By Gabriella DeLuca, ’27 and Jolie Coviello, ’27

Staff Writers

Every spring, the community comes together to celebrate the Hanover Schools Annual District Arts Festival. This year’s celebration, which took place on April 7 at Hanover High School, presented the artistic and musical talents of students across grades K-12. Mr. Michael File, an HHS art teacher who helped coordinate the event, said, “The Arts Festival gave students of all ages the opportunity to showcase their talents and celebrate their unique artistic journey with their families, teachers, and peers.”

During the festival, students from the elementary to high school level shared the spotlight as they presented their artwork and musical performances to the community. On the main auditorium stage, large-ensemble performances included “Joy Revisited” by the HHS Symphonic Band,  “900 Miles” by the HHS Chorus and Vox, several songs by the Cedar/Center Combined Choir, and a rousing set by the HMS Jazz Ensemble. The HHS rock band Altitude closed out the night with a cover of Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin.” On a second stage in the HHS media room, small collections of student musicians came together to perform. Highlights included a performance by the cast of Shrek Jr. and the band To Be Determined’s rendition of “Champagne Supernova” by Oasis. Another unforgettable performance was presented by junior Finn McCabe, who played his own original piano piece, titled “The Least of These,” which was inspired by his Christian background and love for the B-flat major.

In the school gymnasium, student artwork was displayed for all to see in various styles. Among the exhibits were egg carton animals created by Cedar School kindergartners with Ms. Leanne Malfa, paper mache masks made by Mr. Aaron DiGaudio’s sixth grade art class, and the sophisticated ceramic pieces of the high school 3D art class. Featured as well were the expressive 2D and 3D art portfolios of the high school’s AP Art students, showcasing the artists’ dedication to creating meaningful thematic art.

One AP Art student, junior Jenna Clasby, devoted her work to the people who have a special value in her life. Made from a mix of colored pencils and oil pastels, Jenna’s self-portraits showcase her childhood journey and values. Junior Siena Oliver, another AP Art student, created a portfolio with a similar emphasis on childhood memories and nostalgia. One of her favorite pieces is a painting of the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown, featuring a frame she made with her grandfather using wood fragments taken from the monument’s old fence.

Many artists also explored existentialism and the human relationship with nature. Senior AP artist Elizabeth Winnie used acrylic paints to express how the ocean can evoke varying emotions in people based on their individual perspectives. Senior Bella Telepak depicted the duality of death and the absence of consideration for nature’s creatures using her expressive mixed media artwork.

Another impressive display was presented by Owen Cleary, a junior in AP Art. Owen captivated viewers with his hyperrealistic depictions of supernatural creatures, having spent days perfecting each piece to the most minute detail. These pieces were inspired by some of his favorite video games and horror films. 

The artwork and musical creativity of the students of Hanover were the highlights of the night; however, what made it truly unforgettable was seeing the meaningful connections the students formed with one another through their shared love for art and music. Caroline Heaney, a junior in the high school’s Vox chorus, described the group as being a “close community of friends who bonded over their shared love for singing.” A similar sentiment was expressed by junior drum major Sophie Bunar, who said that being a part of the high school band is not only about performing on stage, but about meeting new people and forming authentic friendships that will last a lifetime. 

Click on a photo to enlarge. Photos by Gabriella DeLuca and Luca Ciccolo