Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
Further information can be found at: http://brightstartheatre.com/ <br /> Jabali African Acrobats, 6th, 7th and 8th graders. This touring group performed a <br /> cultural dance and acrobatics show that included contortions, tumbling, human pyramids <br /> and dancing all set to electrifying music. The upbeat tempo was engaging to the <br /> students and underscores the importance of physical movement and activity to health. <br /> Further information can be found at am://www.class-act.com/acts/JabaliAcrobats/ <br /> The support for the arts is alive and well at Phillips Middle School. The PTSA provides <br /> additional financial support to the band, orchestra and arts programs. PTSA money is <br /> used for much-needed items such as band instruments, music, stands and art supplies. <br /> The PTSA also organizes and promotes fundraising activities for the school community <br /> in conjunction with the scheduled music performances by the band and orchestra to <br /> provide additional funding to these successful programs. <br /> One example of the arts in action at Phillips this year is in visual arts. The 8th grade <br /> sculpture class participated in making bowls for TABLE, a group that helps to feed <br /> hungry children in Chapel Hill and Orange County. They did a fundraiser and each <br /> person who donated received the bowl of their choice. Next semester 8th graders get to <br /> work with an artist in residence. Students will learn about and use materials and tools <br /> that are not available to them at Phillips, work with a professional artist, go on a mini <br /> field trip to the UNC graduate sculpture studio, and finally, assist with the design and <br /> installation of a permanent sculpture for Phillips that can be accessed by the <br /> public. Last June a public access channel broadcast a student show the week after <br /> school got out. See the video called KidsARtWalk featuring Phillips students and Visual <br /> Arts teacher Angela Green: http://vimeo.com/71852016 <br /> Phillips has 118 students in the 6th-8th grade orchestra program. This has grown from <br /> 38 students eight years ago. Each year, the orchestras have received straight superior <br /> ratings at the North Carolina Musical Performance Adjudication where they compete <br /> against other orchestras in the state. They have also attended and received superior <br /> ratings at Carowinds competition in Charlotte. Students also perform in the community <br /> during the holidays at the mall and at a memory care center. Last year, 16 students <br /> were selected for the NC Eastern Regional Junior Ali-State orchestra, with Phillips <br /> being tied for the most students selected from all the middle schools that were <br /> involved. Any student who wants to learn to play will be supplied with an instrument if <br /> there is a financial need in the family, made possible by donations from parents of both <br /> instruments and money. Students receive daily instruction of 45 minutes and the <br /> retention rate between grades is very high. <br /> The Phillips band program serves 197 students, which is approximately 30% of the <br /> student population at Phillips. The band performs concerts anywhere from two to five <br /> times per year. Phillips band students compete at Central District competitions and <br /> earn placement each year in District and State Honor Bands. They also compete at the <br />