As the fall semester reaches its busiest stretch, LWHS comes alive with performances that energize our community and showcase the creativity of our students. From theatre and music to dance, the fall performing arts season once again brought students, families, and faculty together for a series of memorable events.

The season opened with the Fall Play, Little Women, adapted by Kate Hamill from Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel and directed by Theatre Teacher and After School Theatre Program Director Miguel Zavala. Staged in the Ehrer Theater, the production brought fresh energy and humor to the classic story of the March sisters as they navigate family, ambition, and growing up. The performance was enhanced by an immersive set and lighting design created by students under the guidance of Stagecraft teacher Kate Boyd.

Music took center stage next with the Chorus and Orchestra Concert, led by Jason Gillenwater, Instrumental Music Teacher, and Tony Asaro, Vocal Music and General Music Teacher. Students performed a rich and varied program spanning centuries, with highlights including works by Joseph Bologne, R. Nathaniel Dett, Mozart, Saint-Saëns, and Bach, as well as vocal selections such as Randall Thompson’s Alleluia and Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” showcasing both the depth of student musicianship and the breadth of the choral and orchestral repertoire.

The Jazz Concert followed, featuring students from the Jazz and Contemporary Music ensembles under the direction of Mr. Gillenwater. The energetic program spanned classic and modern jazz, with highlights including Milt Jackson’s Bags’ Groove, Herbie Hancock’s Maiden Voyage and Watermelon Man, Wayne Shorter’s Speak No Evil, and Billy Strayhorn’s Take the A Train. The concert also featured original student work and genre-blending selections, reflecting the versatility and creativity of LWHS’s jazz musicians.

The fall season concluded with the sold-out Dance Concert, led by Dance Teacher and Department Chair Tabatha Robinson. The program featured performances by Dance 1, Dance 2, and Dance Ensemble students, opening with the high-energy group piece “Shake Your Groove Thang.” Throughout the evening, dancers performed a wide range of works set to music by artists including Peaches & Herb, Avicii, Billie Eilish, Beyoncé, and Billy Joel, alongside original choreography and student-created pieces. Guest choreographers Ruthie Fantaye and Danzel Thompson-Stout also contributed to the dynamic and expressive program, which highlighted the depth, creativity, and collaborative spirit of the LWHS dance community.

All LWHS performing arts events are free to attend. In place of ticket sales, the community donates baby diapers, onesies, and funds to the Homeless Prenatal Program, reinforcing the school’s commitment to public purpose.

We are grateful to the students, faculty, families, and community members who continue to support and celebrate the performing arts at LWHS.