AT HOME IN THE NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL

from Trinity Today – Winter 2022

by Trinity Christian Academy - Addison

SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE: SOPHON PHIN

Making Ourselves at Home

Our 7th-/8th-Grade Middle School officially opened to students and families on August 16, and since then our middle-schoolers, faculty and staff have been blessed immensely to have this new, modern learning environment to call home. Renovated fifth- and sixthgrade classrooms also welcomed younger students at the start of the year, and the new Big Blue School Store and Volunteer Center in the MCB have become a hub of activity and fellowship for our whole campus and TCA community.

AND ELIZABETH O’BRIEN AND JENNIFER ROSS, LOWER SCHOOL MUSIC TEACHERS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF M cWHORTER ’05

Rhythm & Rhyme

Lower School classrooms and hallways are regularly filled with the sound of singing, and our music teachers are seeking to fill students’ hearts and minds as well with melodies to inspire and enrich their learning.

N THE LOWER SCHOOL, fine arts classes have always been an important part of the week. Students have the opportunity to develop creativity and boost their cognitive learning in a variety of fun ways. These areas are key to brain development in children, and we love the full, rich programs that our teachers provide. Our music teachers are an integral part of the Lower School, and we are proud of the work that they are doing with our young students.

Did you know that musical intelligence atrophies if not stimulated? Or that musical aptitude stabilizes around age seven? TCA’s Lower School music programs nurture whatever ability your child was born with, beginning in preK and continuing through fourth grade.

Mrs. Ross presents each lesson for preK, kindergarten and first-grade students in a way that motivates and inspires musicality. “We spend a lot of time focusing on being musical and having fun. My goal is that my students enjoy music and begin their formal musical training with the best possible foundation.” After all, what they master here will be with them for the rest of their lives.

So what does a typical lesson look like? Early childhood students enter the music room in a line while Mrs. Ross leads and sings a song. She plays a new classroom instrument

Ieach week as she’s leading the line. This time it’s a tone block, and last time it was a pair of ladybug maracas. Next, she grabs her ukulele and pretends she’s never played one before. The children are delighted at the silliness and overjoyed when she finally figures out how to play it! Teacher and students pat the beat, sing a welcome song together, then include each child’s name in a greeting. Sitting in a circle, the class is focused as they use their hands to demonstrate a squirrel fingerplay, then another about a secret door or a spider. Next, it’s time to stand up and sing an echo song. Owly the great horned owl is leading “The Wise Old Owl” song. Children sing together in response, then take turns singing to Owly alone. After everyone has had a chance to sing, it’s time to move! Mrs. Ross sings an action song called “The Old Grey Cat.” Pretending to be cats and mice, the students sleep on the floor, then spring into action as the mice scamper. Next comes creative movement, in which the children are asked to create movements. “Today we are fall leaves being blown in the wind!” To everyone’s delight, Flora—Mrs. Ross’s dancing flamingo— demonstrates some artful movements while classical music plays. Students are handed colorful scarves and asked to move it as if the scarf were a leaf, in a way that matches the music.

When the music ends, the scarves are put away, and the children walk to the rainbow rug while singing an old spiritual song called “Walk Together, Children.” This week’s rhythm activity is called “The Minister’s Cat.” Mrs. Ross asks students to think of four words that describe a cat and then fill in the blank: “The minister’s cat is a ________ cat.” Lots of adjectives are suggested and tried: fluffy, cute, grumpy, scaredy. They start patting a beat and echoing the teacher as she says the rhyme including their new descriptive words. This is the beginning of improvisation.

Finally, it’s time to just be still and listen to Mrs. Ross sing a story. There are so many to choose from, but today it’s a folk song from Ireland called “The Leather-Winged Bat.” Just like that, music class is over and it’s time to line up. Even that is done in a musical way, by singing “It’s Good to Be a Good Friend.”

BUILDING ON THE FOUNDATION learned in early childhood music, Mrs. O’Brien introduces her students in second through fourth grade to music literacy (or notation), folk dancing and proper classroom instrument techniques as well as classical music and hymns. Music literacy is first developed with hearing and followed by seeing. It’s much like learning a language—through hearing and recognizing a rhythm pattern by sound, then seeing and recognizing the rhythms by sight.

Folk dancing in music helps the students experience music with their entire body while actively listening to the change in musical patterns that match the movements. The children experience all styles of folk dances, from “Kings and Queens” as if they are royalty to barnyard dances with “Alabama Gal” to good, old-fashioned square dances. It’s amazing how many smiles are seen among the students as they dance.

Classroom instruments such as xylophones, glockenspiels, drums and tambourines are used in second and third grades. The fourth-grade students discover the basics of the ukulele, such as plucking strings and strumming techniques. In addition to classroom instruments, the students study many orchestral instruments and the four families of the orchestra.

Through listening activities and discussions, the classes learn about classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. The students sing a “hymn of the month” and further dive into the lives of famous hymn writers such as Fanny Crosby, John Newton and Isaac Watts. It is a blessing to hear the voices of children praising God together. As Martin Luther said, “The gift of language combined with the gift of song was only given to man to let him know that he should praise God with both word and music.”

The highlight of the students’ musical experience happens on stage for their yearly concert in the Performing Arts Center. The second-grade classes perform a “Sing and Share” in February as they experience their first performance on the big stage. Third-graders ring in the Christmas season by celebrating our Savior’s birth with their Christmas concert in December. To wrap up their study of Texas, fourth-graders perform “A Tribute to Texas” in May, showcasing our state’s history with songs, stories and square dancing.

The Lower School music program enriches the lives of all of our students and builds the level of learning in all subject areas. The benefits of music for young learners develop language and math skills, encourage social-emotional growth and strengthen a love for worship. Our children have an amazing opportunity each and every day to experience the advantages that music brings to their lives, and we are grateful to offer such a wonderful program.

Jennifer Ross (previous page) is the early childhood music teacher at TCA. She is certified in First Steps in Music, a curriculum that boosts musical intelligence and aptitude, and has completed Orff Level I. She has 18 years of music teaching experience, with all kinds of students ranging in age from babies to sixth-graders. (That’s a lot of songs in her head!)

Elizabeth O’Brien (right) is the Lower School music teacher for grades two through four. She is certified in First Steps in Music and Conversational Solfege. The Conversational Solfege curriculum develops music literacy using the student’s ability to hear what is seen and see what is heard. Elizabeth has six years of music teaching experience. She has a dual bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University in piano performance and piano pedagogy.

Sharing Songs

Spreading Light

REFLECTIONS ON 36 YEARS OF TCA CHOIRS PROCLAIMING THE MAJESTY AND GRACE OF GOD THROUGH THE GIFT OF MUSIC UNDER THE DIRECTION OF NORMA BROWNING

BY FRAN LEGBAND, ASSISTANT HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF M cWHORTER ’05

THE LIGHTS GO DOWN AS THE TCA CHRISTMAS CHORAL CONCERT BEGINS. The decorated trees twinkle, and the oversized nutcracker looks on from the side of the stage as the curtains open. Norma Browning strides across the stage to welcome the audience of admiring parents, faculty, alumni and students. It has been her tradition to start her concerts with the red curtain closed, then opening for the first music selection, reminiscient of a grand opening, as a gesture of thankfulness to those who sacrificed to build our wonderful Performing Arts Center. This year, the opening of the curtain is also like the unwrapping of Mrs. Browning’s final Christmas gift to TCA. The 2022-23 school year marks 36 years at TCA for our legendary choir director and performing arts department head, who plans to retire with the graduating class of 2023. As the men’s and women’s choruses and chorale perform and entertain the audience, Mrs. Browning is as enthusiastic as ever, and having instilled excellence in her students during the many hours of rehearsal, she again inspires their abilities and sparks their joy in the music during this hour of song about the birth of our Lord. This annual gift of a beautiful concert to adorn TCA’s Christmas season is just part of the legacy Mrs. Browning leaves for a community of students, teachers and families who love the sound of the Savior’s praises.

Devotion to Her Craft and Her Calling

“Passion” is a word that often comes up when people speak of Mrs. Browning. Kyle Morrill, head of the Upper School, shared during the Christmas concert, “It’s rare to find someone who has such a passion for this school and for all of her students through the years. . . . Anyone who knows Norma knows she is passionate about what she does.” Passionate about music. Passionate about God’s Word. Passionate about students being nurtured and challenged by both.

Junior Beck Henry characterizes Mrs. Browning as “a hardworking teacher who puts effort into every single aspect of her job.” And Payne Bator, also a junior, says of her, “Mrs. Browning puts so much effort into each individual song we practice in order to ensure that we excel in our performances, and this attention to detail is the greatest thing a teacher can have.”

Junior Max Burchett adds, “Mrs. Browning daily represents Christ’s love towards her students and is passionate in everything she does.”

That passion has been a driving factor of the success of the TCA choral program over the years. One measure of that success has been TCA’s involvement in the Texas Private School Music Educators Association. The TPSMEA’s All-Region Choir allows outstanding vocalists, chosen by audition, to join other students from private and parochial schools in the area to stretch their musical abilities even further, spending a weekend with inspiring choir clinicians and preparing a concert of challenging and uplifting vocal music. For a number of years TCA has had over 20 students each year selected for the AllRegion Choirs, and this fall, Mrs. Browning’s students set a record of 29 students receiving the honor, the largest group from TCA ever! Additionally, three students are advancing to the TPSMEA All-State Choir, where they will have the opportunity to learn and perform with some of the most talented young musicians, and some of the most accomplished choral directors, anywhere in the country.

In speaking about what fuels her continued passion in her work with the TCA choirs, Mrs. Browning remarked

“Mrs. Browning reminds us that we are singing for the glory of God because He has given us the ability to make music with our voices for this purpose.”

—DANIEL RICHARDSON, SENIOR

that she loves analyzing the text or lyrics of choral works, “examining them in the light of Scripture.” Mrs. Browning believes that “words matter,” and critical thinking is key to telling redemptive stories through music. She always takes time in class and at her performances to instruct about the songs’ meanings. This year’s Christmas concert began with the piece “Carry the Light,” and wanting to make sure the audience understood clearly what light the inspiring lyrics were truly pointing to, Mrs. Browning included a reading from the Gospel of John, chapter one: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. . . . In him was life, and that life was the light of the world. The light shone in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Mrs. Browning has always wanted the stories that are told on the TCA stage to point to the truth of God’s grace. One of Mrs. Browning’s favorite choir memories and most meaningful ones was inaugurating the TCA Performing Arts Center with a production of Les Misérables, a complex and nuanced story about being lost and found by God. Viewing the Conductor’s Stand from the Choir

This year brings to an end a career that touched literally thousands of students. The following words of thanks from some of those students express what an impact she has had, and continues to have, at TCA.

One of Mrs. Browning’s award-winning students, junior Sneha Daniel, said of her, “In the three years I’ve been in choir at TCA, I have really enjoyed my experience. Through helping me prepare for auditions and even giving me opportunities to play the violin at concerts, Mrs. Browning has always been encouraging and supportive. My favorite choir experience was last year’s All-State clinic and concert, as it was filled with music and laughter. I am immensely grateful to Mrs. Browning as she has shaped me as a singer and musician.”

Mrs. Browning’s desire to make an impact with God’s truth has resonated with another of her students, senior Daniel Richardson, who remarked, “Mrs. Browning’s passion for music has given me a new perspective on

singing, as she reminds us that we are singing for the glory of God because He has given us the ability to make music with our voices for this purpose. The unique camaraderie that Mrs. Browning creates in the classroom and her passion for creating music are a few of the things that I most appreciate about her. I never knew how much I enjoyed singing until I joined choir and realized how the uniqueness of the choir classroom offers a time to refresh our minds through singing. Mrs. Browning’s uplifting encouragement and persistent pursuit of perfection have helped develop in me a love for singing that I never knew I had. For me, singing as a part of the tenors is like being a part of a tight-knit team, as the individual members of the group support each other to create a beautiful sound that is not possible without each member contributing diligently.”

Alumna Ashley Alvarado Langley ’12 shared what Mrs. Browning’s teaching and guidance has meant to her: “Mrs. Browning gifted me two great treasures. The first was her thoughtful selection of songs, which have stayed with me well past graduation. These songs helped me memorize poems, supported me in challenging seasons, and created special traditions for choir students. Any former choir member can attest that there was no feeling quite like that of receiving sheet music for ‘The Bells’ or ‘The Power and the Glory’ again. The second treasure was her unfailing support. She granted me countless opportunities to practice my musical gifts, and I was blessed to have someone who championed me, who believed in what I could achieve and who instilled me with confidence.” Helping Shape the TCA We Know and Love

If you haven’t done the math yet, 36 years means that Mrs. Browning has been a Trojan for most of the school’s history. Norma and Bob Browning married in 1980 after meeting at a Christian school where they both taught in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After Mr. Browning took a job in Dallas with EDS in 1985, the couple settled in Plano. Mrs. Browning soon heard of a small Christian school in Addison, one that was much like her beloved Tulsa school. She missed the opening that TCA had for a choir director by three days but stayed in touch with the school. The new

ABOVE - A scene from TCA’s 2011 production of Les Misérables, including leads Ashley Alvarado Langley ’12, Blake Barnes ’12, Emily Browning Pons ’11, Kyle Cox ’11, Lizzie Dockery Combs ’12 and Blake Henri ’12 LEFT - Norma Browning directing the musicians and vocalists for Les Misérables

hire only lasted a year, and Norma Browning took the job of choir director at TCA in 1986. She was so “impressed with the kids and with the academics” at TCA and felt she could make a difference. What a difference she made! When Mrs. Browning arrived, TCA had no choir uniforms, there was no chorale, and all the students held their music while they sang. She began making changes to take the choral program to new heights. Not only did she buy choir performance uniforms, but she began entering the students in local contests and instituted the practice of the students memorizing their music for performances. Also, the energetic Mrs. Browning brought a more academic and classical aspect to the music choices and performance sets to an enthusiastic student choir. Even the words to our Alma Mater became a part of TCA’s proud tradition thanks to Mrs. Browning. “Working alongside Norma for the past Mrs. Browning’s first musical at TCA was Fiddler on the Roof, in the spring of twenty years has given me a front-row 1987, and she went on to direct three more musicals in quick succession: Oklahoma!, seat to witness the incredible love she South Pacific and The Music Man. Those has for music, TCA and her students.” successful productions paved the way for the treasured tradition of the TCA spring musical for which she enthusiastically —KRISTI ROBISON-RASNIC, UPPER SCHOOL DRAMA TEACHER collaborated with her drama counterparts through the years: Margie McCabe, Leslie Williams Blum ’88, Judy Fenton, Andy Reynolds and Kristi Robison-Rasnic.

WATCH ONLINE

View the December choir concert at

YOUTUBE.COM/@TRINITYCHRISTIANACADEMY

Special thanks to GracePoint Media (gracepoint.media) for their video production work

Gratitude for Mrs. Browning’s care, commitment, guidance and friendship to her students spanning two generations was on display during the Christmas concert. Toward the end of the performance, as is her custom, Mrs. Browning invited any alumni in the audience to join the mixed choir on the stage to sing “Baby, What You Goin’ to Be?,” a song about the Christ child. What she did not know is that over 40 former students of all ages had come to honor her with joining her choir one last time. Coming to the stage, each alumnus gave a rose to Mrs. Browning and found a space on the risers. She had to find a place for the dozens of roses—and find her voice again after a standing ovation in honor of her—before leading them all in song.

Collaboration Is Key

Mrs. Browning credits the strong Middle School choral program under Sharla Davidson’s direction for building great choirs and musical performers who have joined the ranks of the Upper School choirs over the years. Mrs. Davidson was also instrumental in gathering all the alumni for the final Christmas concert along with Beth Harwell, the director of alumni. Mrs. Browning also relied on her faithful accompanist Linda Massinger for many years of contests, musicals and performances and now works with accompanist Lisa Middleton.

Upper School drama teacher Kristi Robison-Rasnic expresses what she sees as Mrs. Browning’s tireless dedication to the TCA performing arts program: “Working alongside Norma for the past twenty years has given me a front-row seat to witness the incredible love she has for music, TCA and her students. She has impacted countless students over the years, instilling an appreciation for beautiful music and inspiring some with their own musical pursuits in both their collegiate and professional careers. She champions the underdog, often seeing the ones who do not gravitate toward center stage and making sure they get their chance to shine. One of Norma’s superpowers is evident in her instruction and care during the musicals. If a role is cast where the vocal requirement is an uncomfortable or an unhealthy reach for the student, Norma rearranges the vocal line to ensure success for the singer. The music flows, the singer is confident, and the show is better for it.”

Closing in on retirement for Mrs. Browning does not mean slowing down. Today you will find her energetically leading her choirs, preparing them for their annual Classical and Sacred Music Concert in February as well as their choir contest selections and solo and ensemble contest pieces for later in the spring. Additionally, Mrs. Browning and Mrs. Robison-Rasnic are working on the spring musical, Curtains, a mystery comedy in which a murder takes place (where else?) in the middle of a Broadway musical production. The show will include hilarious characters and fun challenges as

“Mrs. Browning is our number one fan, and she will take the time to work with us because she wants us to improve and succeed.”

—LEXI MEADOR, SENIOR

FAR LEFT - Norma Browning is honored by alumni who attended her final Christmas choir concert, over 40 of whom joined the TCA choir on stage to be led by Mrs. Browning one last time. LEFT - Seniors Gable Delp and Lexi Meador performing “O Holy Night” during the December TCA Christmas choir concert, accompanied by Lisa Middleton BELOW - Norma Browning directing the TCA Men’s Chorus for the December concert

musical numbers range from zany jazz tunes to a funeral dirge to a poignant love song to a lively hoedown. Senior Lexi Meador, one of the leads for the spring show, says, “Mrs. Browning is very passionate about the music we perform, and her enthusiasm makes us better as individuals and as an ensemble overall. She is our number one fan, and she will take the time to work with us because she wants us to improve and succeed.” Looking Ahead

Mrs. Browning has given her best to the institution she is so fond of and now looks to move into a different phase of life where she will spend more time with family as well as giving back to the community. As she looks forward to joining her husband Bob in retirement, her wish for the performing arts program here at TCA is that there would continue to be increased participation in the choirs and in chorale as well as in the spring musical productions. She is looking forward to cheering on the next leader to fill her shoes. She and Mr. Browning are considering a move to be closer to her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren, but she knows that she will always have a heart for the school that gave her the chance to share her gifts.

When speaking of why she came to TCA so many years ago, Norma said, “I wanted to do something of eternal value. There wasn’t freedom to share my faith when I worked in public school. I wanted to be where I could speak truth.” Not only has she faithfully spoken truth, but she has taught thousands of students along the way to do the same. Mrs. Browning, you will be missed. The impression you have made on your students will not soon fade, and the legacy of singing for God’s glory will continue to echo in the halls of our school for years to come.

The Art of EMOTION

BY KRISTI ROBISON-RASNIC, UPPER SCHOOL DRAMA TEACHER

ONE OF THE PRIMARY FOCUSES IN THEATER ARTS in the Upper School is to introduce students to different types of dramatic forms through public performance. In October the Honors Advanced Drama and Drama 2 classes performed an evening of comedic one-act plays called Short and Sweet. The various scenes involved stories of two actresses auditioning for their next big role, a young woman breaking up with her psychic boyfriend, a terrible visit to the DMV, two teenagers contemplating young love, a playwright examining the meaning of life and a single man exploring the exhaustive world of online dating. Each scene had its own important theme(s), but the common thread throughout the evening was that though life can be confusing and take unexpected turns, human connection and relationships remain most important.

Performing comedy can be tricky. It’s fun once you’ve found your stride, but the rehearsal process can be grueling. The delivery of the line must be perfect, and the timing just right. This responsibility can be overwhelming to performers. Comedies are funny because they are relatable. Once students realize that comedy holds a mirror to our everyday lives, they can tap into their own comedic genius. They draw from their unique life experiences and personalities. There’s a comedian in there, they just have to learn to tap into it. Tackling the one-act plays in the fall gave the actors that opportunity.

In November students in the Advanced Honors Drama class auditioned for their upcoming winter play. A significant shift from their fall performance experience, The Women of Lockerbie tackles incredible loss and grief. Based on the story of Pan Am flight 103 that exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988, killing all 259 passengerrs aboard and 11 people on the ground, the play takes the form a Greek tragedy. The playwright Deborah Brevoort felt that taking on the classic Greek form was the most effective approach to capture the scale of grief and horror experienced by the victims’ families.

Like comedy, tragedy also holds a mirror. Developing The Women of Lockerbie insists that the actors must dig deep within themselves to understand and communicate the story effectively. It calls for highschoolers to play people who have suffered tremendous loss. On the page, there may not be many parallels drawn between the lives of the actors and their characters. However, the connection isn’t found in the dayto-day experiences. It lies in the universal emotions felt with grief. The emotional connection gives way to understanding, allowing us to see others in a new light.

Theater provides ample opportunities for young people to develop their unique voice. Drawing from their own experiences, students find that telling stories and developing characters encourages them to be creative, explore their emotions and expand their imaginations. By examining stories and characters different than themselves, students can develop a strong sense of self and identity, while also becoming more empathetic. Rehearsing and performing these stories broadens their outlook on life and how they see the world.

The Honors Advanced Drama class will present The Women of Lockerbie February 4 and 5 in the TCA Performing Arts Center.

BACKSTAGE PASS

BY FELICIDI FULFORD, TCA PARENT

The overture swells to a crescendo! The lights dim! The audience is hush with anticipation as young actors scurry to their places with barely containable excitement! The stage manager cues the curtain. It’s opening night!

Over the past three years, I’ve had a backstage pass to the inner workings of the performing arts program in the TCA Middle School as my children have both participated in the Middle School musicals, TPSMEA Honor Choir, Christmas concerts and spring choir concerts. The dynamic duo of Sharla Davidson, choir teacher, and Marcelle Hamilton, speech and drama teacher, are gifts to this school and to their students. These two women offer so much more than an amazing production and performance. These talented instructors selflessly give their students the benefit of their combined years of experience as well as passion for their art. Shepherding and loving each student through the sometimes scary, yet exhilarating process of finding their own undiscovered talent, these exceptional teachers instill confidence in each student who graces their stage or enters their classrooms.

Anyone who can teach “Carol of the Bells” while motivating a group of eighth-grade boys to sing “Ding dong ding... dong!” is magical! Mrs. Davidson not only instills musical technique but also allows and encourages students to choose their own personal selections to sing in the pre-Christmas concert recital. Whether solos, duets or trios, Mrs. Davidson brings her signature brand of merry to the yearly holiday concert. Although Mrs. Davidson expects a certain level of commitment, work ethic and decorum from her students, it’s not always work, work, work in the choir classroom. MJ Smith, an eighthgrader, says, “Choir class is fun. Mrs. Davidson jokes around with us.” Another student, Hannah Sue Fulford, a seventh-grader says, “She makes us want to sing our best every time.” Mrs. Davidson teaches from her heart.

When Marcelle Hamilton collaborates with Sharla Davidson on the fall musical, exciting discoveries are in store for Middle School students. This bigger-than-life teacher’s motto, “There are no small parts,” defines Mrs. Hamilton’s creativity, versatility and overall excellence in motivating students to develop confidence in front of an audience. Most recently, directing seventy-three students in the fall musical, Guys and Dolls, Mrs. Hamilton brought the hustle and bustle of 1950’s New York to life. Guys and Dolls was a smashing success! Outstanding performances were given by eighth-graders Chloe Belew (Miss Adelaide), Hannah Applewhite (Sarah Brown), MJ Smith (Nathan Detroit) and Caleb Wenning (Sky Masterson). Still, a large part of the show’s success was

due to an amazing ensemble of performers filling each scene with the spirit of the Big Apple. Hotbox dancers donned hot-pink sequins and feathers as they flirtily hoofed their way through “A Bushel and a Peck.” Dolls strutted across the stage, in the title number, as their guys comically tagged behind, juggled luggage and enthusiastically offered up wallets and minks, while seventh-grader Miles Pool (NicelyNicely Johnson) and eighth-grader Andrew Beumer (Benny) crooned, “The guy’s only doing it for some doll!” Well into the second act, this brilliant company of gamblers, mission workers, dolls and dancers brought a revival-like fervor to the show-stopping number “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” As the entire cast filled the stage, spilling into the mission hall for the prayer meeting, eighth-grader Elena Garcia (General Cartwright) implored the gamblers to repent of their transgressions.

Mrs. Hamilton’s direction of Guys and Dolls, combined with Mrs. Davidson’s musical instruction, propelled these young performers into finding their characters’ purpose as the show progressed. Bri Eidsvig, seventh-grade speech and drama student, compliments Mrs. Hamilton: “She is so supportive and makes us feel like we can do anything.” Creating a family atmosphere with her students and casts, Mrs. Hamilton establishes an atmosphere of camaraderie as she gets to know each one her students personally. With students connecting with each other, the ability to recognize a greater and common purpose becomes the goal rather than an individual’s performance. Bringing love to her art inspires her students to commit their best performance, no matter the role. Mae Larsen, a seventhgrade acting student beams, “She treats all the kids in the show like part of her family.” From the lead actor to the stage crew, all are valuable and equally important to Mrs. Hamilton. Truly, there are no small parts.

The curtain closes, applause roars, the final curtain call . . . the lights come up. For students in the Middle School performing arts program, the experience is far from over. These students now know what it is to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Looking back, these students will remember Mrs. Davidson and Mrs. Hamilton not only as their choir teacher or drama teacher but as teachers who took a chance on them and who believed in them—teachers who said, “Yes, you can.”

“Because I knew you, I’ve been changed for good.” —Wicked