February 5, 2026

Welcome to the IH Arts Conservatory Weekly Newsletter!

This week on The Director’s Chair, I had the joy of catching up on site with some of our most accomplished student musicians during their incredible OMEA All-State experience. In two special editions, you’ll hear from Elyse Longbottom and Elsa Neidich (Choir) and Grace Yu and Aaron Scott (Orchestra), who earned selection to All-State after competing against hundreds of auditionees from across the state of Ohio—an achievement that represents the very highest level of musical excellence.

Our students reflect on the intensity and inspiration of the All-State experience, share their favorite repertoire from the weekend, and offer heartfelt insight into why they believe other students should take the leap and audition. Their stories highlight not only exceptional talent, but also the dedication, growth, and joy that come from pursuing music at the highest level.

Congratulations to these incredible musicians! 

Click here to view this week's orchestra video!



Click here to view this week's choir video!

IHHS

• Friday, February 6–Sunday, February 22: Scholastics winning artwork on display at the Art Academy of Cincinnati
• Wednesday, February 11: 1st Row
• Saturday, February 14: Winter Musical, The Pajama Game, Cue-to-Cue
• Sunday, February 15-Wednesday, February 18: Winter Musical, The Pajama Game, Tech Week
• Thursday, February 19: 7:00 pm Winter Musical, The Pajama Game, Performance
• Friday, February 20: 7:00 pm Winter Musical, The Pajama Game, Performance
• Saturday, February 21: 2:00 pm Winter Musical, The Pajama Game, Performance
• Saturday, February 21: 7:00 pm Winter Musical, The Pajama Game, Performance
• Saturday, March 7: 8:30 am Donut Stop the Music Fundraiser IHMS Cafeteria
• Sunday, March 8: 3:00 pm Cabaret: Legacy RESCHEDULED DATE

IHMS

• Friday, February 6–Sunday, February 22: Scholastics winning artwork on display at the Art Academy of Cincinnati
• Friday, February 27: IHMS Art Show Blue Ash Rec Center
• Saturday, March 7: 8:30 am Donut Stop the Music Fundraiser IHMS Cafeteria
• Saturday, March 14: 10:00 am-5:00 pm Finding Nemo JR. Cue to Cue
• Sunday, March 15-Thursday, March 19: IHMS Spring Musical Tech Week
• Friday, March 20: 7:00 pm Opening Night Finding Nemo JR.
• Saturday, March 21: 7:00 pm Closing Night Finding Nemo JR.

IHES

• Sunday, March 1: 2:00 pm Spotlight
• Saturday, March 7: 8:30 am Donut Stop the Music Fundraiser IHMS Cafeteria
• Wednesday, March 18: Grade 4 Ukulele Performances

IHPS

• Monday, February 9: 6:00 pm 2nd Grade Music Presentation
• Tuesday, February 10: 6:00 pm 2nd Grade Music Presentation
• Wednesday, February 11: 6:00 pm 2nd Grade Music Presentation
• Wednesday, February 11: 1st Row
• Sunday, March 1: 2:00 pm Spotlight
• Monday, March 23: 6:00 pm 1st Grade Music Presentation
• Tuesday, March 24: 6:00 pm 1st Grade Music Presentation
• Wednesday, March 25: 6:00 pm 1st Grade Music Presentation

IHSD

• Saturday, February 7: 7:00 pm Casino Night

Congratulations to our Indian Hill Arts Conservatory middle and high school students who were recently recognized in the prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, earning an outstanding 37 total awards across visual art and writing.

Each year, students in grades 7–12 have the opportunity to showcase their creative work through the Scholastic competition, which honors young artists and writers at both the regional and national levels. This year’s honors include 11 Gold Keys, 9 Silver Keys, 15 Honorable Mentions, and 2 Writing Awards.

A special congratulations goes to Vivian Jenkins, who earned a Portfolio Award for a collection of eight pieces, a significant achievement within the competition.

Visual Arts Awards (34 Total)

Gold Key Awards (10):

Mariam Keis, Anna O’Driscoll, Ammara Rahman, Jenisha Rana (2), Iris Xu, Clairette Yang, Olivia Zhao (2), Raisel Green

Silver Key Awards (9):

Rivkah Green, Jinming Gu (2), Alice Gumlaw, Ammara Rahman, Emily Shea, Iris Xu (2), Olivia Zhao

Honorable Mentions (15):

Jasmina Ashurova, Rivkah Green (3), Jinming Gu (2), Kendall Higgins (3), Geneva Sowma, Alistair Woo (3), Olivia Zhao

Portfolio Award:

Vivian Jenkins — Portfolio Honorable Mention (8 pieces)

Writing Awards (3 Total)

Sylvie Gumlaw received one Gold Key and one Silver Key for her writing submissions.

Livy Smith earned a Silver Key for her writing submission.



All winning artwork from the Southern Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeastern Indiana region will be on display at the Art Academy of Cincinnati from February 6–22, celebrating the incredible talent of student artists across the region.

We are incredibly proud of our Indian Hill Arts Conservatory students and the creativity, dedication, and passion they bring to their work.

Click here to see the award winning art pieces!

Congratulations to IHHS Senior Elyse Longbottom on bringing home 3rd place in the Nancy F. Walker Scholarship competition through Matinee Musicale! Elyse competed in the Western Classical Vocal Music Category for high school students, and will perform on Wednesday, April 15 alongside the other vocal and instrumental scholarship winners. Bravo!

The Red Letter Delivery

It is not too late to subscribe for our brand-new arts experience designed to celebrate and elevate the creativity of our student artists: 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.

Indian Hill High School

Indian Hill Boosters Casino Night is just around the corner! Join us on Saturday, February 7, at the 20th Century Theatre in Oakley for a fun-filled evening celebrating the Indian Hill Arts and Athletics programs. Enjoy food, drinks, casino-style games, raffle prizes, and great company — all while supporting a vital fundraiser for IH Boosters! Funds raised directly benefit our arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs across the district.

Gather a group of friends and join the fun!

Tickets available now: Click HERE to purchase your tickets today!

Get ready, Indian Hill! The IHHS Winter Musical, The Pajama Game, is coming to the stage, and it’s packed with big laughs, unforgettable music, and an incredible amount of student talent both onstage and behind the scenes. This classic, high-energy musical brings humor, heart, and toe-tapping numbers together in a story centered on teamwork, determination, and (of course) a little romance—all set in the lively world of a pajama factory.

Our students are truly everywhere in this production: from a dynamic cast bringing the characters to life, to a dedicated crew running lights, sound, costumes, and scenery, to our outstanding pit orchestra performing the score live each night. The Pajama Game is a full-school collaboration and a shining example of the creativity, commitment, and joy our performing arts students bring to every production.

Tickets are $15 each.

Performance dates and times:

• Thursday, February 19 at 7:00 pm

• Friday, February 20 at 7:00 pm

• Saturday, February 21 at 2:00 pm

• Saturday, February 21 at 7:00 pm (closing night)

Mark your calendars, grab your pajamas (the fun kind!), and join us for a fantastic night—or afternoon—of live theatre. This is a show you won’t want to miss! 

Click here to purchase your tickets starting Monday, February 9!

The Indian Hill Instrumental Music Department is excited to present our student performers this year in the annual “Donut Stop the Music” fundraiser on Saturday, March 7 in the IHMS Cafeteria. So, pre-order a box of Krispy Kreme donuts by MARCH 2 , grab a cup of coffee from Tom’s Travelin’ Coffee Truck (located in front of IHMS), and sit back and enjoy as our district bands and orchestras perform music from some of the world’s greatest composers.



Donut Stop the Music is the only additional funding the instrumental music department receives each year. Money raised is used to purchase instruments, equipment and repairs, fund guest musicians, and generate additional opportunities for students. Your help and support are vital to ensure that the band and orchestra programs continue to provide exemplary programming for our children.  

Doors open at 8 a.m., Saturday, March 7 at the Indian Hill Middle School Cafeteria. Tip jars for each musical group will be available (the group earning the most money wins a class party).

RESCHEDULED DATE!

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