Young vocalists rehearsed with high schoolers to prepare for the night’s performance. Sending district students visited Del Val to practice and bond with high school performing groups.

Video: Young artists shine at District Arts Festival

Emmaline Faber, Emma Haig, Austyn Hackmann, Lilah Walker, Sage Hason, and Lionel Hornby

April 2, 2026

Emma Haig, Emmaline Faber, Lilah Walker, Austyn Hackmann, Sage Hason, and Lionel Hornby

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.

Art displayed in the Commons from all of the sending districts plus some Del Val pieces. (Emmaline Faber)

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.

Band members from around the district perform in the Hutch Gym to display their hard work. (Lilah Walker)

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.”

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About the Contributors

Emmaline Faber, A&E Editor

Emmaline is a junior in her second year with The Delphi, and she is the A&E editor. She participates in the marching band, fall play, the musical orchestra, unified theatre, book club, and art club. Outside of school, she likes to read and practice her instruments.

Emma Haig, Editor-in-chief

Emma Haig is a senior at Del Val, and this is her fourth year working on The Delphi and first year as Editor-in-chief. In her free time, Emma enjoys playing tennis and taking her dog, Stewie Bob, on walks. Before she was a student at Del Val, she attended Kingwood Township School.

Austyn Hackmann, Managing Editor

Austyn Hackmann is a junior and this is her third year on The Delphi staff. Austyn is a member of the New Voices Student Leadership Institute, currently working on introducing an amended version of the New Voices Bill that protects private school advisors and students. Last year, Austyn began her advocacy journey when publishing an opinion piece titled “Students need New Voices now more than ever.” Shortly after publishing the article, she found out about the institute, applied for a position, and was accepted along with 25 other students across the country. At Del Val, Austyn is involved in the Thespian and Quill and Scroll honor societies, Varsity Softball, and Peer Leaders. Outside of school, Austyn spends her time playing for a club softball team, working at a local bagel shop, and playing video games.

Lilah Walker, Reporter

Lilah Walker is a senior at Del Val and this is her second year in journalism. She is the athletic photographer and helper of the athletic department. She is also a Thespian and in the marching band. When she has freedom she’ll help out at her American Legion, where she’s an auxiliary member. She also enjoys playing music.

Sage Hason, Sports Editor

Sage Hason is a junior at Del Val. Sage is the Sports Editor for The Delphi. In addition to The Delphi, Sage is the President of Key Club, Choreography Captain of Vox Blue, Vice President of Student Council, Student Leader of Art Club and a Thespian. In her free time Sage likes to draw, design, and listen to music.

Lionel Hornby, Reporter

Lionel Hornby is a sophomore at DVRHS. He enjoys competing with his photos, coding, working with computers, tinkering and is active in the theater.