Branson's annual Festival of Arts (FAB) brought the community together for a celebration of student creativity, performance, and artistic expression across campus in May.
The festivities began on May 14 with a high-energy performance by Branson's Rock Band at HopMonk Tavern in Novato. Student musicians delivered an electrifying set featuring music from a variety of genres, setting the stage for a weekend dedicated to the arts. View the photos from the evening by Wedge Creative.
On May 16, students, families, faculty, staff, and friends gathered on Branson's upper campus for a full day of performances and exhibitions showcasing the breadth of the school's arts programs.
The Dance Program presented an engaging collection of student-choreographed works alongside seven dynamic hip-hop pieces created in collaboration with guest choreographer Bianca Zogbi. The performances highlighted the creativity, technical skill, and artistic voices of Branson's student dancers.
The Theater Program entertained crowds with an engaging lineup of performances. Beginning Acting students demonstrated their improvisational talents through interview-style improv and selections from the TheaterSports repertoire. Intermediate Acting students performed Pride at Southhanger Park, a comedic parody inspired by Pride and Prejudice that explored the chaos that unfolds when theatrical productions go spectacularly wrong.
Advanced Acting students presented The Review, a heartfelt and humorous story about a multigenerational Sicilian family navigating change after a devastating one-star restaurant review threatens their beloved family business. The day also featured a performance by Branson's renowned improvisation troupe, The Markers, who transformed an audience-suggested title into a completely original play.
Beyond the performing arts, FAB showcased an impressive range of visual art and interdisciplinary projects across campus. The New House Gallery, Maxwell Garden, and World Ready Center featured student artwork spanning a variety of artwork like paintings, prints, photographs, and a collaborative installation by the Intermediate Sculpture students and artists from Cedars. View photos from throughout the day by Robert M. Becker Photography.
Visitors also had the opportunity to tour Branson's Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), guided by students in the Sociology of Housing course. Alongside the tours, students presented Impact Projects developed in support of local organizations addressing the affordable housing crisis, demonstrating how classroom learning can translate into meaningful community engagement.
Music performances throughout the day highlighted the breadth of Branson's music program. Students in Music 1 and A Cappella performed selections tracing the evolution of American popular music, while Music II and the Branson Singers performed favorites spanning several decades.
The Digital Music & Composition class premiered original scores created for scenes from well-known films, reimagining familiar stories through innovative sound design and composition. Chamber Music students and the Branson Singers presented Invitation to Love: From Hildegard to Hagenberg, a program that explored nearly a thousand years of musical history, connecting medieval and contemporary works through themes of love and human connection.
The Jazz Ensemble concluded the festival's musical offerings with a spirited program celebrating the sounds of New Orleans and a powerful interpretation of Pink Floyd's Us and Them. In collaboration with Digital Music & Composition students, the performance highlighted both artistic excellence and thoughtful exploration of themes including unity, history, and reflection.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees gathered under the Blue Cedar and around the World Ready Center to enjoy lunch catered by Pig in a Pickle, sponsored by the Parents' Association.
By the end of the day, FAB 2026 demonstrated the remarkable creativity, dedication, and talent of Branson students. From visual arts and design to theater, dance, music, and community-centered projects, the festival offered a powerful reminder of the role the arts play in fostering curiosity, connection, and creative expression.