Excellence and Opportunity in the Arts
ʻIolani School's visual and performing arts programs continue to be beacons of excellence and opportunity. With 32 performing arts groups and over 160 annual performances, nearly 950 Upper School students participate in the Performing Arts program. The Visual Arts program engages more than 870 Upper School students through 18 diverse course offerings, including Advanced Placement classes.
ʻIolani Arts Program Achievements
- Scholastic Arts Awards in the past five years include: 104 Gold Awards (eight National Gold Awards) and 88 Silver Awards (15 National Silver Awards)
- Stage Band has performed by invitation at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Konan Jazz Festival, Matsukata Music Festival and International Jazz Festival in Ibbenburen, Germany
- The ‘Iolani Dramatic Players traveled to Scotland to perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe three different times
- Five National Orchestra Championships in five years
- Orchestra has been invited to perform at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Conference, and the London Invitational Concert Series
- Masters Classes are regularly held with guest teachers such as acclaimed violinist Jinjoo Cho, founder of ENCORE Chamber Music, an international summer chamber music festival and institute in Cleveland
- ‘Iolani Dance Team national competition Gold Division winner
Performing Arts at ʻIolani
The Performing Arts Department offers comprehensive instruction in band, orchestra, stage band, chorus, dance, Orff ensemble, musical theatre, and theatre. Students showcase their talents on campus, across the community, and during national and international tours. The department collaborates with the ʻIolani Dramatic Players to produce a fall play and spring musical annually.
Visual Arts at ʻIolani
The Visual Arts program nurtures each student's unique perspective, encouraging exploration and innovation. Students develop their artistic voice through self-discovery, mastering various media and techniques. The program aims to cultivate skilled, confident, and self-aware artists.
Students benefit from workshops led by visiting professional artists, field trips to museums and galleries, and opportunities to exhibit their work both on and off campus. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary connections, integrating art with other subject areas.
By supporting the arts at ʻIolani, you contribute to a rich tradition of creativity and excellence, providing students with transformative experiences that shape their artistic journeys and personal growth.