Exploring Uruguay, 2024 SAAC Fine Arts

Latin America has a rich and diverse history of many cultures. Near the heart of South America lies Uruguay, a country full of history and artistic expression. A large group of 30 students embarked on a journey through the thunderous Andes to represent Colegio FDR and celebrate the fine arts. 

From the busy streets of Montevideo, the capital city, to the tranquil shores of Punta del Este, each student offered their own unique perspective. This year’s theme Mosaic of Experiences brought together all three fine arts, including Music, Visual Arts, and Drama, with the exception of Digital Media. 

Many students found this experience “exciting and adventurous, [as] SAACs are usually competitive and you don’t always get to see the city”, commented Agustina Gonzalez, a student part of the Visual Arts team. Agustina shared her enthusiasm and appreciation for the arts festival. SAAC Fine Arts is the one activities conference that is not competitive or sports-related. Many students get to share and learn more about their interests and different cultures. The South American Activities Conference (SAAC) Fine Arts Festival hosted nearly 200 students from 7 South American schools to work together in music, drama, visual arts, and digital media. Throughout the 3 day trip, students cooperate together to form beautiful pieces of art. In drama, each school presents its own play which corroborates the theme. Visual arts members from every school collaborate to create an artistic mural displayed on school grounds. Band and Choir students from all 7 schools coordinate to perform musical pieces. All the masterpieces made through the course of the three extensive days are presented and celebrated during the closing ceremony.  

This year FDR presented a student-written play titled “The Bucket List” featuring seven students and a talented director. The play tells the story of a mother consumed by the grief of her son and coping with the traumatic loss. A mosaic of experiences was communicated throughout the play showing the various outcomes of her life. Director Liya Winer worked alongside Mr. Alvaro San Roman, the high school drama teacher, and Ms. Hannah Meltzer, the middle school drama teacher in order to create a touching story. With weeks to prepare, perform, and develop the script, Liya and the drama team were able to succeed. As a team that had never worked together before there were times when struggles arose, “sometimes we would struggle to connect with each other and our characters,” stated Liya, but with time and rehearsals, each member of the team contributed to the stagecraft. All around the entirety of the play was constructed throughout details and conveyed a heavy meaning to the audience. 

As for our talented artists, they helped create a beautiful mosaic mural made out of tiles and paint. With each brushstroke, they helped bring the experience alive. The talented team of six students alongside the guide of Ms. Rosa Maria del Busto produced a panorama celebrating the art of expression and Uruguayan culture. Furthermore, each artist brought their own tile displays, all made out of ceramic with intricate designs bordering the pieces. All the way from Lima, Peru the tile displayed complimented the mosaic of experiences each artist underwent. Belen Lopez-De-Romaña remarked on the new learning experience it was working with mosaic tiles. It was “completely different from anything [she had] ever worked on before”, but even so it was a huge learning curve. “I didn’t think I’d enjoy it as much as I did.” She remarked.  

With every note they played, band and choir students harmonized with the entire audience at the fine arts festival. With the support from Ms. Carlotta Mestanza, alongside the other school's musicians, the amazing melodies came to life. The six band members and three choir singers orchestrated an amazing concert. Different songs were played throughout the exposition such as (find the song's names). Through their collaborative efforts, these talented musicians orchestrated a symphony of sound. 

The media crew worked relentlessly hard throughout the entire festival, following and capturing unforgettable memories. From the drama workshops, to the mosaic mural, to the music concert not once did they put their camera down. From FDR the duo of two, Pablo Alvarez and Charlotte Bolina, together with other non-FDR media crew members made incredible, one-of-a-kind videos for the closing ceremony. Each significant moment is captured by the crew in hopes of assembling the grand video. 

Aside from the creation of mosaic murals, dramatic plays, and harmonious music, each art division indulged in learning groups and visits around the city. Visual artists worked on a new artistic technique and expanded their knowledge of culture in the Museum of Art. Drama students participate in various workshops such as techniques with movements and stage fighting. Alongside the drama team, Music and Choir students visited the Montevideo theater familiarizing themselves with the city and culture. Band and Choir members worked with various composers and directors to further enhance their musical abilities.  

During the closing ceremony, almost 200+ SAAC participants including ambassadors and teachers united to sing the famous song “Amor Profundo” by Jaime Roos, concluding the festival with a harmonious note. Each day a rehearsal was conducted in order to make the beautiful moment come to life. 

As the curtains close on this year's SAAC fine arts festival the echoes of creativity and harmony reserve in the hearts of the many students. Each moment of this three-day journey was infused with the vibrancy of cultural exchange and artistic exploration. Under the guidance of dedicated mentors like Ms. Betty Lin and the unwavering support of teachers and peers, Colegio FDR embarked on a transformative odyssey of self-discovery and artistic expression. In the mosaic of experiences that defined this year's SAAC Fine Arts Festival, students discovered their own artistic potential and created unbreakable bonds with others, celebrating the arts and culture.