Fine Arts

“All aboard!” calls senior Bryan Kinnison above the blended voices of the ACS varsity chorale. “Last train! Last call for the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe!”
 
More than 40 high school students are standing on three-tiered risers in the ACS chapel, singing the complex melodies and harmonies of the classic piece, “Let’s Go!” arranged by Teena Chin.
 
If you close your eyes and listen with your imagination you can almost here the faint chug-a-chug-a-chug-a-chug-a-chooo-chooo of an approaching train, its whistle howling in the distance as the iron horse approaches the station, swept along by the crescendo of the music. Taking cues from a central charismatic figure facing them, the horseshoe of young people is polishing this featured selection for an upcoming fine arts competition.
 
Duane Manning, a fixture of the ACS fine arts program for the past 26 years, tells them to take it from the top and “this time you’re on your own,” meaning he won’t be directing them. He paces the center aisle of the chapel floor away from the chorale, hands in his pockets, as they turn the corner of the first verse. He spins, gestures a huge wave towards the right side of the group and calls above the voices, “My altos! Where are my altos?....Thank you!”
 
Their from-memory repertoire, which will span about 15 songs, consists of both sacred and secular music. This group will sing at fine arts competitions, special concerts in the school gym and in some churches over the course of the school year.
 
But there’s more to the fine arts program at ACS than just singing.
 
Each year Mr. Manning organizes a dramatic production which involves a full cast and crew. From “The Diary of Anne Frank,” to “Ten Little Indians,” to “Life with Father,” students have the opportunity try out for any number of roles. Stage make-up, light trees, programs, ticket sales—the works. It’s a noteworthy show year after year.
 
In addition to voice and drama, many students take advantage of music lessons and band classes. Piano, trumpet, percussion, clarinet, flute, tuba, sax, trombone—all the usual suspects…and then some.
 
ACS participates annually in fine arts competitions, both on the state and national levels. Choric reading, sculpture, poetry, short story, speech, voice, acting, painting, debate, academic testing and preaching are just a few of the categories in which ACS students have opportunity to get involved and show school spirit, as well as personal growth.
 
“The goal is service,” Mr. Manning said. “With the training they receive here, they can go and serve. That is what it is all about. Each of us is given talent that is on loan from the Lord to be used for His honor and glory.”
 
Mr. Manning says that the skills the kids develop at ACS can be put to use in the local church in a variety of ways—singing, speaking up with a testimony, playing an instrument, designing a promotional flyer for an event. “Their talents are on loan from God,” he said.
 
“We try to teach the kids that the audience is what is important, not the performer,” Mr. Manning added. “Look to the audience and try to push your message into their hearts.  Someone needs to hear what you are saying/singing.”
 
Being involved in fine arts doesn’t mean that you have to be the best singer or a 1st  chair trumpet or clarinet player. Kids with all levels of skill can participate. They just have to be willing and take initiative.
 
In every aspect of fine arts at ACS, the philosophy is Christ-centered. These are gifts that can be stewarded for the glory of God, to give Him praise and honor. This is the goal of the fine arts pro gram at ACS.
 
 (Click here to learn more about A Place to Grow.)