DPSCD students to grace Fox Theatre stage for ‘Evening of Fine Arts’

May 5, 2026

The Detroit Public Schools Community District is hosting its 57th annual Evening of Fine Arts at the Fox Theatre, featuring approximately 760 middle and high school students performing in 27 different acts. The free event will showcase diverse artistic talents including jazz and marching bands, orchestras, choirs, dance performances, and a musical preview, while also displaying original artwork from six students in the theater lobby. Students from seven DPSCD schools will participate, with performances selected through a competitive application process where teachers submit video entries that are judged and scored.

Who is affected

Approximately 760 Detroit middle and high school students performing in the event
Students from Detroit School of Arts, Cass Technical High School, Renaissance High School, Western International High School, John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy, and Duke Ellington Conservatory of Music and Art
Six student artists whose work will be displayed in the lobby
Donnivin Walker (senior at Detroit School of Arts, trombone player)
Victoria Fernholz (director of the DSA Jazz Band)
Andrew McGuire (deputy executive director of DPSCD's office of fine and performing arts)
DPSCD art and music teachers who submit student work
Members of the general public who can attend the free performance

What action is being taken

The Detroit Public Schools Community District is hosting the 57th annual Evening of Fine Arts at 6 p.m. Wednesday
Around 760 students are performing in 27 performances
Six students' original artwork is being displayed in the Fox Theatre lobby
The DSA Jazz Band is performing the song "La Fiesta" with Donnivin Walker performing a solo

Why it matters

This event is significant because it provides Detroit public school students with the opportunity to perform on a prestigious professional stage at the Fox Theatre, validating their artistic talents and hard work. The showcase demonstrates the strength and quality of arts education within the Detroit Public Schools Community District, allowing students to share their creative voices with the broader community. For students like Donnivin Walker, these performances represent important milestones in their artistic development and help prepare them for future careers in the arts. The event also highlights the district's commitment to fine and performing arts education despite challenges often faced by urban public school systems.

What's next

Donnivin Walker plans to attend Wayne State University in the fall to study jazz under Professor Vincent Chandler
Walker intends to pursue a lifelong music career, whether performing gigs, becoming a band director, or working as a composer

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com