The Willow School Band Joy to the World Holiday Concert
Jazz, R&B + Classics
The Broadside, 600 N. Broad Ave.
Friday, Dec. 12, 6:00-7:30pm
Tickets: $10 in advance; $20 at the door
Get in the holiday spirit with The Willow School's 50-piece symphonic band and a rockin' concert of jazz, R&B and classic tunes. Ticket sales support the band and New Orleans' up and coming musicians!
Willow students + siblings free with school ID.
Doors open at 5pm. Buy your tickets here: https://www.simpletix.com/e/willow-school-holiday-concert-tickets-248298
High School CAVA Students Experience “All the Colors We Are”
High School Certificate of Artistry in Visual Arts (CAVA) students had the special opportunity to attend an artist talk with New Orleans–based artists Anthony “BE3K” Badon and Tyla A. Maiden, whose exhibition All the Colors We Are is currently featured in the school's Cave Gallery through December 2025.
During the visit, students explored themes of identity, storytelling, and creative collaboration, hearing directly from BE3K and Tyla about how their friendship and life experiences inform their vibrant portraits and mixed-media works. The discussion encouraged students to reflect on how art can illuminate both personal narrative and community connection.
All the Colors We Are celebrates identity, friendship, and the beauty of our shared stories — a message that deeply resonated with Willow’s young artists.
Gallery Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Students spent Friday, Nov. 14 and Saturday, Nov. 15 in focused rehearsals, culminating in a beautiful Saturday afternoon performance held in the community. Guided by experienced guest conductors, both the Youth and Senior High choirs brought energy, skill, and collaboration to every moment.
A total of 11 middle grade singers and 4 high school singers participated, showcasing dedication, teamwork, and a love of music. We are proud of their commitment and the artistry they shared.
Congratulations to all who took part in this inspiring experience.
Willow seventh-grade students had an exciting opportunity to attend the High School Certificate of Artistry Foundations session this week. The event introduced students to the wide range of arts pathways available at the high school level—including visual arts, music, theater, dance, and creative writing.
Through hands-on demonstrations, discussions, and teacher-led rotations, students gained a glimpse into the creative process behind each discipline. The session encouraged them to think about how their artistic interests could grow into focused study and performance opportunities in the future. This experience is part of Willow’s way of helping students discover their passions and prepare for future participation in the Certificate of Artistry program.
The Certificate of Artistry program continues to connect young creatives across campuses, nurturing the next generation of Willow artists.
Armstrong Masterclass Inspires Willow Musicians
Willow High School music students participated in an extraordinary Armstrong Masterclass led by teacher Kent Jordan along with Jonathan Bloom and guest artists from the Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Jazz Camp. The session brought New Orleans’ musical heritage directly into the classroom, transforming it into a living workshop on jazz artistry, cultural history, and creative discipline.
Through this immersive educational experience, students explored the foundations of jazz interpretation, ensemble communication, and improvisational technique—skills that form the heart of Louisiana’s musical legacy. Guest artists demonstrated the connections between historical jazz traditions and modern performance practice, offering students firsthand insight into how professional musicians approach collaboration and expression.
The Armstrong Masterclass underscores Willow’s commitment to integrating authentic cultural experiences into arts education, ensuring that students not only study the arts but also learn directly from those shaping them today.
Get ready to glow at this year’s Willow School Block Party (Wednesday, Nov. 19, 5-8pm) with our limited-edition 2025 Block Party shirts designed by CAVA student D. Rodriguez!
These shirts are available by preorder only — and orders close this Friday, Nov. 7, at 8pm! Printed on a sleek black base with fluorescent inks, these shirts will make you and your child(ren) shine bright at our Glow Stations throughout the event.
Shirts will be delivered to student homerooms the week of the event. Staff shirts will be delivered to the office of the campus you work at the week of the event.
Order your shirts here: https://willowschoolptsa.membershiptoolkit.com/store/product/BLOCSHIRT25
Willow juniors participated in a service-learning field trip with Common Ground Relief to help plant native trees and restore the coastal islands that protect our community from storms and floodwaters. It was a meaningful opportunity for students to connect with their environment, apply what we have been learning in the field, and contribute to local restoration efforts. Thus far, they have planted 600 trees at Bayou Bienvenue!!!
During his visit, Makamson also shared photos of a famous Fortier alum-- John Kennedy Toole, author of the quintessential New Orleans novel (and 1981 Pulitzer Prize winner), Confederacy of Dunces. "Ken Toole" appears in the 1953-54 Fortier (Tarpon) yearbook and the school newspaper, Silver and Blue. Makamson also found a photo of the library in the 1953-54 yearbook-- and it looks very similar to our library today!
Photos: The Fortier library as it appeared in 1953-54; Makamson goes through Fortier school newspapers from the 1930s; John Kennedy Toole as he appears in the Fortier yearbook and school newspaper, 1953-54.
