December 4, 2025

Welcome to the IH Arts Conservatory Weekly Newsletter!

This week on The Director’s Chair, I have the pleasure of sitting down with IHHS senior Ihana Balboa to share a preview of our upcoming IHHS Semester 1 Art Show—one of the most vibrant celebrations of student creativity all year. We talk about the incredible range of work that will be on display, from dynamic 2D pieces to imaginative 3D creations, all thoughtfully crafted by our high school artists throughout the semester.

We invite our entire community to join us for the Opening Night Reception this Friday, December 5, from 5:00–6:00 PM in the high school lobby and MP room. Guests will enjoy beautiful artwork, light appetizers, and live student musical performances—an evening designed to showcase the many talents that make the arts at Indian Hill so special.

The exhibition will remain open through next Friday, December 12, and we encourage everyone to stop by during the week to experience the full gallery. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the hard work, passion, and artistry of our IHHS students. We hope to see you there!

Click here to view this week's video!

IHHS

• Friday, December 5: HS Fall Art Show Opening Night-IHHS Lobby
• Monday, December 8: 7:00 p.m. Premieres Concert with Cincinnati Choral Society and BAMSO at Sycamore Community Presbyterian Church
• Monday, December 8-Friday, December 12: HS Winter Art Show on Display
• Wednesday, December 10: 1st Row at IHPS
• Friday, December 12: Braves and Concert Choirs singing at IHPS

IHMS

• Monday, December 8-Wednesday, December 10: 3:00 p.m. MS Spring Musical, Finding Nemo Jr., Auditions
• Wednesday, December 10: 7:00 p.m. MS Chamber Music Fest (7th and 8th grade performances only) in Middle School classrooms
• Thursday, December 11: 3:00 p.m. MS Spring Musical, Finding Nemo Jr., Callbacks

IHES

• Thursday, December 4: 4th Grade Choir sings at Senior Star
• Friday, December 5: 3rd Grade Choir sings at Brookdale
• Thursday, December 11: 6:00 p.m. ES Choral Concert

IHPS

• Wednesday, December 10: 1st Row
• Friday, December 12: Braves Choir and Concert Choir singing at IHPS

Join our IHHS student-artists as they showcase their artwork from semester 1! Enjoy light refreshments and beautiful music as you take in the fantastic creations of our 2D and 3D visual artists for a truly unparalleled evening of visual masterpieces!

Introducing The Red Letter Delivery

I am thrilled to share a brand-new arts experience designed to celebrate and elevate the creativity of our student artists: The Red Letter Delivery. Beginning this January, we are launching a monthly subscription service 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’s delivery features a professionally printed 5x7 piece of original student art, accompanied by a personal message from the artist sharing the inspiration behind their work. It’s a heartfelt blend of creativity and storytelling that invites you into the imagination of our students in a truly meaningful way.

All proceeds from The Red Letter Delivery will be reinvested into the Indian Hill Arts Conservatory, supporting our mission to nurture young creatives and expand arts opportunities for students across our district. This project is generously sponsored by the Indian Hill Foundation.

Our debut edition evokes a sense of Home for the Holidays, featuring a stunning portrayal of the Cincinnati skyline through the eyes of IHHS student artist Norah Condorodis. Her piece 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 to The Red Letter Delivery are open now, and the first shipment will arrive in January 2026. Subscriptions can also be purchased as gifts and mailed anywhere—making it a unique, 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.

Congratulations to IHHS freshman orchestra student and CCM Prep piano student, Owin Abeysinghe, who recently won 2nd prize in the American Protégé International Competition 2025 and earned an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City this December! What an outstanding achievement-we are so proud of you, Owin!

Indian Hill Primary School

Indian Hill Elementary School

Indian Hill Middle School

Indian Hill High School

Did you know that CAPA offers private lessons for both voice and piano? These personalized sessions can significantly enhance a student’s technique, confidence, and knowledge of music theory, among other areas. We have highly skilled and experienced instructors who are dedicated to working with your child, from preparing for auditions, teaching the fundamentals or honing their voice skills. We have teachers available for interested students at the primary or elementary too!

For more information and to learn more about our instructors, visit Voice Studio and Piano.

The Overture Awards, sponsored by the Cincinnati Arts Association are now accepting applications for the 2026 Competition!

Applications are due December 9, 2025!!

About the Overture Awards:

The Overture Awards is a program that recognizes, encourages, and rewards excellence in the arts among Greater Cincinnati students in grades 9-12. Its mission is to encourage arts education as an integral part of a student’s academic experience and to create an environment that encourages training in, and appreciation of, the arts. The Overture Awards Competition is the area’s largest solo arts competition and offers awards in six artistic disciplines: creative writing, dance, instrumental music, theatre, visual art, and vocal music.

Arts Educator Award

The Arts Educator Award promotes and rewards excellence in arts instruction throughout Greater Cincinnati. Students nominate an educator through video submission that describes the impact the educator has had on his/her students. The winner will be announced at the Overture Awards Final Competition & Awards Ceremony. Nominations are due January 25, 2026.

Ready to apply for one of the 6 categories for the Overtures, or ant to nominate an IH Arts Educator for the Arts Educator Award, which is part of the Overtures? Click here for more information!

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