Release date: April 15, 2024
More than 600 students performed collaboratively at the inaugural Newport News Public Schools Citywide Music Festival on April 12 at Christopher Newport University’s Ferguson Center for the Arts.
Students perform in Dimenstein Hall and the Peebles Theater in the Ferguson Center and on the Dimenstein Hall Grand Staircase. Performances open to the public include middle and high school bands, choirs, orchestras, guitar ensembles and elementary school choirs.
According to Central University, the event provides an excellent opportunity for students to perform on a prestigious stage and experience the thrill of showcasing their talents to the community.
Katie SheehanSmith, NNPS director of visual and performing arts, said each student participating in the event was recommended by a music teacher, ensuring only the most dedicated performers were selected. Students from different schools formed a band to perform together.
“We are excited to partner with the city and Christopher Newport’s Ferguson Center for the Arts to bring our student ensembles together to perform for our community and expand the musical knowledge and awareness of all involved,” said Sheahan Smith.
“Being part of an ensemble takes a tremendous amount of effort, and music and art are as important as any other discipline. We are grateful that our young musicians have the opportunity to perform at such an elite performance venue at the Ferguson Center.”
