January 2026 Newsletter

A Note from FAB President Polly Schmidt

It's not too late to make a contribution to our Play It Forward Initiative that is raising funds for new instruments! FAB will match all contributions, dollar for dollar, for the first 10,000 dollars donated. No donation is too small — and all funds will be used to purchase much needed instruments for our band, choir and drama programs.

Scan the QR code on our social media, or drop off a check or cash at the high school office in an envelope marked, "FAB — Play it Forward." Thank you for your generosity!

— FAB President Polly Schmidt

Grants & Scholarships

So far, 33 donors have contributed to the Play It Forward campaign for just over $9,000 in funds raised. Can you help us get over the finish line to $10,000?

Nine students entered designs for the Play It Forward poster — the winning design was created by Sophia Lieven.

Grant and scholarship application forms are live and accepting responses:

• Senior Scholarships are due January 30, 2026
• Scholarship Awards Night is May 21, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. (CPAC)
• Camp/Honors Scholarships are accepted year-round, final deadline April 24, 2026

If you have additional questions, email chsfineartsbooster@gmail.com.

— Chair of Grants and Scholarships, Caryn Esten

Drama Program — Chicago Teen Edition

Rehearsals, set design and crew are coming together for the musical, Chicago Teen Edition! Mark your calendars for February 12–15 performances!

• Thursday, Feb. 12 — 7 PM
• Friday, Feb. 13 — 7 PM
• Saturday, Feb. 14 — 7 PM
• Sunday, Feb. 15 — 2 PM

Tickets: Adults $15 / Students & Seniors $10
Visit cpactickets.com for tickets!

Parents, watch for emails about upcoming volunteer opportunities!

— Kristin Jacoby and Jess Vento, Drama Liaisons and Aaron Beatty, Tech Liaison

Vocal Music Program

The CHS Vocal Music students wrapped up the calendar year on a high note with strong performances at our annual winter concert, Comfort and Joy, along with several caroling appearances throughout the community. Students shared their music at the Senior Citizens Turkey Dinner, the Christmas Tree Lighting, Cedar Creek Settlement during Festive Fridays, Bethlehem Experience at Christ Church in Mequon, and a prelude to an MSO concert in the CPAC — wonderful opportunities to connect with our community through song during this festive time of the year!

As we look ahead, all choirs have begun selecting Solo and Ensemble repertoire in preparation for the festival on Saturday, March 14, hosted at Port Washington High School.

We are also excited to welcome Mr. Ben Brenckle, a student teacher from Concordia University–Mequon, to the Vocal Music Department. Mr. Brenckle will be with us through our Spring Concert on Tuesday, May 19.

Questions? Contact Tony Mudra at tmudra@cedarburg.k12.wi.us.

— Kadie Johnson and Heidi Wheeler, Vocal Music Liaisons & Tony Mudra, Director of Choirs

Instrumental Music Program

The Cedarburg Jazz Band played at the Kapco Toy Drive, showcasing several holiday themed charts. Grafton's jazz band was also present, so students were able to listen to one another.

The Winter Concert for the concert and symphonic bands took place on December 16 in the CPAC. Several young contemporary composers were featured, along with the annual performance of Sleigh Ride and this year's marching band show.

On January 13, the jazz band performed their winter concert, Blue, in the CPAC. Anyway, an original composition by Brione Thomas, Brighton Griffin, Ben Ansell, Sam Hackett, Dani Werner and Archie Bloomquist, premiered as the introductory piece of the night. Other charts included: Blue Rondo a la Turk (Brubeck), Blue Feeling (Ellington), Blue Train (Coltrane), Blue Orleans (Hooper), Blue Monk (Monk), Cerulean Blue (Yasinitsky), Afro Blue (Santamaria), and Blue n Boogie (Gillespie/Paperelli).

Student musicians have been enjoying playing in pep band for home basketball games.

Upcoming endeavors include the spring concerts, Solo and Ensemble (March 14, Port Washington High School) and the 2026 marching band show reveal on Tuesday, April 7 at 7pm in the CPAC.

— Jessica Tipkemper, Instrumental Music Liaison & Andrew Westgate, Director of Bands

Visual Art Program

Cedarburg Public Library's Art Display takes place March 9 – April 24, 2026.

The Cedarburg Art Museum will be displaying the work of Hannah Beyer, Ireinz Ratu, Ava Roberts and Amelia Wilson at the Student Art Matters (SAM) exhibit, January 17th – April 26th.

— Megan Hanusa, Visual Art Liaison

Art in the Burg

Applications for the 12th annual Art in the Burg are currently open to the public. To date, we have 50 accepted artists. Our goal is to host 70–75 total artists. Please spread the word and feel free to send any artist recommendations.

This year, the event takes place Saturday, March 21, 10am to 3pm. Admission is $5.

Questions? Email chsartfair@gmail.com to learn more.

— Art in the Burg Liaisons, Kristin Bork and Megan Hanusa

Join the FAB Board!

The FAB board is looking to fill the following roles:

• Treasurer
• Playbill coordinator
• Art in the Burg committee members

FAB meetings are scheduled for just one hour, once a month!

To learn more, please contact us at chsfineartsbooster@gmail.com.

2025–26 FAB Calendar Highlights

* Denotes Visiting Artist Series Performances