Performing & Visual Arts

Performing arts (buy tickets)

Artistic Director: Darrin Broadway
Vocal Direction: Joshua Dufford
Orchestra Director: Michael Leeds
Director of Junior Musicals: Kimberly Manchur

The theatre arts are alive in Ottawa Hills. Students love the camaraderie and the discipline; administrators and parents appreciate the involvement and creativity and the community embraces the quality. Our mission is simple:

1. To involve the students in a variety of theatre experiences.
2. To introduce students to acting philosophy and to technical theatre.
3. To expose the entire student body and community to quality theatre thereby instilling a life-long appreciation for the theatre in the students who will be the audience of the future. 

With over 200 students and parents, and the help of our Music and Theatre Association and the Ottawa Hills Schools Parent Association, the OH Theatre Arts Department has been able to produce the memorable stage award-winning productions of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," "Legally Blonde," "Annie," "The Fantasticks," "The Wiz," "Peter Pan," and "The King and I."

However, we also have had non-canonical success. Our award-winning Off-Broadway productions of "Agnes of God," "‘Night Mother," and "Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mama Hung Me in the Closet and I’m Feeling So Sad" help illuminate and respond to the darker side of the human condition.

Choral music

The mission of the Ottawa Hills Vocal Music program is to provide a unique educational experience in which students gain musical skills, strengthen vocal abilities, develop a lifelong appreciation of music, and have the opportunity to serve their community, region and nation. The vocal music classroom provides a creative learning environment that promotes respect, artistry and excellence.

Students learn a different mode of self-expression and learn to work together through shared performances by studying quality music and cultivating musical literacy. Opportunities beyond our four walls include Honors choirs, solo and ensemble contests, university workshops, and singing gigs devoted to raising money for local and national charities.

We believe that singing is a wonderful way to express yourself and serve others.

Instrumental music

The Ottawa Hills Band Program provides a supportive and challenging environment in which students can develop an appreciation and understanding of music through the playing of instruments. By playing a varied repertoire of music and styles as well as playing individually, in smaller groups, and as an ensemble, students explore elements of music while providing musical support for their fellow classmates, school and community. All students are capable making high quality music and working together to achieve excellence. 

"One of the reasons I like music is it gives young people self -confidence, and a sense of the reward you get for disciplined effort." 
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton (2000) 

"I get the most joy out of my violin. I often think in music, I see my life in terms of music." 
Albert Einstein

Studio art

Ottawa Hills offers a comprehensive program of Visual Art instruction in grades 7-12. Students can choose from a rich array of media-based studio classes designed to challenge and foster their creativity. Skill development, creative problem-solving, craftsmanship, principles of art and design, and personal expression drive the art curriculum.

Studio Art provides a more independent and personal approach to art making to the specially skilled, and committed student. Senior Studio Art students are able to create an Advanced Placement portfolio to be submitted to the College Board for potential college credit. Their year culminates in individual portfolio presentations at the smART show.

smART Show

The smART Show is an annual celebration of artistic abilities for students in grades 7-12. The event showcases work produced throughout the school year.