Vulnerability. Trust. Courage. Friendship. Community. These words approach the meaning of what performing arts at Catalina Foothills High School has brought to families of students who have chosen to shimmy into the spotlight. That, and a heartfelt dose of pride for not only the performers but for the talent behind the scenes, the boosters, and the community that shows up without fail to be surprised, inspired, and in awe of what they will see and hear. “Watching Jaden’s confidence grow over the years has been one of the biggest perks,” said Jennie Peterson of her son, a senior at CFHS and a bass 2 singer in choir as well as an actor in advanced theater who will direct a play in the spring. “Jaden has always been courageous and willing to put himself in the spotlight for as long as I can remember, Jennie said. “It’s such an honor to get to share my passion for theatre with my children. Having this shared passion as a family gives us moments to connect on a deeper level and allows us to value the arts versus other types of entertainment,” she added. Jennie and her husband, Peter Peterson, both participated in the arts from a young age — Jennie in dance, choir, and theater, and Peter in visual arts and music. "I wanted the same rich experiences for my children and it was imperative that a school had a strong arts program,” Jennie said. Courtney and Phillip Hinkle also speak of their commitment to the Catalina Foothills High School arts and everyone behind it as if it were a colorful, strong, and necessary thread that weaves within the tapestry of their family life. They were high-school sweethearts who graduated from CFHS in 1996. Today, their daughters Morgan (Class of 2023) and Haleigh, a sophomore, are also part of this tight-knit performing arts community.
“Having any group that is a smaller group to belong to is wonderful,” Courtney said of finding connection at a large school. “What you get with performing arts work … you’re very vulnerable. The people you connect with, you have deep connections with. Watching my children have those connections and those little families on campus to belong to has benefited them and us.”
Morgan, who is now in college, agrees wholeheartedly. “After being in both choir and theater, I really found a strong community almost immediately,” she said, adding that by the time she graduated from CFHS, she “had made some of my closest friends.” She also was the president of choir as well as the head of the costume department, which taught her about teamwork and leadership skills that she has carried into the next chapter of her life. Jaden Peterson, a senior, is also in choir and theater and said he was drawn to the CFHS theater program because of the stunning productions. “It was motivating for me and I really wanted to become part of it,” said Jaden, also a bass 2 singer in two choir groups at the school - Concert Chorale (about 40 singers), and Change of Pace (a group of 14 singers). According to Jennie, the production that sealed the deal for Jaden to attend Catalina Foothills HS was “Hello, Dolly!” Jaden will direct “Suite Surrender,” a comedy, in the spring, with shows on April 25, 26, and 27, plus a matinee on April 27.
Phillip Hinkle explained that choir and band have boosters that raise money for the schools. “Choir went to sing at Carnegie Hall this past April,” he said, adding that about 50 students were able to go and the boosters raised $10,000 for costs for students who needed financial support. “It was an incredible trip and experience for them. They got to spend time in New York, went to ‘Sweeney Todd’ and The Met,” Phillip added. Jeff Evans, Choir Director at CFHS for the past 4 years and a teacher for 8 years, considers himself a very lucky person. “The list of satisfying qualities that this job offers is long. At the top is definitely the artistic musical experiences I get to have with the students on a regular basis. We laugh a lot! I've cried, they've cried, I often get chills from the deep philosophical conversations we're allowed to have regarding the poetry of our music,” Evans, a Tucson native, said. He noted that the challenges of teaching, directing, rehearsing, organizing events, and administrative tasks can be overwhelming and a lot to manage. “I am so fortunate to have a diligent group of parent volunteers who assist me with anything I need. I feel extremely supported by the choir parent association, and also the school administration at Catalina Foothills. Not every choir teacher is lucky enough to say that,” said Evans, who received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Portland State University in Oregon, in Music Education and Choral Conducting, respectively. The music and theater groups will put on several performances in December. All are welcome. Tickets are available at the door.
2023 Holiday Schedule:
Choir-Coffee House 1/Plaza
Friday, December 1, 7:00 PM
Choir-Winter Choir Concert/Music Hall
Tuesday, December 5, 7:00 PM (Suggested donation $8)
CFHS Band - Winter Band Concert - Music Hall
Thursday, December 7, 7:00 PM
CFHS Choir - Caroling at Winterhaven Neighborhood
Sunday, December 10, 6:00 pm
CFHS Choir - Snow Fall Performance at La Encantada
Friday, December 15, 7:00 PM
The Catalina Foothills High School Choir returns to La Encantada on Friday, Dec. 15th at 7 p.m.