Explore The Arts at The Potomac School

This past Friday, the US Honors Handbells Ensemble traveled to Charlotte, NC, for a weekend of performances, fun, and many memories. The trip started with a major accomplishment as these students performed the National Anthem for the Charlotte Hornets game in front of a crowd of 16,000 people!

The students then performed for adjudication early Saturday morning before spending the remainder of the day at Carowinds Amusement Park. The great news from Saturday was that not only did we receive a Superior Rating for our performance (with a score of 98 out of 100!), but the students received the “Esprit de Corps” award. Only one ensemble receives this award by showing “exemplary attitude of positive support and outstanding personal behavior throughout the festival weekend. Personal integrity, quality character values, a desire for excellence, and a spirit of cooperation serve as cornerstones of this award.” Congratulations to the handbells students for all their hard work and preparations.

Over last weekend, members of the Upper School Band traveled to Philadelphia for a trip packed with music, history, and unforgettable moments. Students had the opportunity to work with Dr. Patricia Cornett, a leading collegiate conductor from Temple University, in a dynamic and inspiring master class. The group explored the city’s historic roots with a visit to Independence Hall, ran up the famous “Rocky steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and sampled everything at Reading Terminal Market. They also took in a high-energy performance of & Juliet. The highlight of the trip was a jaw-dropping concert by the Philadelphia Orchestra, which performed Stravinsky’s The Firebird —an experience that left students absolutely mesmerized. 

On Tuesday, 28 Upper School students from honors art history, Visual and Performing Arts Concentration (VPAC), and a painting class spent the whole day visiting the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. They studied the works of old masters and new masters while comparing notes in an unhurried way with their peers and teachers. 

Fourth-grade students worked dilligently to complete their ceramic animals prior to Spring Break. They learned valuable clay handbuilding skills to model animals from clay. Students either selected an animal reflective of their own personality or a favorite animal to model from clay. 

Last Thursday, the band took the stage for Celebrating Women in Music, an extraordinary concert showcasing the works of women composers, musicians, and directors. Guest conductor Ms. Tiffany Hitz from Robinson Secondary School and flutist Dr. Grace Wang delivered a stunning performance of Anne McGinty’s “Variation and Theme.”

The IS Band, US Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Jazz Band wowed the audience with selections like Dayla Spencer's "History of Tomorrow" and Carol Brittin Chambers’ “Down on the Delta.” View photos from the concert.

The IS Chorus presented pop and jazz selections by composers such as Billie Eilish and Laufey. The finale featured both choruses singing John Lennon’s “Imagine.” View photos from the chorus concert.

Six Potomac Band students were selected by director recommendation to participate in the Virginia Tech Honor Band January 24-26: Ellie Yu ‘27 (flute), Joshua Reinecke ‘27 (trumpet), Cliff Kanner-Bitetti ‘25 (trombone), William Shanmugam ‘27 (clarinet), Miles Su ‘26 (trombone) and Brandon Mayrhofer ‘27 (euphonium). Over 400 high school musicians from the entire state of Virginia auditioned for ensemble placement, and all six Potomac students were selected for the top ensembles, where they rehearsed for three days and performed a concert of exciting modern music with Dr. Derek Shapiro and Catheryn Shaw Foster of Virginia Tech. Congratulations! 

The reviews are in, and both of last weekend’s IS Musical performances of The Wizard of Oz were hits! The cast reminded us that “there is no place like home” while visiting familiar friends down the yellow brick road and defeating the Wicked Witch to get to the Wizard.  Enjoy the photo gallery.  Congratulations to all of our performers, and special thanks to Ms. Green for directing another outstanding IS Musical. 

The award-winning Upper School Potomac Theatre attended and competed at The Virginia Thespian Festival at Capital One Arena in Tysons Corner earlier this month. They performed a stunning production of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible." For the second year in a row, Potomac Theatre was awarded the festival's top awards in Acting and Music and received the most awards of any competing independent school in the DMV. In addition to performing, theatre students also attended workshops where they participated in lighting design, choreography, script work and acting intensives. Congratulations to our incredible Potomac Theatre students for all of their hard work!