The “Taste of the Arts Gala”, held on November 11th, was an inaugural event for SJHHS, taking place at Plaza de Magdalena.

After debating on how to fundraise, the Performing Arts Boosters came up with the idea to host a gala. It would be an evening filled with performances, a four course dinner, and a silent auction.

“It’s a big gala evening where everybody is going to get dressed up and the plan is to do it every year and to be a celebration of the performing arts kids we have here,” said Theatre Arts Director, Cambria Beilstein.

The gala had been in the making for almost a year, just like any other large event would. The main goal for the event was to fundraise SJHHS’ performing arts program.

“I definitely feel like it was successful and that we achieved our goal of supporting the performing arts at SJHHS,” said co-chairman of the event, Angela dePoto.

Tickets were available on the performing arts’ booster website. Starting prices for tickets were $75 each, but later increased to $100 per ticket.

Each teacher from all four departments including dance, choral/vocal music, instrumental music and theatre arts, got to choose around 10 students to perform. The National Anthem was performed by members of the chamber choir, along with a flag ceremony from Boy Scouts to honor veterans.

“It was amazing to perform, you could really envision yourself on the stage with the lights hitting you, great movement. It was an out of body experience really portraying the character that you’re driven through in dance,” said student Reese Valeriano, who performed her solo called Flickered.

All the genres coming together for the first time brought a sense of community to students, teachers, and parents.

“Because I don’t interact a ton with every aspect of performing arts, like orchestra and dance production, it was nice to talk to new people who also really like performing,” said Musical Theatre Conservatory student Kellan Jenner.

Overall, many teachers, students, and parents enjoyed the gala and said that they are looking forward to doing it again next year.