News & Events

Norfolk Academy held its 25th annual Fine Arts Festival Day on April 25, shining a light on the school's art, band, chorus, and orchestra programs and the students and faculty who excel in them.

Clement Lee '22, President of Academy's Fine Arts Association, noted that these programs “have given us opportunities to come together," whether that be celebrating works in Perrel Gallery or on the Johnson Theater and Price Auditorium stages. 

Academy's Dance Team opened the festivities in Johnson Theater with performances. These Upper School students were joined by a few Lower School students, providing smiles of enjoyment to the audience. Next came a series of Senior Showcases, in which members of the Class of 2022 sang or performed instrumental or dance pieces. 

Millie Van Slyke sang Soon Enough, an original song she wrote. She accompanied herself on acoustic Guitar. 

Kendall Pagach sang Maybe This Time from Broadway’s Caberet.   

Kristen Tan sang One Night, an original song she wrote. She accompanied herself on acoustic Guitar.                                        

Madalyn Mejia and Jack Tignor performed a dance titled Rodin’s Muse that was choreographed by Dance Master Elbert Watson.  

Avery Britt sang Meadowlark from Broadway’s The Baker's Wife.

The event, which lasted two hours, closed with performances by the Tunstall Musicians - singers and orchestra members - and the Upper School Band. 

Students also received honors during the event for their achievements over the course of this school year.

The Band Award: Given to instrumentalists who have shown outstanding dedication and ability in the upper school band program. Mitchell Moore '23

The Orchestra Award: Given to students who have demonstrated consistent professionalism in their approach to working and performing in a large musical ensemble. Jeremiah Biggs '24, Natalie Tajan '24, Sophie Pollio '24   

The Choral Music Award: Given to the Upper School Vocalist who has shown outstanding leadership, dedication, and vocal ability in our Choral Program. Mackenzie Savage '23 and Annamarie Russell '23

The Material Wealth Award: Given to Art 2 or 3 students who have demonstrated the most curiosity, consistency, and creativity in their successful experimental approaches to both traditional and non-traditional materials. Zoey Alperin '22, Keira Mann '22, and Lauren Schill '23.

The Out-of-Left-Field Art Award: Reserved for the student who most surprised themself with their artistic ability and achievement, both at NA and in the broader artistic community. Helene Schulwolf '22

The All-In Award: Bestowed upon the visual art students in all Upper School grade levels who worked consistently at the highest level, challenging themselves conceptually and technically while setting the bar for others, both in and out of class. Katie Auerbach '24, Lucy Avery '24, Carrie DeLeon '24, Hunter Wheary '24, Annalee Marling '23, Mackenzie Peterson '23, Jasmine LeClair '22, Camille Roberson '22, Jack Tignor '22, and Claire Vu '22  

The Art History Award: Given to the Upper School student who demonstrates passion for and an exceptional ability in the study of art history. Jenny Vazquez Paramo '23

The Film Studies Award: Given to Upper School students who have demonstrated outstanding knowledge, ability, and disciplinary achievement in the field of film studies and media scholarship. Ryder Betts '24, Amber Morgan '24, Reece Newman '24, Layla Compton '24, David Alexander '22, Conner Alex '24, and Carter Lucas '24  

The Dance Award: Given to a senior in recognition of his or her leadership, loyalty, integrity, and diligence on the Dance Team. Madalyn Mejia '22

Most Improved Dance Team Member: Awarded to the Upper School dancers who have worked consistently to improve their skills and technique through an exceptional work ethic. Keira Mann '22 and Jack Tignor '22  

Most Outstanding New Dancer Award: Given to the dancer who has shown the most enthusiasm as a new member of the Dance Team. Emmie Land '22 

The Academy Players Award: Presented to seniors for their commitment, and creative growth, in their approach to working and performing within the Fall Play. Millie Van Slyke '22 and Lily Mersel '22

The Behind-The-Scenes Award: Given to Upper School students who have shown outstanding support throughout the year of the many technical, physical, or scenic elements that go into creating a large-scale production. Carey Stredler '22, Tara Tavakoli '23, Tanay Patel '23, Taran Jeevan '23, Jonah Abrams '22

Musical Theater Award: Given to seniors in recognition of their creative accomplishments and diligence in the pursuit of excellence in the Winter Musical. Kendall Pagach '22, Jasmine LeClair '22, Eliza Blythe '22, Camille Roberson '22  

The Outstanding Newcomer To The Winter Musical Award: Given in recognition to the Upper School student who has demonstrated leadership, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence in their first Winter Musical production. Annamarie Russell '23

Fine Arts Association Award: Given to a faculty or staff member who has shown an outstanding commitment to the Fine Arts. Dr. David Kidd, Upper School English Teacher and Literacy Fellows Director

Congratulations and bravo to all!