Students Countywide Celebrate Arts at Merced County Performing Arts Festival

More than 300 students from schools across Merced County gathered on Jan. 22–24 for a weekend dedicated to music, theater and performances during the second annual Merced County PerformingArts Festival.

On Thursday and Friday, middle and high school students participated in a series of workshops led by professional artists and educators, followed by a performance by the Merced County Honor Choir. Multiple school districts across the county were represented in the 75-minute performance.

Workshop presenters included representatives from Opera Modesto, UC Merced, California State University Fresno, Merced College, Merced Shakespearefest, Phoenix Creative Collective and Cien Ojos.

The goal of the Merced County Performing Arts Festival is to increase literacy and academic achievement through music, strengthen connections among arts students, teachers and programs, expand student participation in the arts and sustain long-term support for arts educators and administrators.

The festival was organized by the Merced County Office of Education in collaboration with the Central Valley Opportunity Fund, Merced County Education Foundation, the California Thespian Society, Merced Theatre and the Merced County Arts Council. Additional support was provided through troupe assistance and donations from local organizations.

The Merced County Performing Arts Festival is supported through the Merced County Office of Education Performance Opportunity Project, or Merced POP, which was approved for a three-year expansion after its pilot year in 2024–25. The expansion ensures that the Merced County PerformingArts Festival will return for a third and fourth year.