“Rhythms of the Desert: High School Bands, Vibrant Rain Gardens, and Capturing Moments”

This week on Arizona Illustrated… the enthusiasm and achievements of the Catalina Foothills Falcon Band; a church, an elementary school, and a nonprofit organization join forces to bring cooling benefits to their community; Erin Cox produces still lifes using family heirlooms, while William Lesch delves into time and space through his innovative and colorful photography.

Foothills Falcon Band

Since 1992, when she started with only 17 students, Foothills icon Renee Shane-Boyd has guided the Catalina Foothills Falcon Band to remarkable individual and group accomplishments. Thanks to a steadfast school district supporting the arts, the program has risen to become the largest marching band in the state.

Cooling our Neighborhood

Prince Elementary, in collaboration with Watershed Management Group and St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church, is developing a rain garden. This garden will cultivate trees and shrubs that will provide cooling shade for the school, serve as food sources for pollinators, and educate students about ecology and the water cycle. When the participating students and parents bring these lessons and tools back to their residences, this initiative has the potential to rejuvenate the entire neighborhood.

Rituals with Erin Cox

The term “routine” often implies a fixed structure that monetizes time and emphasizes productivity. Conversely, “ritual” refers to an activity that can usher an individual into a mindset more favorable for creativity or simply existing. This is the second segment in a series where we engage with individuals to discover their rituals, how they developed, and what significance they bring to their lives. Meet Erin Cox, who initiated the ritual of creating still lives during the pandemic. By utilizing cherished mementos and family heirlooms, the act of designing these vignettes allows her to pause time and pay tribute to her loved ones.

William Lesch – A Continuous Trail

The planet is grander than existence itself. William Lesch’s photographs capture this ever-evolving, living entity we refer to as Earth. He is the chronicler of the eternal present of the Sonoran Desert. This narrative explores both his artistry and his worldview.