The auditorium of Curtis came alive on the evening of December 12th, 2023, pulsating with the rhythm of countless performances that made up our annual Winter Arts Festival. The festival began with a musical act that showcased the extraordinary talents of its students.

The spotlight shined on the talented students of Ms. Calabrese’s guitar ensemble and choir, as well as Mr. Smith’s jazz and symphonic band ensembles. Featuring performances of “Havana”, “Sleigh Ride”, and “Jammin’ with Charlie”, the Jazz band took to filling the auditorium with energy. The symphonic band delivered a captivating act featuring “Let It Snow Let It Snow Let It Snow!”, “The Planets”, and the emotionally resonant, “Fragile “. Mr. Smith, the music director, passionately shared his belief that “music is for everybody.” He reflected on the diverse repertoire, acknowledging that while some pieces may not stir intense emotions, pieces like “Fragile” do; addressing mental health, and resonating with the audience.

However, preparation for the festival was not without its challenges. Mr. Smith described the intricate process of merging the Jazz Band and Symphonic Band, a task made particularly challenging due to the Jazz Band students having significantly less time to synchronize for a unified performance. Despite this, the students rose to the occasion, their dedication and hard work, evident in the performance they delivered. Mr. Smith also offered a glimpse into the band’s rehearsal process, likening his role to that of a doctor. “My job is to kind of be the doctor in the room, to hear the problems, prescribe a solution, and see if it gets better,” he explained, emphasizing the dynamic and collaborative nature of preparing for such a grand event.  The event also featured three numbers by the dance company all of which were choreographed by students. There was also a sneak peak at the play Mamma Mia. Before entering the auditorium guests were treated to a art gallery featuring work form painting and drawing classes as well as IB art.