schoolers that share their interests. Many high schoolers enjoy seeing the sending district’s students hard work in the arts program. Maya Sliver, a junior in both instrumental and vocal ensembles, likes to see the friendships being made throughout the festival.
“I think it’s really interesting to get new people to join [the arts]…and I think it’s really nice to be like, ‘hey you’ll know a lot of amazing people, and we’ll help take you to the next class,’” Sliver said.
The District Arts Festival was a successful event, and Tinnes looks forward to continuing the tradition for years to come.
“Enjoy yourself, enjoy the moment, appreciate what your fellow artists and musicians have done,” Tinnes said. “That’s really what that means — appreciating everyone’s contribution.”
