The Final Show

A look into the next steps of performing arts seniors post-graduation

For seniors, the end of the school year is rapidly approaching, and with it comes the next steps after graduation.

Seniors in performing arts have spent years dedicated to groups such as theater, orchestra, and choir; they can use the skills they have acquired long after high school is over.

One example is in theater, where the skill of performing benefits students on and off the stage.

“I was considering going into law…and being able to perform in front of a lot of people is an important skill for a lawyer. I do think that, aside from performing for entertainment, theater [has benefited me],” Christian Hartzog (12), AHS theater student, said.

Similar to theater, orchestra is useful across multiple areas.

“I think orchestra is a place where I learn things that I really [can’t] learn anywhere else in school,” Kendall Bailey (12), orchestra student, said.

Although seniors are leaving behind the performing arts communities they have established at AHS, many still plan to continue with their passion for the arts post-graduation.

“I'm going to Miami University and they have a couple of acapella groups… so that's something that I hope to do and I want to stay connected to choir in some way,” Evelyn Rile (12), choir student, said.

Even without directly majoring in the arts, several performing arts seniors don't plan to leave them behind entirely. 

“I will be going to the University of Cincinnati to study chemistry… [and] I definitely want to make sure that music still has a place in my life in the future,” Bailey (12) said.

While performing arts seniors have acquired skills that can last them beyond a high school setting, there are aspects of AHS performing arts that seniors will miss.

“[I will miss choir because] it's a great community…there are so many different people..and they all get to come together to create something that's beautiful,” Rile (12) said. 

Seniors in performing arts will be leaving behind the years they have spent at AHS; however, the skills they have learned will continue to stay with them.