Celebrating the Arts: ODA’s Young Musicians, Artists, and Performers Shine

From commanding the stage to capturing the essence of creativity through music and visual art, The Out-of-Door Academy’s student performers and artists continue to inspire. Their recent accomplishments highlight the dedication, talent, and passion that make ODA’s arts programs exceptional.

Jazz Under the Stars In a night of smooth rhythms and vibrant melodies, ODA’s annual Jazz Under the Stars concert filled Waterside Park with soulful music. Against a picturesque sunset, the sounds of brass, percussion, electric guitar, and keyboard created a magical evening for families, educators, and community members who came to celebrate our talented musicians.

Arts Alliance Dinner: Building Community Following Jazz Under the Stars, members of the ODA community came together for a post-performance dinner, a new tradition sponsored by the Arts Alliance. The evening provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our successes, strengthen connections, and celebrate the incredible strides our students continue to make in creative expression. 

Strike Up the Band Thirty-eight of our talented band students participated in the District 11 solo and ensemble Music Performance Assessment, and their performances left us beaming with pride. Every single student received “Superior” and “Excellent” ratings, a testament to their dedication and skill. A few standouts deserve special recognition: our Upper School percussion ensemble, which earned a Superior rating for the second consecutive year; our Middle School percussion ensemble, participating in this event for the first time; and senior Celia Rayman, who has qualified to perform at the State Solo and Ensemble event in March. This year marked the largest group of students we've ever had participate in this prestigious event, and we couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and achievements.

A Symphony of Success Our Middle and Upper School orchestra students are reaching new heights, earning top honors at state-level festivals and delivering breathtaking performances. At the district Music Performance Assessment, Zoe Bukovac '30, Sadie BySura '30, Nate Loretan '29, Jason Mayden '31, Stella Mejicanos '30, and Brody Rose '27 received the highest rating of "Superior" for their outstanding solo and ensemble performances.

Further accolades go to Zoe Bukovac '30, Brody Rose '27, and Kaitlyn Roman '25, who represented ODA at the prestigious Florida Music Educators Conference in Tampa. These dedicated musicians mastered challenging works from Wagner to Rimsky-Korsakov, worked with distinguished conductors, and delivered unforgettable performances.

Lastly, ODA’s Sarasota Youth Orchestra musicians recently played alongside other budding young performers from around our area, showcasing the works of composer Soon Hee Newbold. ODA students included Zoe Bukovac ’30, Magnus Kaminsky ’32, Jason Mayden ’31, Nate Loretan ’29, Stella Mejicanos ’30, and Alessandra Prete ’29. It was a memorable evening of music and collaboration.

Voices That Inspire Breaking records, ten ODA Upper School students participated in the Manatee All-County Honors Choir—our largest group yet! These talented singers had the unique opportunity to collaborate with Grammy Award-winning conductor Dr. Jeffery Redding, an experience that strengthened their skills, teamwork, and love for choral music.

Artistic Excellence Recognized ODA’s visual artists also made their mark, with seven Upper School students earning recognition in the prestigious Scholastic Art Awards. Their winning entries, spanning ceramics and studio art, showcase creativity, innovation, and masterful technique. Congratulations to Andrew Basler '27, Ava Dierken '25, Izabella DeToma '25, Vivian Hugill '28, Norah Meyer '27, Gavin Triviño '27, and Jocelyn Williams '28 for this incredible achievement.

"The Curious Savage" Captivates Audiences On the theatrical stage, the cast and crew of "The Curious Savage" delivered three outstanding performances, captivating audiences with a perfect blend of humor and heartfelt emotion. Under the direction of Mr. Gabe Saienni, the production transported audiences into a world where kindness and eccentricity triumph over greed and hypocrisy. The talented ensemble brought John Patrick’s beloved comedy to life, leaving the audience both laughing and reflecting on the true nature of compassion.

Lower School Dazzles at Grandfriends Day The Lower School put on performances to remember during the Siesta Key and Clark Road Grandfriends Day celebration, captivating our visitors with an inspiring mix of musical performances. Our students’ energy, talent, and enthusiasm filled the air, leaving the audience visibly impressed by the depth and range of their artistic abilities. 

ODA’s commitment to the arts continues to enrich our school community. Congratulations to all of our musicians, artists, and performers for their extraordinary accomplishments—your passion and dedication inspire us all!