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The program began with opening remarks by Cougar Chorus Co-Presidents Ariella Burnstein and Eiden Weinberg, both juniors, who introduced the audience to what it was like doing music at �鶹���� during the pandemic. “This year has been very challenging for our choir, but we have made the most of it,” said Burnstein. “Choir has been meeting weekly in person, outdoors and masked, and during the colder months on Zoom, working hard to bring meaningful music to the �鶹���� community.”

Next, the program featured stunning musical performances in both English and Hebrew by the �鶹���� Cougar Chorus and Performance Ensemble, showcasing the students’ musical talents as well as their outstanding coordination and professionalism.

“Because we were limited in our live performances this year, we utilized the amazing recording studio here at �鶹���� to record and produce many of our own arrangements,” explained Weinberg. Indeed, these recordings became a highlight of virtual �鶹���� events over the course of the year.

The co-presidents also expressed their gratitude toward Cougar Chorus Director Randi Wartelsky, who has worked tirelessly to ensure that the choir would not only continue to exist, but to grow and thrive despite COVID. “Mrs. Wartelsky, you continuously amaze us with your musical expertise and have helped us so much throughout the year,” said Burnstein.

Following the “evening of song” portion of the program, the audience heard reflections by seniors in �鶹����’s Art Track. After four years in �鶹����’s art program, this year’s cohort is moving on, with each student boasting a tremendous portfolio of work to show from their time at �鶹����.

The students stressed the significance of having spent four years together in the art room. “I think it’s a very unique experience to be in the same Art Track with the same people and the same teachers for four years, and I think it’s very special because you get to develop relationships with everybody and they know where you’re at with your skills,” said Eden Lippe. “That actually contributed a lot to me growing as an artist.”

Kayla Mantell agreed. “Just from looking at everyone’s work you learn a lot from your peers,” she said.

Cherished friendships were also formed. “To be surrounded by the kind of artists that I have for four years, both students and teachers, has been incredible,” said Daniel Morrison. “I’ve grown and seen other people grow. And the amount of really close friends that I’ve made in the Art Track has made my life so much better and has been an amazing experience.”

Erin Helfer credited �鶹����’s Arts Program Director Ahuva Winslow and art teacher Mira Levy for helping her find her passion. “I think it’s really special that we were all able to find a common ground in our love for art,” said Helfer. “I am literally obsessed with painting and I never knew I could do anything that I have done in the past four years before coming to �鶹����.”

At the end of the Evening of the Arts program, the �鶹���� Art Gallery 2021 website went live at www.frisch.org/artgallery. The online exhibit reflects the breadth and depth of the work completed this year by �鶹���� art students in ninth through 12th grade.

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Lively jazz alternated with the dulcet tones of a “Bridge Over Troubled Water”/”Gesher Tzar Me’od” mashup and favorites from decades past and present, courtesy of �鶹����’s talented and hardworking music students. After the live music performance, attendees had the opportunity to meander through the art exhibit and take in panels of biblical portraits, illustrated pesukim, nature-inspired paintings, self-portraits and still lifes—tables of exquisitely repurposed books, original jewelry and pottery, a virtual reality experience of the Book of Jeremiah, fashion creations from the sewing club—and more.

This year was especially meaningful for the arts track, which is celebrating its fourth year of existence and its first graduating arts track class.

The arts track was the brainchild of �鶹����’s Visual Arts Program Director Ahuva Winslow, working in conjunction with �鶹���� Principal Rabbi Eli Ciner and other members of the administration. “I am so proud of what �鶹���� has helped me build and grateful for the support of Rabbi Ciner and the school for making the department grow to the powerful program that it is,” said Winslow. “It now includes four grades of arts track, art electives, art club, Artist Beit Midrash Program, fashion sewing and so much more.”

Winslow said she was particularly proud to display an entire art installation by her 12th grade Biblical Portraits: Artist Beit Midrash class, in which students explored the fascinating character of the unlikely biblical heroine Rachav. “They each created installations that visually expressed the evolution of the character of Rachav from the book of Joshua,” explained Winslow. “This project was complex and they presented works in highly sophisticated and unique ways.”

“The Arts Program is a great way to connect with students that I wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to connect with,” said Carly Rosenblatt a student in the Arts Program. “Between art class and art club I have become friends with students from all grades and classes. My favorite part of Evening of the Arts was looking at how much my friends and I have accomplished over the past few months.”

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