North Hills Christian School

SALISBURY — North Hills Christian School recently showcased its rapidly expanding fine arts curriculum with the presentation of “A Song in the Air.”

Even with the Helen Kelly Smith Gymnasium set up to maximize seating, the program has become so popular that the performances were staged on two evenings.

Tuesday evening, the talents of high school students were showcased to a full house of several hundred parents and guests as the school kicked off a week of fine arts celebrations.

The upper school’s performance started with a drama presentation. Lead by Norvell Children’s Theater director and choreographer and NHCS drama instructor Gwen Matthews, the students demonstrated their ability to tell a story from the stage as they performed “Run in Such a Way.” Later in the program, the drama students returned to the stage with “Tell the World.”

Next up, the middle and high school chorus, led by music instructor Susan Wilson, demonstrated vocal abilities singing everything from the South African folk song “Babethandaza” to Bach’s “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring.” The performance featured solos by several students as well as accompanists on piano, flute and guitar and a percussion ensemble.

The evening closed with a performance of North Hill’s growing band. More than 75 band students, under the direction of Keith Howe, performed music ranging from jazz to march. The band’s final number, “Appalachian Folk Dance,” allowed those in attendance a sneak peek of the band’s performance at a regional competition at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

As the week’s fine arts celebration continued, Thursday night featured the up-and-coming talent of more than 170 students from the lower school.

Again with a packed house, the evening featured choral presentations from junior kindergarten to fifth-grade students. Third-graders demonstrated their blossoming musical skills with a traditional piece, “Frere Jacques,” played by a percussion ensemble. Fourth- and fifth-grade students serenaded with their recorders, and the evening closed down with a choral presentation.

The leadership of North Hills Christian School expressed appreciation for the efforts of so many people to make the celebration of the fine arts a success.

Maria Lowder, North Hills executive director, stressed how in addition to the ever increasing academic goals the school has set for itself, school leaders also understand the importance of exposing students to the fine arts and helping them develop their talents.

The school’s recent addition of a dedicated band room and art facility will in the near future be matched by facilities capable of showcasing the drama department.

To learn more about NHCS, contact Jeannie Ogg at 704-636-3005, Ext. 109.