The spring semester is blooming, temperatures are rising, and the Nichols arts program is heating up as we work through a busy April! Events on- and off-campus this month allowed students to express and showcase their talents in performing, creative, and visual arts for fellow students, friends, families, and the local community to see.

BPO Side-by-Side

As part of the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra, four Nichols students – Honora Corso ‘25, Duncan Jorgenson ‘28, Oscar Jorgenson ‘26, and Autumn Xiao ‘30 – played alongside the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra as part of the annual Side-by-Side concert earlier this month at Kleinhans Music Hall. The four Vikings are part of an all high-school aged ensemble, totaling nearly 130 members, and play four shows per year in the local community. 

“It’s my favorite concert to play by far,” mentioned Corso, who plays viola with the GBYO. “It’s incredible to be able to play with the BPO musicians. They’re professionals, and we’re high schoolers, but it’s so cool to be able to play alongside them. It’s such an educational and transformative experience.” 

From April 9-12, the Nichols theater program, in conjunction with Music Theater International, put on four performances of Seussical in the Flickinger Performing Arts Studio. The musical takes some of Dr. Seuss’ most famous characters – Horton Hears a Who and the Cat in the Hat amongst them – and weaves songs into a story of friendship, loyalty, and love. The show marked the first full-length, upper-school musical performed on Nichols school grounds in more than 30 years. 

The cast and crew, comprised of current 7th-12th grade students, brought the vibrant play to life through charismatic acting and powerful voices. And while the finished product was a musical masterpiece, it’s just the foundation for what’s in store for the futures of these performers. 

“All the performing skills that I’ve learned here at Nichols are a big reason why I got into college,” said senior Zach Amdur, who is still undecided about his college choice but will continue pursuing the arts. “I’m excited to be able to apply these abilities I’ve learned as I continue to chart my own path.”

The 24th annual Flick Fest was hosted at North Park Theatre, where students showed off their filmmaking skills. Not only did they come together for a headlining film for the festival, but they also curated the show and coordinated the entire evening put the night together. The genres spanned from stop-motion animation to horror films and exercises in perspective and emotion. A special congrats to Theo Montante, whose “Day in the Life of My Dog” won Best Picture at Flick Fest 2025!

All of the hard work throughout the year was recognized….and seen on the big screen!

Last week, Middle Schoolers showed off projects they’ve been working on all year long at the Spring Arts Party. Some students set the mood with dulcet tones from the keyboard in the Regan Hall lobby, while parents grabbed a grazing plate and move throughout to see the magnificent art. Pieces included kiln-fired clay drink mugs and teapots, a full display of some wonderfully crafted interpretations of trees and branches, and even some drawings of puppies! Plus, all the attendees contributed to the party as they were able to take part in adding their own drawing to a community-inspired arts project. 

Upstairs in the dance studio, the performing arts were on display with a student-led dance workshop to showcase some new moves. 

The evening culminated in the Flickinger Performing Arts Center for Madison White’s senior project, a ‘Nichols Got Talent’ 5th-12th grade talent show! Guest judges scored acts ranging from performances by a string quartet, a pianist, an improvisational song, a ukulele performance, a guitar solo, a ventriloquist, and so much more!

The Upper School took its turn at recognizing some of the Spring arts standouts. In addition to some acts previously mentioned here, there was a special shout-out for the Saakumu Dance Troupe, out of Ghana, who put on a show for the freshman class. They are an African drumming, dance, and circus group, and really brought the energy!

Some other students who got their time on the big screen included:

The breadth and depth of our students’ success is truly amazing. A huge thank you to all of our amazing staffers who were along for the journey!

Cassi Ott, a Buffalo-based artist and muralist, held her “Synchronized Frequencies” art opening in the Nichols School Gallery. Ott, who creates joyful work flooded with vibrant flowers and rainbows, explores both natural and built environments through layers of color and examines how those surroundings can impact our frame of mind, memories, and sense of well-being. 

While on campus, Ott also worked with students and teachers to create a community art installation for the FPAC gallery windows. Her work will be on view until June 20.

The arts are still cooking on campus as we flip our calendars over to May. Get ready for the Upper School Spring Concert (May 1 - FPAC), AP Art & Design Show (May 14 - K Art Gallery), and Middle School Spring Play (May 14 - MS Pond) as our students continue to showcase their growth in every dimension. 

Closing Remarks
“I think the arts are more important now than ever because of the skills they allow students to develop,” said Kristen Kelley, instructor of Upper School Theater at Nichols. “Students are finding it challenging to communicate with one another, in person and off-screen. All art forms, visual and performing, help you find new ways to express thoughts, whether it be through creative media or self-expression.”