Art Club
The Art Club offers visual artists a chance to meet like-minded peers and develop their skills.
In addition to hosting figure-drawing sessions, dance invite poster-making workshops, and other art-related activities, the club regularly reaches out to the local community.
Last year, the club hosted a bake sale for the Kids & Art Foundation, which provides art kits to children undergoing cancer treatment. Club Head Albert Chen ’26 said, “Art Club is not just a community for people who already have experience in visual art; it is designed to encourage as many people to enjoy creating as a community as possible. So, if you want to hone your visual art skills, find a creative community, or simply want to get to know your peers, Art Club is the place for you!”
Songs for Smiles
Songs for Smiles provides a variety of opportunities for students to share music with local communities.
The club regularly gives concerts at local senior homes, community centers, and other venues.
Student musicians also provide music at local church services and offer faculty children lessons free of charge.
On special occasions, including Eco Day or MLK Day, Songs for Smiles organizes concerts which raise thousands of dollars annually for charitable causes, including the local food pantry.
This year, the club is hoping to expand its concert series to more locations in the tri-state area.
Ethan Choi ’26, who regularly participates in events with Songs for Smiles, said, “It’s always a pleasure to perform, especially for the elderly in our local area. You can see their faces light up with excitement and joy when they hear us play or sing. It’s truly a rewarding experience. Songs for Smiles helps me combine two things I love: bringing happiness to people and playing the piano. All the musically inclined must give it a try!”
Club head Max Salzinger ’25 said, “Joining Songs for Smiles is a great way to meet new people and get involved in the local community. From lighting up senior citizens’ days to occasional post-concert ice cream socials, being involved with Songs for Smiles is always a rewarding experience. You do not have to be a classical instrumentalist to join—some of our most popular performances have come from singers, guitarists, and even student bands!”
Tsunami Step Team
Tsunami, the school’s step team, is a dance group led by Kris Lambert ’25, Gabby Mensah ’25, and Kristian Maxwell ’25.
Step is a form of dance in which performers create rhythms using their bodies by clapping, stomping, and vocalizing. The style draws on West African and African American dance traditions and is especially popular in the Greek system at historically Black colleges and universities, where houses compete against one another in public performances.
Team member Abi Kizza ’25 said, “Tsunami has been such a great way to make new friends and step outside of my comfort zone. The dedication and practice has been a great way to branch out and find myself at Hotchkiss. I’m so excited to be on the team for my last year here, and share my love for step with the school. I can’t wait to make waves on stage!”
Tsunami frequently performs at all-school meetings, Revisit Days, and pep rallies.
Students can add their email to the club’s interest form at the upcoming Club Fair on Saturday, September 7.
