Marshall Fundamental School to Host Visual and Performing Arts Fall Festival

Musicians, dancers and actors will take the stage at Marshall Fundamental School on Friday with the return of the school’s Visual and Performing Arts Annual Fall Festival, organizers said.

After a hiatus brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival is scheduled to take place at 5 p.m. at the campus, 990 N. Allen Ave., according to Marshall. The event will be held on two separate outdoor stages, and all guests must wear masks, regardless of vaccination status.

“The festival begins in the North Quad with performances by dance and band, followed by a brief intermission,” student organizers said in a written statement. “The concert will continue in the South Quad with performances by the choir, orchestra and drama.”

Students from all levels will take part, from beginner to advanced.

Marshall Orchestra Instructor Heather King said the musical lineup would include “some really fun superhero music,” as well as “music that I used to play as a kid and really loved.”

Principal Lori Touloumian said she was excited to once again host an in-person community event at the campus.

Following a year of virtual instruction and performances, “I think this performance is extremely meaningful and important, not just for the parents and guardians, but for the students as well,” according to Marshal Choir Organizer and lead festival organizer Jonathan Gould.

“I’m so happy that we’re finally able to perform live again. It gives students the opportunity to practice how to be a live performer, to be professional, to have poise and confidence on stage — something they didn’t get to have last year because of virtual learning,” Gould said.

“We are thrilled to showcase our phenomenal Arts Program at our Fall Festival,” Touloumian said. “We look forward to seeing our families and community members for a magical evening of showcasing music and visual arts on campus.”

Admission to the event is free, however, guests are advised to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets to sit on. Pets will not be permitted.

Food trucks will be on hand.

Marshall Fundamental School is home to a robust arts department, school Assistant Coordinator of Marketing, Student Recruitment and Community Relations Felita Kealing said.

“It encompasses both our middle and our high school students,” Kealing said. “We have a high percentage of our student population that are involved in the arts.”

“We have nine teachers dedicated to the arts… which really adds to our program,” Kealing said. “This way student can have up to seven consecutive years in the same program, which raises the level of the students’ arts experience and performance levels.

More information on Marshall Fundamental School can be found on the school’s website at https://www.pusd.us/marshall.