On Tuesday night, March 18, Woodland High School hosted the DD4 Visual and Performing Arts Festival, drawing a packed audience eager to celebrate the talents of students from across the district. The evening was a showcase of both musical and visual arts, highlighting the dedication and hard work of young performers and artists.
The festival opened with the Tiger Town Chorus from Williams Memorial Elementary School, directed by Mr. Seth Phillips. Their three-song performance was well-rehearsed and full of energy, setting an uplifting tone for the night. The audience responded with enthusiasm, showing their appreciation for the young singers' impressive preparation and confidence on stage.
Following the chorus, the sixth grade beginner band from Woodland Middle School took the stage. Led for the evening by guest clinician Mr. Alex Lucas, a student from Charleston Southern University, the band performed three selections that showcased how far they have come since first picking up their instruments in August. Their regular directors, Mr. Matthew Dickler and Ms. Yolonda Bennett, have guided them through months of learning and practice, and their hard work was evident. Proud families filled the auditorium with applause as they celebrated the students’ accomplishments.
The seventh and eighth grade band from Woodland Middle School followed with a strong and polished performance. Under the leadership of their directors, Ms. Yolonda Bennett and Mr. Matthew Dickler, and with the guidance of guest clinician Ms. Mandy Greene, Director of Bands at Fairfield Middle School, the group displayed remarkable progress. Over just two days of preparation, they refined their musical selections, demonstrating skill and dedication that impressed both their instructors and the audience.
The final performance of the evening featured the Woodland High School Wind Ensemble, the most advanced group of the night. Led by their band director, Mr. Quenton Atterberry, and working under the guidance of guest clinician Dr. Nicholas Holland, Associate Professor of Music and Marching Band Director at Charleston Southern University, the ensemble tackled challenging pieces with confidence and precision. Their powerful performance energized the audience and brought the evening to a memorable close.
In addition to the musical performances, the festival also highlighted the talents of student artists through a digital display that showcased a collection of student artwork. The rotating presentation allowed attendees to appreciate the creativity and artistic skills of students across the district, adding another layer of celebration to the night.
With March recognized as Music in Our Schools Month, the festival served as the perfect opportunity to spotlight the dedication of DD4’s young musicians and artists. The event was a resounding success, leaving the audience inspired and proud of the exceptional talent within the district.