Each spring, Richmond County Schools brings the arts into the spotlight with Arts Alive, a multi-day celebration that highlights the creativity, talent, and hard work of students across the district. Held at Cole Auditorium, the annual event showcases student achievement in music and visual arts while giving the community a chance to experience the variety of arts education taking place in Richmond County Schools.
“Arts Alive really highlights the creativity and talent our students bring to school every day,” said Dr. Kate Smith, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. “Events like this allow students to share their work, collaborate with students from other schools, and experience the arts in a way that builds confidence and inspires continued learning. We’re fortunate in Richmond County Schools to have outstanding band, chorus, and visual arts teachers who invest so much in helping students grow and develop their talents.”
The week begins with the Middle and High School Band Concerts on Tuesday, March 17 beginning at 6 p.m. The evening will feature the All-County Middle School Band, made up of students from all four middle schools, along with a performance by the Richmond Senior High School Band. In preparation for the concert, the All-County band works with guest clinician Danielle Sabol, a veteran music educator who also performs professionally as principal oboist with the Fayetteville Symphonic Band and with several regional ensembles.
Arts Alive also invites the community to take part in the experience during Make and Take Art on Wednesday, March 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. Schools host hands-on art stations where children can create their own projects and take them home, giving families a chance to try different art activities and leave with something they made themselves.
On Thursday evening, March 19 at 6 p.m., chorus students will take the stage. The program includes the All-County Elementary School Chorus, the All-County Middle School Chorus, and the Richmond Senior High School Show Choir, bringing together student singers from across district.
The All-County Elementary School Chorus will be directed by clinician Lorraine Burney, a retired elementary music educator who spent more than 30 years teaching in New York and has studied at both the Eastman School of Music and The Juilliard School. The All-County Middle School Chorus will be led by Lauren Lutz, who has taught music to students at every grade level in Richmond County Schools for more than two decades. As a student, Lutz was a member of the Richmond Senior High School Show Choir and now directs the school’s music program and show choir.
Throughout the week, the arts extend beyond the stage. The Cole Auditorium lobby also becomes a gallery space, featuring a wide variety of student artwork from across Richmond County Schools. Paintings, drawings, and mixed media pieces showcase the imagination and artistic skill of students at every grade level. The art gallery will be open nightly from 3:30 to 6 p.m., giving visitors the opportunity to see the creativity happening in classrooms across the district.
From music to visual arts, Arts Alive celebrates the many ways students express themselves through creativity. The event reflects the important role the arts play in education, helping students build confidence, develop new skills, and share their talents with the community.