Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening with Performing Arts
Published March 12, 2023
Volume 166
Tim Hurt - Performing Arts Director
2022-23 PERFORMING ARTS EVENTS
Check back here weekly for concert dates, performances and other Performing Arts events.
March 17-18 District Fine Arts Festival
April 14-15 MS Musical - You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown
April 21-22 Southern Star Band & Orchestra Festival
April 27 Performing Arts Awards Night
May 1 Orchestra Concert
May 2 Band Concert
May 3 MS Talent Show
May 3-5 Marching Lions Auditions
May 5-7 Elementary Drama Club Performances
May 9 Dance Club Recital
May 11 Chorus Concert
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOr - MARCH EDITION
It turns out football and music do have a lot in common. At least for Jason Kelce (NFL - Philadelphia Eagles) and Brandon Facyson (NFL - Indianapolis Colts). Here are two interesting stories of these two individuals and how music enhanced their skill set in all areas of life, and helped them in the professional world of football. One of these is quite close to home…
Jason Kelce is currently a center for the Philadelphia Eagles. He took up the baritone saxophone in middle school and high school, and has attributed his musical experiences to his work ethic and practice routines on the field. “I consider a lot of my growth as a player and as a person happened learning the saxophone: being coached by conductors and teachers, reading sheet music and understanding how to practice by repeating the same thing over and over again and you see how much easier the song becomes,” Kelce said. “If you want to see how very cut-and-dry, how practice can cause you to improve, play an instrument. There’s not going to be anything more cut-and-dry. The first time you play the piano, you’re going to be pretty bad. You’ll get better pretty quick just by practicing. The value of practice and the value in putting in extra time, all of that was taught from music.”
Kelce also had great encouragement from his music and athletic directors. “(Coach) encouraged guys to play sports and band,” Kelce said of Baker. “I always felt like at Cleveland Heights that there wasn’t this separation between band and athletics. All of my best friends and the guys I hung out with, did both.”
“The band works hard and late hours,” said another of his football coaches. “It’s a heck of a commitment when you have to go to practice after you’re getting out of practice. He balanced his studies and he’s just a well-rounded person. What he did has helped him become the man that he is today. He was passionate about all those things and worked everything out.”
To read the full Jason Kelce article, click here https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/jason-kelce-saxophone-2023-super-bowl-lvii-20230210.html?fbclid=IwAR0Qtr8iV2AK2k4wabMwRQuKDjb0FLLBcjPpKHytdID-uLSIkiSOiy23RGo
Brandon Facyson is currently a cornerback for the Indianapolis Colts. Brandon graduated from Northgate High School right here in Newnan, and was heavily involved in the band program under the direction of Alan Armstrong. Here is Alan’s story…
This past Friday evening, I was helping aim our senior families over to a group picture on "Senior Night" when one of our school secretaries called to me "Alan, when you get a second, someone wants to see you". I was preoccupied trying to make sure we got a good picture of all our seniors and assumed it was someone who was upset about something when she called to me again "Alan, you really need to come over". I walked in her direction and then noticed this young man with a huge grin on his face.
8 years after his graduation from our HS, one of the finest young men I've ever had the pleasure to teach had come back home to visit. Brandon played sax in my concert band but also played football. Early in his HS career, the Athletic Director had half jokingly told me one day "you can't have him, he's special" Apparently Brandon had told one of the coaches he really enjoyed music and they were afraid I would try to convince him to give up football and join the marching band.
He played in our concert bands for two years while playing football.
He got out of Band class after his sophomore year to get some extra weight training to bulk up a bit. He did that with my blessing as it had become obvious to everyone that our AD had been right, he WAS special on the football field and I didn't want to hold him back in that area of his life. For his senior year, he asked if he could come back to our Wind Ensemble because he had missed playing his horn. He finished his senior year as a highly recruited Div I quality athlete, a sax player in our top ensemble and an honor graduate as well. He went on to a standout collegiate career where he also prepared for his ultimate goal, being a doctor.
After finishing his collegiate career he earned a spot with the Los Angeles Chargers and now plays for the Indianapolis Colts. When we had a chance to catch up Friday night, I found the same incredibly kind, respectful, amazing young man I had met so many years ago. We caught up for just a minute or two and then I asked if he was still planning to follow through on his long term goal. He assured me that was still the "long term" plan, but said with a grin "I might play a few more years though...." We laughed and I encouraged him to play as long as he wanted and his health held out, but I have NO doubt, this young man will go on to finish his working life as a doctor helping others when he hangs up his uniform for the last time.
Don't ever let ANYONE tell you kids can't perform at a high level and be successful as an athlete, a musician AND a scholar. No one said it was easy but I've learned over the years to never put MY limits on kids who wanted to push the boundaries of what people thought was possible, even if one of "those people" was me.
I hope one day EVERY teacher gets to teach a kid like Brandon!
-Alan Armstrong is currently the Head Band Director at Northgate High School, where he has taught students music since the school opened in 1996. He is in his 34th year of public school teaching.
HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE
LES MISÉRABLES - All four shows this past weekend were a huge success!! Congratulations to all of the students who participated - you are all amazing!! Check back next week for pics and stories of the show experience. Well done to all!!
MIDDLE SCHOOL THEATRE
YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN
Our Spring show is just around the corner. Rehearsals are now in progress for our upcoming Middle School production of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Performances will be April 14 & 15 - more info to come! Please reach out to Emily Litton at emily.litton@tcslions.org with any questions! We are so proud of our Middle Schoolers and cannot wait to see what they do!
ELEMENTARY THEATRE
DISNEY'S THE JUNGLE BOOK Kids
Congratulations to the two casts of The Jungle Book, Kids! We are so excited about the 70 students we have presenting this story! Performances will be in May and more info to come! Please reach out to Rebekah Kenerly at Rebekah.Kenerly@tcslions.org with any questions!
DANCE CLUB
We are currently in rehearsals for all ages of our Dance Club, PreK through 12th grade. This new offering for our students has become quickly popular, and we are working toward our first Trinity recital! The recital will take place at the Wadsworth Theatre in Downtown Newnan on May 9th at 6pm. More information to come - please reach out to Kelsea Krisle at kelsea.krisle@tcslions.org with any questions.
SUMMER CAMPS - NOW ENROLLING
We have launched registration for our summer camps. Three main areas of interest include Marching Lions / Drum Corps, Drama, and Dance. Please check out the Summer Camp Landing Page for more information or to register. We can’t wait to see you at one or more of our Arts Camps this summer!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES - WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
Many of our parents ask us how they can help. If you are interested in volunteering in any area of the Arts, please fill out the following Google Form. We will make sure your information gets to the correct staff member and we get you plugged in. We have amazing families - thank you in advance for your help!
Google Link: https://forms.gle/gtxp8HwPgRBqgxeu6