Night of the Arts: A Symphony of Creativity

From a spectator's point of view, the annual winter Night of the Arts event was a showcase of the visual, musical, and dramatic arts. From an educational standpoint, however, the performances and exhibitions represented the culmination of months of student learning and growth. Students explored, learned, practiced, and perfected fundamentals in art, music, drama, and communication through a variety of lessons and activities. They prepared individually and in teams, gaining communication and collaboration skills that built confidence and transferred to real-world applications. The process fostered leadership and a strong sense of community as multiple groups united to perform, and teachers co-taught and collaborated throughout.

Night of the Arts Winter ’25 marked the debut of AEHS’s new art teacher, Ms. Manson. Her students created a multimedia exhibition displayed in the halls and cafeteria. Additionally, her artists designed gingerbread facades for the food and drink booths to support the Winter Wonderland theme of the play.

“The AEHS Music Department’s preparations are in full swing,” said music educator Ms. Kenny. “Our hardworking and talented band, choir, guitar, and piano students are rehearsing with enthusiasm, using our Music Fine Arts Standards to guide our performing and responding artistic competencies. From captivating solos to holiday favorites, the Night of the Arts will showcase the creativity and passion of all our AEHS artists.” Ms. Kenny also collaborated with the Nutcracker production’s mice cast on choreography and choral readings.

The middle school and high school drama classes, along with Ms. Giambanco’s third-grade class, collaborated on a production of The Nutcracker Prince, directed by drama teacher Ms. Morgan. The play, adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller courtesy of ArtReach Children’s Theater, was based on Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet. Students met multiple art standards as they developed characters, memorized lines, planned, rehearsed, and created with their peers. They collaborated on props and stage sets; some worked with sound and lighting, others with costumes and artwork. Everyone learned responsibility through teamwork.

Ms. Bayburt’s Video Communications class—some of whom also acted in the play—took on double duty by creating a play production documentary. They interviewed, wrote, spoke, filmed, and edited the project. Several students exhibited their work and performances in two or even three artistic disciplines.

To top off the community evening, several teachers and their clubs raised funds for upcoming activities by running festive food stalls during intermission. The entire community was invited to this fun and festive Night of the Arts.