Explore The Arts at The Potomac School

IS self-portrait paintings are now on display throughout the IS. Eighth graders took inspiration from classical paintings from collections around the world, including the National Gallery of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Students really brought themselves to these projects, so a huge congratulations to the group for their tireless effort and for showing the courage to take artistic risks. See their masterpieces and read about what they've been up to this semester. 

Last Thursday, six Upper School Visual and Performing Arts Concentration (VPAC) students visited the Museum of Contemporary Art in Arlington. They met artist-in-residence Marisa Stratton, who shared her studio space, motivations, methods, and professional career as both an artist and a college professor. "It was inspiring to see a young, thriving artist," said Mary Parker Stump '27. Aaliya Haque '26 noted, "Marisa's interpretation of the digital world into the physicality of oil paint was extremely inspiring." The students also explored an exhibition of paintings by Iranian-American artist Hedieh Javanshir Ilchi.

On October 29, the Upper School Madrigal Singers joined ensembles from Bullis, GDS, Holton-Arms, Landon, Maret, National Cathedral, Saint Albans, and Sidwell Friends Schools to present the 27th Annual Vocal Ensembles Night. Potomac performed the festive Regina caeli by Baroque composer Gregor Aichinger and Ken Neufeld’s poignant setting of the folk song Shenandoah.  

In a wonderful example of cross-divisional collaboration and cultural exchange, students from Carol Jia’s US Chinese classes recently visited Mr. Nadel’s MS music classes to help fifth graders practice Chinese pronunciation and tones while they are practicing a Chinese song. Through fun activities and interactive speaking exercises, the younger students learned how to pronounce key words accurately and recognize different tones in Mandarin. The Upper Schoolers served as language mentors, demonstrating proper pronunciation and encouraging confident speaking. 

Silliness and hilarity abounded during our first MS class play yesterday. Mrs. Fields' sixth grade class put on Monty Python and the Quest for the Rubber Chicken. They nailed their lines, and their comedic timing was perfect. Enjoy photos from the performance.

The Intermediate School Spring Concert was an unforgettable evening filled with music. The event showcased remarkable performances by the musicians of the Intermediate School string orchestra, chorus, handbell ensemble, and band. Each ensemble brought a distinct sound and vibrant energy to the stage, performing a wide variety of music of different eras and styles. 

The orchestra mesmerized with selections such as "Intermezzo" from Cavalleria Rusticana and "Hoedown Showdown.” The handbell ensemble impressed with "Perseverance" and "Billy Jean" by Michael Jackson. Two highlights from the chorus performance were soul-stirring versions of “Shule Aroon” and “J'entends Le Moulin.” Lastly, the band performed "Prelude & Firestorm" by Roland Barrett and "Pink Pony Club" by Amstutz & Nigro, arranged by Mr. Heidtmann. Congratulations to all the student musicians on their outstanding performances! Enjoy photos from the concert. 

This past Monday, Potomac participated in the Washington Independent Schools Handbell Festival at Landon. Along with their handbell ensembles, the event included joint practice sessions, dinner, and concluded with a concert featuring Intermediate and Upper School ringers. Standout pieces included the IS performance of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” the US Concert Handbell Ensemble’s performance of “deja vu” by Olivia Rodrigo, and the Honors Handbell Ensemble’s performance of two songs from the ‘Interstellar’ soundtrack composed by Hans Zimmer. Bravi to all the students! Enjoy photos from the festival.

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.