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DocuSign Envelope ID: BE866E89-1A7E-4ACC-80F3-145CB52C649E <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. In May, a <br /> permanent outdoor sculpture "Three Birds" was installed at Phillips, the result of a <br /> collaborative process between Phillips arts students and professional artist in residency, <br /> Mark Elliott. The 8th grade arts students each created a small-scale model using <br /> cardboard as part of a competition to determine the final design. The students, <br /> instructor, and school administration voted on the winning design. All the students' <br /> models were displayed in an exhibit called "Heavy Metal," held at the Frank Gallery in <br /> April. <br /> Phillips has 120 students in the 6th-8th grade orchestra program. Last year, the 8th grade <br /> orchestra was one of two middle schools in the state selected to perform at the state <br /> educators conference. Additionally, students received straight superior ratings at the <br /> state orchestra contest, the orchestra's best result yet. Sixteen Phillips orchestra <br /> students received NC All State last year. Students receive daily instruction of 45 <br /> minutes and instruments are procured through fundraising efforts and donation for <br /> every student who wants to learn. <br /> The Phillips band program serves approximately 180 students, which is almost 30% of <br /> the student population at Phillips. The bands perform public concerts anywhere from <br /> two to five times per year. Phillips band students regularly compete at Central District <br /> competitions and earn placement each year both in District and State Honor Bands. <br /> The band program regularly participates in the North Carolina Music Performance <br /> Adjudication where they have earned consistent Superior ratings since 1994. They <br /> have also participated in the Carowinds Music festival where they also received <br /> Superior ratings. No student is ever turned away from the program if they can't afford <br /> an instrument. The band director, Jane Cutchin, always find a way to get an <br /> instrument for every child who has a desire to learn. Students receive 45 minutes of <br /> instruction daily and as with orchestra, the retention rate from grade to grade is very <br /> high. <br /> Proposed Uses of Grant Funds <br /> The Phillips PTSA Cultural Enrichment Committee plans to use the grant to pay a <br /> portion of the artists' fees for three performances during the 2015 calendar year. These <br /> performances include: <br />