Conway Christian School expands arts program to undergo changes this year

New sounds will resonate in the halls of Conway Christian School this year. Beginner notes of trumpets, trombones and drums will fill the building as the Conway Christian Band program begins. The High School will hear the voices of dramatic interpretations on a newly renovated stage. These are only a few of the changes the CCS Fine Arts Program will undergo this year.

Forty fifth- and sixth-grade students have registered in the new band program under the leadership of CCS Choral Instructor Donna Bradley. As a veteran of Concert Band, Orchestra and Marching Band in the Harding program, Bradley believes the middle school years are the best time for students to begin.

"I began the saxophone in fifth-grade and ended up with a degree in vocal and instrumental music," Bradley said. "My band experience was so important in teaching me discipline and confidence. I have so many good memories. I hope I can provide these students with that same opportunity."

The CCS Band will add a grade to the program each year and plans to begin as a Concert Band providing what Bradley believes will be, "quality music for the school and the Faulkner county area." Bradley added that she is thrilled to be laying the foundation for the Conway Christian Band.

While the CCS Band is beginning, the CCS Drama Department is growing. The group already has several performances to its credit including last year's smash success, Robin Hood. Laura Shelton directs the Department and has from the very beginning. The program began as a small group of 15 students learning the basics of the theater and became an outreach ministry which performed in several venues around the community including churches and public schools. Fifty-five students are enrolled for 2008-09. Shelton is quick to credit the parents for the program's immense success adding that it is "due to the generosity of our parents that we have been able to provide the school with stage curtains, a professional lighting system and a growing costume collection." She defines the goal of the program as "providing a place for everyone. And for many, the recognition of an ability to perform that they were unaware of before."

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Shelton cites CCS Seniors Taylor Brown and Brooke Hinton as examples. Neither student had much drama experience when they joined the program. After realizing a talent and a passion for performing, both Hinton and Brown were confident enough to successfully audition for parts in the city of Conway commercials that will begin airing next month. Hinton credits her success to "being extremely comfortable" in the audition because of her previous experiences in Drama Club.

Director of Public Relations, Shawna Oliver sees this year as pivotal for the Fine Arts program.

"In a very short time, the Drama Club has made its mark at Conway Christian and the community," Oliver said. "I expect to see it only continue to grow with the additional equipment and new students this year. And I know years from now, we will be able to look back on 2008 as a real turning point, the year the Eagle Band began. Added to the AAA sports and activities being offered at Conway Christian, we can now offer the total package of academic excellence in the Christian environment along with solid extra-curricular activities."