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NHSAEF News
The Northwood High School Arts Education Foundation is a community initiative dedicated to ensuring excellence in arts education, fostering student achievement, and increasing community involvement.
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June 4, 2021
NHSAEF Presents 14th Annual Arts Awards
Pittsboro, NC—The Northwood High School Arts Education Foundation (NHSAEF) presented scholarships to outstanding students in recognition of their achievements in the visual and performing arts. The $1000 scholarships were made along with an annual departmental award.
Elizabeth Cremeans received the award for Instrumental Music. A music student since middle school, she has been part of a successful band program throughout her high school career. She was soloist in the 2018 Marching Band competition program, as well as flute section leader, and founder of the flute ensemble. She will attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
The Theatre Arts award was presented to Layla Ruppert. Ruppert has taken extensive coursework in both Theatre and Dance. A member of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts and International Thespian Honor Society, she served as Drama Club secretary, president, and performed in NHS plays and musicals. She will study theatre, dance, and nutrition at Rutgers.
Ella Sullivan received the award for Visual Arts. She has taken the complete sequence of visual arts coursework, AP 2D Studio Art, and Photography. As a member of Northwood’s National Art Honor Society chapter, she served as publicist and leadership chair. Sullivan served as co-editor of the NHS newspaper, the Omniscient, and interned with Chatham Magazine’s Shannon Media. She plans to study journalism at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
NHSAEF presented an Interdisciplinary scholarship to Rebekah Mann for her notable achievements in both dance and instrumental music. She was a Dance Ensemble member, a four-year member of the NHS Dance Team, in addition to performing with the Marching Band for three years. Mann will attend Appalachian State University.
The Arts Education Departmental Award was presented to Layla Ruppert for her achievements in Arts Education during her high school career. The recipient of this annual award is selected by the entire NHS Arts faculty.
NHSAEF extends its sincere thanks to this year’s selection committee: Antonio Austin, Cally Curtis, and Sayward Grindley.
Antonio Austin was raised in Pittsboro, NC and is a 2010 graduate of Northwood High School, where he performed with NHS choral ensembles. He is also an alumnus of Elon University (Bachelor of Arts) and Valdosta State University (Master of Education). Antonio just completed his first-year as a PhD Student in the Department of History at Howard University with a United States History major and Public History minor.
Cally Curtis is a visual artist and new member of the Chatham Artists Guild. Her paintings have been exhibited by local galleries in Atlanta, GA as well as at the Apex Museum in Atlanta, the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, Columbia Seminary, and several private businesses. Her work has also been commissioned by The Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory, the Museum of Design, Atlanta and others. Prior to turning to the Arts full-time, Cally was a creative director and writer with top 4A advertising agencies from Little Rock to Atlanta to Los Angeles. Her portfolio includes numerous national and international awards. Cally grew up in Zimbabwe, Southern Africa and moved to the US for her college education. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Georgia and holds a BFA in Fine Art/Art Education, with a minor in Journalism.
Sayward Grindley is the Dance and Visual Arts Consultant at NCDPI. Sayward has been on the Dance Faculty at Elon University, Meredith College, ECU, and Appalachian State University. At ECU, she was the Interim Dance Education Coordinator overseeing student teaching and K-12 certification. Sayward held Education and Management positions with Carolina Ballet and Sarasota Ballet, danced professionally and toured with Sarasota Contemporary Dance, and in several musical theatre productions. She holds a MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville University-White Oak and a dual BFA in Dance Performance and Dance Education with K-12 certification from East Carolina University. Sayward is also a visual artist and interested in integrating multiple art forms in creative ways.
NHSAEF supports and promotes Northwood Arts Education. Teacher grants provide resources for the ongoing work of the department, the Carlin Camp Fund supports students’ summer arts activities, and annual college scholarships recognize achievements in visual and performing arts. Since its inception in 2007, NHSAEF has presented almost $80,000 in scholarships and grants.
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NHSAEF Presents 13th Annual Arts Awards
Pittsboro, NC—The Northwood High School Arts Education Foundation (NHSAEF) presented their 13th Annual College Scholarships to outstanding students in recognition of their achievements in the visual and performing arts. This year’s $1000 scholarships were made for each discipline along with an interdisciplinary award and a departmental award.
Lily Andros was selected for the Dance scholarship. In addition to taking the entire track of Dance coursework at NHS, she also studies ballet outside of school. Her volunteer activities have included work with Habitat for Humanity, Hurricane Florence Cleanup Efforts, and the Women’s Shelter. Lily plans to attend Brigham Young University.
Nuno Aguiar receives the award for Instrumental Music. A guitarist for nine years, he has been part of a successful band throughout his high school career. Aguiar is also an accomplished artist with extensive studies in the NHS Visual Arts program, winning first place in the sculpture category of the 2020 NCASA Art Showcase. He will attend NC State University.
The award for Theatre Arts was presented to Alyssa Krasovich, a long-time member of the NHS drama department. With extensive coursework in both theatre arts, tech theatre, and dance, she served as both sergeant-at-arms and Vice President of the International Thespian Society. Alyssa plans to attend Barton College.
Another long-time drama department member, Oliver Poteete, received the award for Technical Theatre. With Honors coursework in both tech theatre and vocal arts, Oliver has served as a lighting tech, lighting designer, and stage manager for many NHS theatre productions and concerts. He plans to attend CCCC.
Chey Ellis received the 2020 award for Visual Arts. Chey has also studied Photography, Guitar, Theatre, and Vocal Arts. She is a member of the National Art Honor Society and served as logo and layout designer for the Charge art magazine. Chey will attend UNC-G.
The award for Vocal Music was presented to Clara Mellows. Clara is student director of NHS’s award-winning a cappella ensemble, Pitch Please and has served as editor of Charge art magazine. She is a member of National Art Honor Society, Tri-M Honor Society, French Honor Society, and the International Thespian Society. Clara will attend NC State University.
NHSAEF presented an Interdisciplinary scholarship to Ande Richardson for her notable achievements in multiple disciplines. In addition to extensive coursework in Tech Theatre, Dance, and Visual Arts, she served as a student art director for one spring musical and costume designer for three other productions. Ande is a member of National Art Honor Society and the International Thespian Society. Ande will attend Hobart & William Smith Colleges.
The Arts Education Departmental Award was presented to Christopher Esther for achievements in Arts Education during his high school career. The recipient of this annual award is selected by the entire NHS Arts faculty.
NHSAEF extends its sincere thanks to this year’s selection committee:
Brandon Roeder, Sayward Grindley, and Eugene Cottrell.
Brandon Roeder is the K-12 Music and Theatre Arts Consultant at the NC Department of Public Instruction. He has taught general music, choir, marching band, strings, and has music directed several community theatre productions. A lover of the theatre, the visual arts, and dance forms, Brandon frequents the NC Museum of Art, the Carolina Ballet, and theatre productions.
Sayward Grindley is the Dance and Visual Arts Coordinator for NC Department of Public Instruction. As a dance educator, Sayward had been on faculty at Elon University, East Carolina University, Meredith College, and Appalachian State University. She has also held Education/Management positions with Carolina Ballet and Sarasota Ballet, and guest taught at UNC-Greensboro, High Point University, and Jacksonville University. She danced professionally with Sarasota Contemporary Dance and in several musical theatre productions in Florida, including Annie Get Your Gun and Pirates of Penzance. She has a dual BFA in Dance Performance and Dance Education from East Carolina University, and an MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville University. Sayward is also a visual artist, mother, and wife.
Eugene Cottrell is the former Director of Bands at Northwood High School (’99-’13). He was recognized in ’05 as a National Teacher of the Year by the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation and was a Jackson Parkhurst Award (NC Symphony) recipient in 2011. Currently Cottrell is the Director of Bands at Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines, NC. His bands have won several grand championships, receive consistent superior ratings on the field and in Grade VI on the stage.
NHSAEF supports and promotes the Northwood Arts Education program. Teacher grants provide resources for the ongoing work of the department, the Carlin Camp Fund supports students’ summer arts activities, and annual college scholarships recognize achievements in visual and performing arts. Since its inception in 2007, NHSAEF has presented more than $73,000 in scholarship funds to NHS student artists. To learn more or to contribute to the work of the organization, visit the foundation website at www.NHSAEF.org
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NHS Band Director Jason Freeman is nominated for 2020 NC School Hero. Help him win $10,000 AND $10,000 for Northwood. Vote once a day through March!
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Northwood Women’s Ensemble Receives a Superior Rating for their performance at the NCMEA MPAs on February 29, 2020. Congrats to our musicians and their director, Matt Hanson. This is the third year the Women’s Ensemble has participated in MPAs and their first superior rating.
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Northwood Artists Receive 2020 Scholastic Art Awards
Seven Northwood students were recognized in this year’s Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 2020, sponsored by The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers. From Leslie Burwell’s classes Gold Keys were awarded to Katalina Kokas (NHS ’20) for “Caducus” in the Sculpture category and to Jade Schneider (NHS ’22) for “From Ireland to a New World” in the Printmaking division. Silver Keys were presented to Alisa Moll’s (NHS ’22) “Alisa” for Drawing & Illustration, to Cass Yester (NHS ’20) for her “Being Watched” sculpture, and to Caroline Kallam (NHS ’20) for her Art Portfolio. All are also students in Leslie Burwell visual art classes.
Also from Burwell’s class, Nuno Aguiar (NHS ’20) received an Honorable Mention for “Fado” in the Sculpture category. Meagan Shirlen’s photography student, Victoria Galvan-Alonso (NHS ’20) received an Honorable Mention for “Death is a Woman.”
Gold and Silver Key winning work for the Eastern/Central NC Region will be on display at the Barton College Case Art Building Gallery in Wilson, NC from February 9–27. The Awards Ceremony and Opening Reception for artists, their families, teachers, and administrators will be held Sunday, February 29 at 1:30pm. The gallery will be open that day at 11:00am. Gold Key works will be judged nationally to receive National Medals recognized annually at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Each year since 1923, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards have recognized student achievement in the visual arts and creative writing. It is the nation’s most prestigious recognition program for artists and writers, which identified the early promise of Richard Avedon, Joyce Maynard, Tom Otterness, Philip Pearlstein, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Joyce Carol Oates, Andy Warhol, and Zac Posen.
More than a quarter of a million dollars in scholarships are available to graduating seniors who earn national medals through the Alliance Scholarship Provider Network. Sixteen Portfolio Gold Medalists earn $10,000 scholarships from the Alliance. Select regions also offer cash awards, grants and other incentives. The Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design, a consortium of leading art and design colleges, recognizes The Scholastic Art Awards as an effective way for students interested in art and design to develop successful portfolios for college admission.
This is Leslie Burwell’s 18th year directing the Visual Arts program at Northwood and Meagan Shirlen’s 3rd year in the department. Burwell is a National Board Certified teacher in Art for the young and adult learner. She has been a member of the NC Governor’s Teacher Network, and in 2015 she was selected as the CCS Teacher of the Year. She serves as department chair and faculty advisor for the NHS chapter of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS). Shirlen received her Master of Arts in Teaching from UNC-Chapel Hill, as well as a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate of Major in Multimedia Arts and Sciences/New Media from UNC-Asheville. In Asheville, she was a photographic contributor to WNC Magazine and worked as a junior designer for Lark Crafts, a craft division of Sterling Publishing. She teaches Photography and Visual Arts classes. She and Burwell serve as faculty advisors for Charge, the NHS Art Magazine.
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards —Eastern/Central NC Region
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NHSAEF Presents 12th Annual Arts Awards
Pictured above:
Back row: Dowden, Simeonsson, McFadden, Shi, Goyea
Front row: Krasovich, Jackson, E. Nash, J. Nash, & Lake
PITTSBORO, NC (5.28.19) | The Northwood High School Arts Education Foundation (NHSAEF) presented their 12th Annual College Scholarships to outstanding students in recognition of their achievements in the visual and performing arts and a Carlin Summer Camp Fund award for summer arts study.
NHSAEF awarded four interdisciplinary scholarships for applicants with notable achievements in multiple disciplines.
Marcus Jackson, active in Theatre and Tech Theatre, Choral Music, Marching Band, and Photography, has had lead roles in the three most recent Spring musicals. Marcus will attend UNCG this fall.
Elizabeth Nash’s time has been equally divided between her four years in Marching Band and four years of Dance studies. She also found time for guitar and visual arts. She will attend NC State.
Meanwhile, her sister’s career not only included Marching Band and Dance, but multiple years study including honors coursework and statewide awards in Visual Arts. Jessica Nash is headed to Appalachian State.
An avid dancer and choreographer, Alexa Simeonsson has also appeared on stage in three Spring musicals. In addition to visual art and guitar classes, she held leadership roles in the United Nations Club, Math Team, Green Club and Robotics Team. Alexa will attend NC State.
Anisha McFadden was selected for the Dance scholarship. In addition to Dance classes, Dance Ensemble, and Dance Composition, she has served as captain of the Dance Team; studied, taught, and choreographed at Chatham Dance Connection; is a member of the National Honor Society and National Honor Society for Dance Arts; and attended Central Carolina Community College as part of the dual enrollment program. Anisha will attend UNCG.
Sam Shi receives this year’s award for Instrumental Music. As an accomplished percussionist, if NHS needs a drum, Sam is there every year—in Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Musical Pit, Salsa Band, and as percussionist for Vocal Ensembles. He’s a Drumline Captain, English Honor Society and TriM Honor Society member, section leader at Carolina Gold Drum & Bugle Corps, and an Eagle Scout. He’ll be at UNC Chapel Hill this fall, close enough to come back and assist with Marching Band.
The award for Theatre Arts was presented to Abby Goyea, a long-time member of the NHS drama department. With extensive coursework in both theatre arts, tech theatre, and dance, she has experience as an actor, stage manager, and director in Fall plays, Spring musicals, and Drama Club shows. She has been both secretary and president of the International Thespian Society. She will attend UNC School of the Arts this fall to study filmmaking.
Jennifer Dowden received the 2019 award for Visual Arts. She has taken many visual arts classes including Honors and AP coursework. She is a National Art Honor Society officer, an International Thespian Society member, and a Dance Honor Society member. Her design work has appeared on materials for 7 Dance Centre, NHS Dance programs, and NHS Spring musicals. A winner of our local Congressional Art Competition, her work has also been on display at the US Capitol. She plans to study Graphic Design and Applied Mathematics this fall at NC State.
The award for Vocal Music was presented to Grace Lake. Active in dance, and theatre as well, Grace is a member of three honor societies—Thespians, TriM, and National Honor Society for Dance Arts. She traveled with the NHS Chamber Singers to perform in the Eric Whitacre Concert at Lincoln Center in 2018. Grace performed the national anthem for the opening of Northwood’s Special Olympics Field Day as well as solos in choral concerts, and has had a leading role in all four Spring musicals during her high school career. Grace will attend Appalachian State University.
Alyssa Krasovich received this year’s Carlin Summer Camp Fund award. She will attend the Summer Musical Theatre Intensive at the Chapel Hill School of Music and Arts.
This year’s selection committee includes
Stephen Shore. Stephen hails from Chapel Hill and graduated from NHS in 2007. He attended NYU and has a BFA in Drama from the UNC School of the Arts. He now lives in New York City working as an AEA actor–musician.
Vince Pitelka. Vince Pitelka is Professor Emeritus of Art, retired after 24 years in the School of Art, Craft & Design at Tennessee Tech University. His primary teaching focus is ceramics, but he has also taught design, art history, art appreciation, and drawing. He currently spends his time working in his clay studio and garden and playing folk/Bluegrass guitar.
Lori Major Carlin. For 17 years, Lori Carlin led the NHS Theatre program and served many years as department chair. During that time she received her doctorate in Educational Research and Policy Analysis from NC State University. She served as Public Information Officer and Arts Education coordinator for Chatham County Schools, and as an educational researcher and consultant in the private sector. Earlier this year she was named Section Chief for K-12 Social Studies and Arts Education at NCDPI. The Carlin Summer Camp Scholarships are named in her honor.
NHSAEF supports and promotes the Northwood Arts Education program. Teacher grants provide resources for the ongoing work of the department, the Carlin Camp Fund supports students’ summer arts activities, and annual college scholarships recognize achievements in visual and performing arts. Since its inception in 2007, NHSAEF has presented more than $65,000 in scholarship funds to Northwood High School student artists. To learn more or to contribute to the work of the organization, visit their website at www.NHSAEF.org
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Spring Choral Concert May 20 at 7pm
Works by Bach, Paulus, Whitacre and more. Women’s Ensemble, Chamber Singers, Pitch Please, and guests Act-Pollards!
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Northwood Artists Receive 2019 Scholastic Art Awards
Pittsboro, NC. January 16, 2019—Four Northwood visual arts students were recognized in this year’s Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 2019, sponsored by The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers. Gold Keys were awarded to Trevor Kikuyu (NHS, ’19) for “Blossom,” a Color Pencil drawing; and to Sophie Washburn (NHS, ’19) for two of her photographs, “Sun Dance” and “Look at Me.” Silver Keys recognized Jessica Nash’s (NHS, ’19) block print, “Stand Strong and Shout” and Jesenia Schwanki’s (NHS, ’19) block print, “Generational.”
Honorable mentions include:
Teacher: Leslie Burwell
Lauren Sparrow 11th grade, Pennsylvania, Block print, Honorable Mention
India Nykamp, 11th grade, Softener, Photography, Honorable Mention
Nuno Aguiar, 11ith grade, Pyramids, Sculpture, Honorable Mention
Hannah Gallagher,12th grade, Peta, Collage, Honorable Mention
Clara Mellows, 11ith grade, World Beneath, collage, Honorable Mention
Sophie Washburn, 12th grade, Street Life Companion, Photography, Honorable Mention
Teacher: Meagan Shirlen
Ella Sullivan, Skater Girl, Photography, Honorable Mention
Gold and Silver Key winning work for the Eastern/Central NC Region will be on display at the Barton College Case Art Building Gallery in Wilson, NC, February 10–22. The Awards Ceremony and Opening Reception will be held for the artists, their families, and teachers on Sunday, February 10.
Each year, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards recognize student achievement in the visual arts and creative writing. It is the nation’s most prestigious recognition program for artists and writers, which identified the early promise of Richard Avedon, Joyce Maynard, Tom Otterness, Philip Pearlstein, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Joyce Carol Oates, Andy Warhol, and Zac Posen.
More than $3.25 million in scholarships are available to graduating seniors who earn national medals through the Alliance Scholarship Provider Network. Twelve Portfolio Gold Medalists earn $10,000 scholarships from the Alliance. Select regions also offer cash awards, grants and other incentives. The Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design, a consortium of leading art and design colleges in the U.S., recognizes The Scholastic Art Awards as an effective way for students interested in art and design to develop successful portfolios for college admission.
This is Leslie Burwell’s 17th year directing the Visual Arts program at Northwood and Meagan Shirlen’s 3rd year in the department. Burwell is a National Board Certified teacher in Art for the young and adult learner and in 2015 she was selected as the CCS Teacher of the Year. She teaches Art I-Art IV and AP Studio Art in 2-D,3-D, and Drawing. Shirlen received her Master of Arts in Teaching from UNC-Chapel Hill, as well as a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate of Major in Multimedia Arts and Sciences/New Media from UNC-Asheville. She teaches Photography and Visual Arts 1 classes at NHS.
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NorthwoodArts Calendar of Events ‘18–’19
It’s National Arts in Education Week! Mark your calendars and attend NorthwoodArts events to support our visual & performing arts students this year. #ArtsEdWeek
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NHSAEF Presents 11th Annual Arts Awards
The Northwood High School Arts Education Foundation (NHSAEF) presented their 11th Annual NHSAEF College Scholarships to outstanding students in recognition of their achievements in the visual and performing arts. The $1000 scholarships were presented May 29 at NHS Arts Awards Night.
Caleb James has been selected for the Visual Arts scholarship. Caleb has been active in Theatre and Music as well as his coursework in Visual Arts and Photography—acting, painting sets, and studying guitar. He will attend Savannah College of Art & Design this fall to study Sound Design.
The award for Theatre Arts was presented to Lindy McDonnell, a long-time member of the NHS drama department, with extensive coursework in both theatre arts and tech theatre, and experience working on most of the recent productions. She’s also palimentarian for FBLA, and an English Honor Society member. She will attend Warren Wilson College.
This year NHSAEF awards two interdisciplinary scholarships for particularly strong applicants in multiple disciplines. For achievements in both dance and theatre, NHSAEF presented an interdisciplinary scholarship to Delaney Galvin. Delaney is President of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, Vice President of International Thespian Society, a dance teacher at Bravo Academy of Dance, has been involved in many past musicals and plays, and choreographed group, duet, and solo works for Northwood Dance. She will attend NC State and plans to minor in dance.
For achievements in Instrumental Music, this year’s scholarship was presented to Joseph Lorbacher. He is a member of NHS Marching Band (4 years) as well as the National, Spanish, & Art Honor Societies. He participated in 3 spring musicals and attended Governor’s School. This fall he’ll attend Western Carolina University.
Sara Heilman is the recipient of this year’s award for Dance. A four-year member of the dance department, she is a member of the auditioned Dance Ensemble, as well as the Chatham Dance Connection, the NHS Dance Team, and the dance corps for the spring musicals since her freshman year. Also a member of the Science Club, Quill Team. and editor of the NHS Omniscient, Sara will attend Duke University.
Skyler Herrick is also the recipient of an interdisciplinary award. A member of the Women’s Ensemble and Chamber Singers, she also has extensive experience with NHS Dance, including Dance Ensemble, in Drama, as a dance corp and ensemble member, and in Instrumental music, playing trombone and as a Jazz Ensemble vocalist. She will attend UNCG to study musical theatre and dance.
Brenda Ruto received this year’s Vocal Arts scholarship. She is an honor student with classwork and experience in multiple vocal classes and ensembles, she has also studied music theory, and theatre. She was a member of the Pitch Please ensemble that performed in Carnegie Hall and was the lead in 2017’s Once Upon a Mattress. She will attend Overcomers Leadership College.
This year’s selection committee includes
Walker Harnden (NHS, ’12). Walker started playing Oboe in the Northwood Concert band and graduated from the Lynn University Conservatory of Music with a bachelors in oboe performance. Walker has served as substitute 2nd Oboe with the Pittsburgh Opera and the Wheeling Symphony. Currently he maintains an Oboe Studio at Separk Music Co. in Winston-Salem and is preparing for graduate studies to become a college oboe professor.
Chip Pate. Chip Pate is a communications and marketing strategist working with clients in education and the arts. He has created and produced several community publications in Chatham and Lee counties, written about New York theater for the Eurocheapo.com travel site, and helped develop the JMHS educational trip to New York for students to experience the world’s best work and learn from some of the city’s top working artists. His “Top 6” New York productions in recent years are “Hamilton,” “The Band’s Visit,” “Venus in Fur,” “Red-Eye to Havre de Grace,” “Next to Normal” and whatever Fiasco Theater is performing.
An NYU Tisch grad and Sundance alum, Bryan Gaynor has written, directed, produced, and/or edited dozens of film, television, and commercial projects for a range of employers, such as HBO, Google, Fox, Vans, MTV, Bloomingdales, ABC, Vice, Pepsi, and more. Bryan is currently finishing season 2 as the lead editor on “THE MOST EXPENSIVEST” starring 2 ChainZ.
NHSAEF supports and promotes the Northwood Arts Education program. Teacher grants provide resources for the ongoing work of the department, the Carlin Camp Fund supports students’ summer arts activities, and annual college scholarships recognize achievements in visual and performing arts. Since its inception in 2007, NHSAEF has presented more than $55,000 in scholarship funds to Northwood High School student artists.
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Congratulations to our NHS alum and NHSAEF Scholar Kaitlyn Jones (NHS ’16), winner of this year's ASU Jo Anne Greene–Beatty Memorial Scholarship. Named in honor of the late soprano and educator, who taught K-12 music in TN & VA, and voice, piano, and music history at the college level. The award is made to a "soprano music education major who demonstrates excellence in vocal studies and has a strong commitment to teaching in the public schools." BRAVO!!
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Fanfare—
Celebrating Northwood’s Award-Winning Music Program
This month, Northwood High School has been honored with the SupportMusic Merit Award from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. It is one of only five schools and one school district recognized in North Carolina this year.
As a volunteer, accompanist, and fundraiser, I have had a front row seat for the growth and development of this distinguished program over the past 15 years. This award is a testament to the dedication and support of teachers, students, administrators, and community members making music education a priority. NHS has taken to heart NC’s Comprehensive Arts Education Program recommendations, providing choral and instrumental music as core academic subjects, taught by talented, creative, licensed arts educators; supplemented these with Arts Integration activities across the curriculum; and provided quality Arts Exposure opportunities both in- and outside-of class such as residencies, concerts, and performances by professional artists.
Former faculty and administrators laid the groundwork for this recognition by NAMM (part of their National Best Communities for Music Education program). Eugene Cottrell’s highly regarded marching band program and a top notch booster organization created a tradition of excellence that continues to inspire. Amy Loch introduced show choir and chamber performances to the NHS arts calendar. Marilyn Shugart created the NHS Chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and wrote the first grant to include middle school programs in our All-County Choral Festival. Department chair Dr. Lori Carlin took the musical cast and pit “on tour” each spring to area schools, exposing young students to new repertoire and high school music opportunities. She was instrumental in establishing the Arts Education Foundation to promote NHS Arts and provide resources and scholarships for students and faculty. Carlin wrote the grant to the Herman Goldman Foundation that, along with PTSA funds, purchased our first new grand piano in 30 years. Additionally, PTSA funds and a grant from the Arthur Carlsen Foundation of the Triangle Community Foundation secured new uniforms for the marching band. The Chatham School Board invested $4.5 million for building upgrades and Principal Chris Blice championed the arts program, overseeing the 2009 renovation of the arts wing that improved facilities, provided new resources, and created a communal space for NorthwoodArts to thrive. In 2013 NHS was recognized as a Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts School of Excellence, having previously received the award in 2002.
Matt Hanson and Brett Cox, our talented current music faculty, have built on this strong foundation bringing innovative initiatives to Northwood. Over the past five or six years they have made these programs their own, reaching more students, raising the level of instruction and musicianship, creating closer connections with higher ed, incorporating technology, and providing unique recording and performance opportunities for students, not only in the community, but also in Virginia, Florida, and New York City.
At the request of a student in 2013, Hanson created the a cappella ensemble Pitch Please, an extracurricular group of 10–20 auditioned singers. They have twice won the NC Association of Scholastic Activities (NCASA) a cappella competition, been International Championship of High School A Cappella (ICHSA) regional finalists, performed at numerous festivals as well as the NC Legislature, and in 2017 traveled to New York as featured performers in Deke Sharon’s Total Vocal Concert in Carnegie Hall.
The NHS Band Program completed another All-Superior marching season last fall and their numbers have grown to consistently include 125+ members, drawing students from all our feeder schools. They have performed in New York, in Richmond, and at Universal Studios Orlando. This year they participated in a new outreach initiative with Cox’s alma mater, UNC. The Wind Ensemble traveled to Memorial Hall to perform a joint concert with the UNC Symphony Band. And the following week, UNC Bands visited NHS for a preview performance en route to the National Bandmasters Association Conference.
Concert Band has grown to now encompass two complete performing ensembles. Jazz Ensemble continues as an extracurricular ensemble performing both on campus and in the community. Both instrumental and choral music ensembles participate in music performance assessments (MPAs) sponsored by the NC Music Education Association, where they excel.
The curriculum has grown to include additional courses in Guitar, Music Theory, Honors Music, and Women’s Ensemble. This April, Chamber Singers traveled to New York to rehearse and perform with acclaimed choral composer and conductor Eric Whitacre at Lincoln Center. In late April, Northwood hosts Chatham’s All-County Band and All-County Choral Festivals.
A number of NHS graduates are continuing their musical studies, pursuing undergraduate degrees in voice, organ studies, musical theatre, and music education. Others have gone on to graduate school in jazz studies and opera and to careers in theatre and entertainment industries.
Music education research continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for students who make music. Landmark studies by scientists and researchers at Northwestern University found a link between students in community music programs and life-long academic success, including higher high school graduation rates and college attendance. Throughout the life of this school, the school board, the community, the faculty, and the administration have been strong advocates for Northwood’s award-winning arts department. We know music education can have a profound effect for good for our students and we are committed to supporting their continued explorations and achievements.
Congratulations and Bravo!!
—Gina Harrison, president
NHS Arts Education Foundation
Gina Harrison is a NC artist, graphic designer, and arts education advocate in Pittsboro, NC. She is president of the NHS Arts Education Foundation, past president of the Chatham Arts Council and recently completed two terms as a board member of Arts NC, the statewide advocacy organization for the arts. She is a 2010 Friend of the Arts Award recipient from the NC Art Education Association and in 2017 received the Music Education Advocate Award from the NC Music Education Association.
Follow NHS Arts at
Northwood High School: www.chatham.k12.nc.us/nhs
NHS Arts Education Foundation: www.NHSAEF.org
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NHS Chamber Singers & director Matt Hanson perform in Lincoln Center with the DCINY production of The Music of Eric Whitacre. April 15, 2018. David Geffen Hall.
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NHS Chamber Singers and director Matt Hanson headed to New York for a weekend of rehearsals culminating in an April 15 performance of The Music of Eric Whitacre at Lincoln Center. 500 student choristers performed works of Whitacre, Moses Hogan, and John Mackey at the David Geffen Hall.
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NorthwoodArts Patrons! Don't be a shrinking violet! Step right up and get first choice of tickets to Little Shop of Horrors, March 22-24. Tickets are available now at nhstickets.weebly.com��#TIOS #NorthwoodArts #CCSArts
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