![NYC]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1743790373/cannonschoolorg/fmbltdc8kghtqcy2znhg/nyc.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1743790373/cannonschoolorg/fmbltdc8kghtqcy2znhg/nyc.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1743790373/cannonschoolorg/fmbltdc8kghtqcy2znhg/nyc.jpg","width":800}])
This March, 42 Cannon School students in the arts embarked on an unforgettable field trip to New York City, a city synonymous with artistic excellence and cultural vibrancy. The trip was a unique opportunity for students in music, visual arts, and theater to come together for the very first time in what the arts faculty hopes to make a tradition: an Upper School arts trip.
For years, different arts departments at Cannon—music, theater, and visual arts—had ventured to NYC on separate trips, but there had never been a chance for the entire arts department to travel together. That changed this year when Middle School Orchestra Director Anne Marie Samuel suggested the idea of a trip that would unite all arts students. From there, a team of passionate arts educators came together to design a weekend experience that would be both educational and inspiring.
On the first day, the group split up to dive into different aspects of NYC’s arts scene. Theater students toured the offices of Serino Coyne, where Cannon alum Madeline Hurley '11, a Clio award winner, shared insights into the business side of Broadway. The rest of the group explored Radio City Music Hall before heading to see The Great Gatsby. The dazzling show left students in awe, and the cherry on top was visiting the stage door after the show, where students had the chance to meet two of the stars, Sarah Hyland and Ryan McCartan. Ryan’s generous spirit and willingness to interact with our students made the experience even more special.
Day 2 was packed with inspiration. The students toured Lincoln Center, stood on stage where the NY Philharmonic performs, and visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Varsity Chorus members also got a special treat with a visit to First Presbyterian Church to hear organist Michael Shake and sing a few pieces. The night capped off with a spectacular performance by the NY Philharmonic, featuring renowned saxophonist Timothy McAllister—who just happens to be a former teacher of our own Megan Hughes. Thanks to Mrs. Hughes, some of our music students had the privilege of meeting Mr. McAllister at the stage door after the performance, where he shared stories and signed autographs.
The last day was more relaxed, allowing students time to recover and enjoy classic NYC tourist experiences—exploring Times Square, shopping, wandering through Chelsea Market, and, of course, sampling a wide variety of the city’s famous cuisine.
While the arts-focused experiences were undoubtedly the highlights of the trip, the real value went beyond the activities and performances. This journey helped students see the arts in a new light—not just as a field of study, but as a dynamic industry with endless opportunities for growth, creativity, and innovation. For many students, it was a moment to connect with their own identities as artists and to realize the immense power of art to inspire, challenge, and transform.
A special thank you to our faculty chaperones—Rob Burlington, Anne Marie Samuel, Megan Hughes, and Andy Macdonald—for their dedication to making this experience possible. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for our Cannon artists, and we look forward to many more trips like this in the years to come!