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Highland council approves Painted Pianos festival; Highland Music School performs at meeting
Summary
The Highland City Council approved Highland Music School’s request to host a Painted Pianos festival on May 3, 2025; owner Angelina McLaughlin‑Heil described the school’s growth, its 250 weekly students and community offerings, and students performed at the meeting.
The Highland City Council on April 7 approved a special event permit for Highland Music School’s Focus on the Arts Festival, which will include a Painted Pianos installation and music performances on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Councilwoman Peg Bellm moved the approval; Councilwoman Sloan seconded and the motion passed with Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voting aye.
Owner Angelina McLaughlin‑Heil told the council the music school began seven years ago and has grown from temporary locations to a downtown‑square studio. "We have a lot of community support," she said, and described the program’s scale: about 250 students attend weekly and the school employs 22 faculty. McLaughlin‑Heil said the Highland Youth Orchestra, led by Mr. Allen, has three levels and that the Painted Pianos would remain on the square for about a month, with performances the day of the festival.
Council members indicated support for the proposal and approved the special event application. The school said it will coordinate timing so pianos are removed before the Schweizerfest event. Students from a local homeschooling group performed two violin pieces and a guitar selection for council members and attendees during the presentation.
The festival approval allows the Highland Music School to proceed with event preparations and public notifications ahead of May 3.
