Get Your Tickets Early!

Mr. Lem

The spring semester is always an exciting time for the Fine Arts classes, and we invite you to come and participate in our programs with us!

Just recently, the middle school choir performed their musical, “Nowhere to Run.” The choir, led by Mrs. Melissa Jong-Yip and the drama cast, led by Mrs. Cecilia Brown, did a tremendous job depicting a contemporary version of the prodigal son parable. Over 300 parents, staff, and students watched the two sold-out performances.

“I was nervous,” said Curtis Yau, a middle school choir member said, “But I like choir. It helped me develop my singing skills.”

“One of the things I really like about choir was all the fun we were having,” Jessica Nyon, another middle school choir member said, “I liked how we worked together, and all the silly times.”

Upcoming events include the high school choir recital in March, the band/orchestra concert in April, and the extremely popular Fine Arts Night in May. The middle school orchestra will also be performing at the Great America Music Celebration at the end of March.

The Fine Arts department has experienced significant and dynamic growth over the past few years. Five years ago, the fine arts classes consisted of drawing classes, a middle school string orchestra, and a choir elective. We expanded to include both middle and high school choirs, a middle school band, a dance program, and a middle school drama elective.

One reason for this growth has been the enthusiastic participation of the students.

“We get to play in a big group,” violinist Katelyn Quon said, “And I really enjoy the songs we get to play.”

“Sometimes, we get to play different kinds of music- like music from the movies,” violinist Cristian Rodriguez said, “I even try to teach my little sister to play.”

However, student participation is only one reason for the growth. The fine arts has the ability to serve as an outlet for student self- expression.

“The fine arts give students an outlet to express themselves. Sometimes, they’re not good at everything,” band teacher Brenda Maenchen said, “It gives them an opportunity to be good at something and to feel good about themselves.”

The main reason for the existence of a fine arts program at Cornerstone Academy is to give students the opportunity to praise and worship God. Not only do we want students to express feelings and thoughts through the arts, but also see the need for a personal commitment to Christ. To help foster these ends, the high school choir performed for the Cornerstone Evangelical Baptist Church ChristmaSing and Youth Worships. The middle school string orchestra has also performed for Youth Worships. The central theme of all fine arts classes is the praise and worship of God as our Creator.

“We have a chance to praise God with the talents he gave us,” Letty Liang, a junior, said.

“God had made us all inspired instruments,” Rita Hom, another junior said. “I would like to use the inspiration in us to inspire others.”

Come out and support your friends and family by attending our programs! All performances last year were sold out, so if last year is any indication, make sure you get your tickets early!

Spotlight- Amanda Chi

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