The latest IH Arts Conservatory news for you!

March 26, 2026

Welcome to the IH Arts Conservatory Weekly Newsletter!

Before we head into Spring Break, we’re taking a slightly different approach to The Director’s Chair this week — shining a spotlight on three district videos that highlight the incredible scope and impact of the arts across Indian Hill.

You’ll find an overview of the IH Arts Conservatory, along with two Master Class videos featuring Don Barker (Band) and Kevin Boden and Trista Emmons (Orchestra). Together, these videos offer a glimpse into the depth, quality, and passion that define our K–12 arts programs, as well as the dedicated educators who bring these experiences to life for our students every day.

These features come at an especially exciting time, as Mr. Barker, Mr. Boden, and Ms. Emmons prepare to lead 45 IHHS band and orchestra students on a 10-day performance and cultural immersion trip to Europe over Spring Break. This extraordinary opportunity reflects the strength of our program and the commitment of our teachers to providing meaningful, real-world artistic experiences.

I encourage you to take a few minutes to watch, celebrate the amazing work happening across our arts programs, and learn more about the educators leading this journey. When our students return, we look forward to sharing their experiences and stories from this unforgettable trip.

Click here to view the IH Arts Conservatory video!

Click here to view the Band video!

Click here to view the Orchestra video!

IHHS

March 26- April 3: Band & Orchestra European Trip
Sunday, April 12-Wednesday, April 15: HS Spring Show Tech Week
Thursday, April 16: 7:00 pm HS Spring Show, Sondheim on Sondheim
Friday, April 17: 7:00 pm HS Spring Show, Sondheim on Sondheim
Saturday, April 18: 7:00 pm HS Spring Show, Sondheim on Sondheim
Wednesday, April 22- Sunday, April 26: HS Choir Competition Trip
Thursday, April 30: 5:30-7:00 pm HS Spring Art Show Opening
Thursday, April 30: 7:00 pm HS Choir Concert

IHMS

Friday, April 10: MS Solo and Ensemble

IHES

Thursday, April 9: 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm 4th Grade Try It Night
Tuesday, April 21: 6:00 pm ES Choir Concert

IHPS

Thursday, April 23: Extra Special Night

IHSD

Saturday, March 28-Monday, April 6 Spring Break

BRAVO BRAVES!

Congratulations to the cast and crew of the IHMS Spring Musical, Finding Nemo Jr.!!

The Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition has officially announced both its Regional and State winners. This year, 5,786 artworks were submitted by approximately 2,100 Ohio high school students.

During regional judging in early March, 8 Indian Hill High School students advanced 17 artworks to the state judging round.

Congratulations to our Regional winners:

Sylvie Gumlaw

Jenisha Rana (2 pieces)

Olivia Zhao (3 pieces)

Caroline Winks

Clairette Yang

Jinming Gu (3 pieces)

Iris Xu (2 pieces)

Rivvy Green (4 pieces)

State judging for the Regional winners took place on March 14, and we are proud to announce that 4 Indian Hill visual art students earned a total of 5 awards at the State level.

Congratulations to our State winners:

Caroline Winks

Clairette Yang

Olivia Zhao (2 pieces)

Jinming Gu

All artworks that placed at the state level will be on display at the Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition at the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus from April 12 through May 14.

Congratulations!

Click here to see the artwork!!

Indian Hill Primary School

Indian Hill Elementary School

Indian Hill High School

Get ready for a theatrical experience like no other! This spring, IHHS Theatre presents Sondheim on Sondheim, a musical revue celebrating the legendary work of Stephen Sondheim, the genius behind Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, Company, Follies, and more.

This production will feature a unique, immersive “theatre in the round” experience, with both the audience and performers sharing the stage of the Sue Harder Memorial Performing Arts Center. With limited seating available, this is an intimate, one-of-a-kind opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Performance Dates: April 16, 17 & 18

Time: 7:00 PM

Tickets: $15

Tickets go on sale to the public April 9 — get yours while they last!

Join us for an unforgettable evening of powerful music, storytelling, and up-close performances that put you right in the heart of the action.

Click here to purchase tickets!

Attention 4th grade parents! It is almost time for Try-It Night for your students! This incredible evening is set up just for our 4th graders for them to experience the various instruments that will be available to them to play during their 5th grade year at IHES!

Click here for more information!

The Red Letter Delivery

The Red Letter Delivery is a monthly art subscription that brings the beauty of Indian Hill student artwork directly to your mailbox—delivered in our signature red envelope—for just $8 per month.

Each month, subscribers will receive a professionally printed 5x7 piece of original student art, paired with a personal note from the student artist sharing the inspiration behind their work. It’s a meaningful blend of creativity and storytelling—offering a tangible connection to the imagination, voice, and heart of our students.

All proceeds from The Red Letter Delivery will be reinvested into the Indian Hill Arts Conservatory, directly supporting arts programming and creative opportunities for students across our district. This project is generously sponsored by the Indian Hill Foundation.

Our debut edition, which recently reached the mailboxes of subscribers, celebrates Home for the Holidays and features a stunning portrayal of the Cincinnati skyline by IHHS student artist Norah Condorodis. Her artwork captures warmth, nostalgia, and family history—an especially poignant tribute inspired by her grandfather and great uncle, whose stories are woven into the spirit of the city.

As I shared in the announcement,“This is more than an art subscription—it’s a tangible connection to our students’ imagination and heart. Each red envelope is a moment of surprise and delight, and the artwork inside makes a truly special gift for someone who loves both mail and art.”

Subscriptions are open now, with the first delivery arriving in January 2026. Subscriptions may also be purchased as gifts and mailed anywhere—making The Red Letter Delivery a thoughtful and meaningful present for the art lovers in your life.

I hope you’ll join us in celebrating this beautiful new way to support and experience the arts at Indian Hill—one red envelope at a time.

SUBSCRIBE HERE

Join the IH Boosters Board!

Please note: Activities presented within this section of the newsletter are not sponsored by or affiliated with the District.

Participation is entirely optional and at parents'/guardians' discretion. We are sharing this opportunity because it may be of interest to families and offers programming/events not provided by the District.

Indian Hill Schools and the Indian Hill Arts Conservatory is excited to share a new opportunity for IHHS student musicians through our ongoing partnership with the Cincinnati Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA) — offering private, in-school voice instruction during the school day.

This opportunity is designed to enhance our students’ musical experience and provide additional pathways for those interested in growing their skills. Through high-quality, individualized instruction with experienced CAPA instructors, students will be able to refine their technique, build confidence, and receive personalized coaching — all while remaining fully engaged in their school schedule.

Private lessons will:

Take place during the school day at designated times
Be taught by experienced CAPA instructors
Support students currently enrolled in school music ensembles, as well as those seeking additional vocal training

This offering reflects our continued commitment to providing meaningful, high-level arts experiences that support student passion, growth, and excellence.

Additional details regarding scheduling, fees, and registration will be shared soon. If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to reach out.

Kelly Walker - CAPA Program Director

Amy Clark - Indian Hill Arts and Activities Director