DCS Montessori celebrates the arts at annual festival
Above left, DCS Montessori fourth grader Charli Strother shows off the granny square she exhibited at the Arts Festival. Fine art, sculpture, vocal music, dance and handicrafts were well represented at the festival.
At right, Fourth grader Dylan Tilton sings Linkin Park’s “The Messenger,” accompanied by his dad, Ted.
Article and photos by Lisa Crockett
A celebration of artistic endeavors spanned two days at the DCS Montessori School (DCSM) last month. Students displayed work ranging from abstract paintings to ceramics. The performing arts were well represented too, with kids doing everything from trombone playing to tap dancing for an attentive panel of judges.
“We wanted to have something that celebrated all the arts at DCS Montessori,” said Sam Carstens, the art teacher at the school. “We also wanted to have something the whole school could participate in.”
And participate they did. Nearly a fifth of the student population turned out for the Arts Festival to showcase their talents and compete for top honors. Judges awarded prizes for first place, as well as honorable mentions, in every category.
A nominal admission fee and a concession stand provided a revenue stream for the event, with the proceeds going toward “big ticket” items needed at the school, like a new sound system.
Fourth grader Dylan Tilton, who lives in Castle Pines, was an entrant in the vocal music category at the festival, singing the song “The Messenger,” accompanied on piano by his dad, Ted. Music is a family affair for the Tiltons. Ted plays in a band called “The Dead Phish Orchestra”, and Dylan is happy to follow in his musical footsteps.
“Linkin Park is one of my favorite bands, so I decided to sing one of their songs,” said Dylan. “It’s fun to be here and to go to school here. This is a good way to show my talent.”
Handicrafts had a strong showing at the event as well. Charli Strother exhibited her crocheted granny square, one of the many things Charli likes to make with her hands.
“I like to sew and knit too,” she said. “I learned how to crochet at an after-school class and it’s a lot of fun to make something useful.”
This was the first year for the event, which Carstens would like to see become an annual tradition.
“We look forward to doing this every year,” he said. “Art is important at the school and it’s great to see the kids involved.”
