Fine Arts
Band
NCS Band
Welcome to the award winning Northwest Christian School Band Program!
Band director, Debbie Hutson, is in her seventh year at NCS. She grew up in Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ, and is a graduate of Arizona State University. She has taught band in the valley for 34 years where she has developed award winning programs. Debbie has served in various leadership positions, has been awarded Teacher of the Year in the Deer Valley School District, and received the O.M. Hartzell Excellence in Music Education Award from the Arizona Music Educators Association. She loves to spend time with her family, and enjoys cooking and baking.
Band director, Debbie Hutson, is in her seventh year at NCS. She grew up in Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ, and is a graduate of Arizona State University. She has taught band in the valley for 34 years where she has developed award winning programs. Debbie has served in various leadership positions, has been awarded Teacher of the Year in the Deer Valley School District, and received the O.M. Hartzell Excellence in Music Education Award from the Arizona Music Educators Association. She loves to spend time with her family, and enjoys cooking and baking.
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Middle School Band 1
Middle School Band 1, also called Middle School Beginning Band, is open to any 6th-8th grade student with an interest in playing a band instrument. Students will learn all aspects of music including performance, history, theory, ear training, worship, and music appreciation in order to be whole musicians. The band performs at the Christmas and Spring concerts. There are many opportunities for advanced students to participate in additional performances.
Middle School Band 2
Middle School Band 2, also called Middle School Intermediate Band, is open to 7th-8th grade students who have at least one year of experience playing a band instrument. The level of music performed in this ensemble is challenging and engaging, requiring band members to be committed musicians. The Middle School Band performs at semester concerts, Veterans Chapel, MS night football game, and other school events as needed. Students in this group can audition for our after school Jazz Band, All State Band, and are eligible to participate in a spring trip to Disneyland, which includes a performance at a music festival.
Middle School Percussion
The Northwest Christian Middle School Percussion class is a yearlong performance-based course designed to develop musical excellence, teamwork, and leadership through the gift of instrumental music. In the fall, students learn the fundamentals of playing percussion instruments, initially focusing on snare drum and bells, then expanding to timpani, bass drum and other concert percussion instruments. Students are divided into two groups: beginning and intermediate. Students perform a Christmas Concert and Spring Concert. 7th/8th grade students also have the opportunity to play with the HS drum line at a football game and audition for All State Band. 6th graders can take part in a day trip, and 7th/8th graders can take part in an out-of-state performance trip that broadens their musical and spiritual experiences.
High School Band
The Northwest Christian High School Band is a yearlong performance-based course designed to develop musical excellence, teamwork, and leadership through the gift of instrumental music. In the fall, students perform in the Pep Band, bringing school spirit to athletic events and campus activities. The ensemble then transitions into Concert Band, preparing music for the Veterans Chapel, Christmas Concert, and spring performances. Students also have opportunities to audition for regional honor bands, participate in jazz band, and take part in out-of-state performance trips that broaden their musical and spiritual experiences.
Throughout the year, students grow in musical skill, discipline, and collaboration while integrating biblical principles of worship, stewardship, and excellence. Emphasis is placed on Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Students learn to use their talents to glorify God, encourage others through music, and represent Christ both on and off the stage.
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