By Sarah Teo
The Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Visual and Performing Arts department has shared its upcoming fall events through News from the Arts, a quarterly newsletter now available at princetonk12.org in 100-plus languages, thanks to a translation tool.
Two events take place this week, beginning with the opening reception of a Hispanic Heritage Art and Culture exhibition. Scheduled for Thursday, October 16 from 5-7 p.m. in the Princeton High School (PHS) Numina Gallery, the exhibit includes student artwork and special heritage items (some collected from homes and travel), such as textiles, cookware, instruments, and games. According to organizer and PHS Spanish language instructor Camila del Castillo, “There’s always one or two students that celebrate a quinceañera and are willing to bring their dresses.” Artifacts from the Caribbean will be featured, along with student research on animals native to Spanish-speaking countries. The focal point is an altar for El Día De Los Muertos, a tradition prominent in Mexico and other parts of Mesoamerica but recognized in most of Latin America. Opening night will include student narrative poetry, and as fundraisers, a flamenco dance class and food sales. The public is invited to attend, and ample street parking is available around the school.
Reflecting on the significance of this annual exhibit, del Castillo shared, “We should celebrate every culture, but I think especially in times when Latinos are put in a compromising position, it’s really good to have a space where the kids are proud of showing their roots.” She hopes the exhibit will show how all people “are more similar than different in a lot of aspects of life,” and will encourage the public “not to see Indigenous cultures as ignorant or primitive when they have so much wisdom.” Del Castillo credits Priscilla Russel, PPS district supervisor of World Languages, with being “very supportive” of the event process, as it takes months of preparation.
Also this week is the PHS Orchestra UNICEF Benefit Concert on Friday, October 17 at 7:30 p.m.in the PHS Performing Arts Center. First conceived in 2007 and held annually for the last seven years, this concert is a chance for students to give back to fellow children, says Orchestra Director Robert Laughran. “UNICEF, being such a focused and effective international organization, has been a wonderful fit” as a beneficiary, said Laughran. Interspersed throughout the performance are recitations of the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development, given by the PHS UNICEF Club. During the finale, PHS Sinfonia and Repertoire orchestra musicians, along with seventh and eighth grade Princeton Middle School (PMS) orchestra students (prepared by PMS director Haiben Wu), will contribute to the finale.
Laughran encourages the community to “come and experience the artistic energy that live music represents. Our students, as global citizens, will be raising money and awareness for an organization that makes a huge positive difference throughout our world.” Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors.
The entire 2025-26 school year has much in store, including elementary school music performances and also art shows, where every child has artwork on display, according to Patrick Lenihan, department supervisor. PHS music groups will travel internationally this year: Studio Band to Paris, Prague, and other cities; Jazz Ensemble to Puerto Rico; and Orchestra to London, Paris, and Amsterdam. “They’re all incredible trips,” Lenihan said. “Not only are they incredible musical experiences, but they’re growth opportunities for our students, to have that cultural exchange and get to develop relationships with musicians around the world.” The department ensures that every student in the performing group goes on tour, even if the cost is prohibitive.
Lenihan emphasized that PPS allows students to “dive deeply” into the arts from a young age. Some will select a particular pathway, but the flexible program also allows involvement in multiple art forms through high school graduation. “There’s a place for everyone, and there’s a lot of overlap between our programs,” he said. He points out that all subdepartments “shine in different ways, and truly represent what Princeton Public Schools is all about. I would encourage our younger audiences to come [to fall events] and see what some of the older students are doing, not only because these are great performances and exhibitions, but because it gives them a chance to see where they’re headed.”
Multiple events are planned through December, including the PHS Choir operetta Die Fledermaus, October 24 and 25; PHS and PMS theater performances, Appropriate Audience Behavior and Clue: On Stage! both in November; and a series of band, orchestra and choir events from both schools. Free and open to all is the PHS Annual Winter Concert on Thursday, December 18, 7:30 p.m. at the Princeton University Chapel. Now in its 80th year, the performance includes a candlelight processional and choir alumni sing. For the full list, visit at app.smore.com/n/w5f9q. Most are paid admission, but if cost presents a financial hardship, contact Patrick Lenihan at patricklenihan@princetonk12.org.