Darlington falls for the arts

Since its inception in 1991, Darlington’s annual fine arts event has evolved from a one-day festival to a month-long celebration involving students at all three divisions. This year, the celebration will kick off with the annual Fall for the Arts Festival on Friday, Oct. 15, from noon to 4 p.m. in the Middle School Courtyard. The public is welcome and admission is free.

“On Friday afternoon, the Middle School will be bursting with excitement thanks to the wide array of activities, galleries and performances for all ages,” said Kim Tunnell, fine arts director. “Artwork will be on display and live performances will showcase our students at their best. This festival is an opportunity for every student at Darlington to participate in the viewing, creating and performing of art. With food, entertainment and lots to do and see, it is a great way to enjoy a fall afternoon and experience the fine arts at Darlington.”

Entertainment will include performances by the Lower School Chorus, the Lower School Strings Ensemble, the 7th and 8th Grade Band, the Middle School Jazz Band, the 5th and 6th Grade Chorus, the Middle School Jazz Band, the Ladies’ and Men’s Chorales, the Darlingtones, the Random Notes, the Glee Club, the Musical Theater class, the dance team and junior Tanna Key. Selections from “Actin’ Out,” poetry readings and instrumental solos will also be included in the lineup. (For a full schedule, download the PDF document above.)

Visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of fun activities for children of all ages – including face painting and buttons, picture frames, and tissue paper flowers – and to browse the Bake Sale and Silent Auction. Proceeds will benefit the Fine Arts Booster Club.

“The Bake Sale will include your traditional baked goods as well as a variety of other tasty treats like caramel apples, popcorn and bottled water,” Tunnell said, “and the Silent Auction will feature some very special items as well, including gift baskets and artwork.”

But Darlington’s Fall for the Arts celebration, which corresponds with the school's Alumni Weekend, doesn’t end on Friday. Guests are invited to campus on Saturday to view alumni and student artwork in Thatcher Hall’s Ledbetter Commons (at the Middle School) between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Then at 3 p.m., Instrumental Music Conservatory students will perform a concert in Morris Chapel.

On Sunday at 11 a.m., the Darlingtones and Random Notes a cappella groups will perform during the Service of Remembrance, a moving service to remember Darlington alumni who have lost their lives in the past year. Then at 2 p.m., the school’s award-winning choral groups will present a concert in the chapel.