NBCS Memo - January 10

“Art has lost its way because humanity has lost its way and each now imitates the other, drawing the reason for its existence from a lost vision for life and beauty. I pray that Christian musicians and artists will blaze the trail for recovering the true, the good and the beautiful.” Ravi Zacharias
 

Observe the world of the Creator. Orderly, precise, complex, filled with variety, aesthetically pleasing. Clearly, our God is an artist extraordinaire.  He reveals Himself to us as Creator in the opening verses of the Bible, and our Creator has bestowed on us the ability to be creative as well. In fact, the first job given to Adam, naming the animals involved creativity. We are able to, in a small way, reflect our Creator as we “create” art. We are not able to create out of nothing as He did. Our creations are limited in scope in many ways. However, we are able to magnify his orderliness, precision, and beauty in the art we make. Art is often a reflection of the artist’s view of God, him or herself, and the world.

As believers in a Creator, our art should provide a realistic reflection of our Creator and His world. However, consider the words of Andrew Smalley, director of Fine Arts at the Regents School of Austin, TX. “Scripture also instructs us, ‘(Finally,) brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things’ (Philippians 4:8). The world’s view, especially as it relates to the arts, is perhaps directly counter to Paul’s words. By this I mean, “Whatever is false, whatever is dishonorable, whatever is unjust, whatever is dirty and profane, debase, perverse, let’s think about these things.” The list of the “world’s view” is what comes naturally to us. It’s also natural to seek beauty in ourselves and the things we create. God calls us to something much higher. He calls us to have beautifully redeemed souls that no longer seek what is natural but what is holy. Art and music that flow from this worldview will be entirely different from the art of a world that is careening in darkness and confusion.

Through the Fine Arts Competition at NBCS, we have the opportunity to teach our children about the difference between God-glorifying art and man centered art. The purpose of the competition is not for students to show themselves or their talents, but to point to a Creator who made them wonderfully and uniquely. Our students do not necessarily comprehend these truths, but as the adults who train and disciple them, it is our job to help them grow in understanding this. We must help competitors see that it is not about winning awards or getting good remarks from the judges. Instead, it is about doing the thing we were created to do; that is acting as one made in God’s image for the purpose of glorifying the One whose image we carry. In doing this we point their hearts toward Redemption and the Redeemer. That is what art and music is meant to do.

~Mrs. Sharon Regier
NBCS Principal
 
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Our 7th Annual Fine Arts Competition is right around the corner!  The event will be held next Friday, January 17^th from 2:00-4:15 p.m.  Please see below for a few important reminders concerning the scheduling and planning of this afternoon.

Friday Dismissal: Friday is a half-day of school.  Dismissal will be at 12:00 p.m. for all students.  This will give teachers and staff time to set up and prepare before the event begins.

Competition Schedule: The Fine Arts Competition begins at 2:00 p.m. Friday afternoon.  Please click here for a copy of the competition schedule.  Students should be ready a few minutes before their scheduled performances, as this will assist us in finishing on time. 

***3^rd-8^th Grade Parents - Please note that our 3^rd-6^th grade choir will be competing at the Competition at 2:15 p.m.  All 3^rd-6^th grade students are required to be there for this performance! Our intermediate band will also be performing as the Large Instrumental Ensemble at 2:45 p.m.

Parents Participation: We would love to have students stay for the entirety of this event!  If you would prefer to drop your student off and pick-up at 4:15, please let their teacher know.  They will then be monitored by their teacher during the event. However, we would love for family and friends to be here to encourage and support the students!

Dress Code: We ask boys who are participating to wear a white shirt, black pants, and dark tie.  Girls are asked to wear a black dress or black skirt and white top. 

Forms and Projects: As a reminder, all judging forms (with the top portion filled out), art projects and art paperwork (Artist's Idea Statements, original designs/drawings, original images, etc.) are due to the school office by THIS Wednesday, January 15^th. It is very important this deadline is followed, as this will allow the office time to make copies for the judges, arrange artwork, etc. 

Students competing in a music or speech category will need to bring two copies of their music/speech to the competition as well as the original.  These will be given to the judges before their performance.  Please let Carissa know if you would like the office to make these copies for you!

Rules and Communication: If you need any further information or have questions concerning one of the categories, please do not hesitate to call the school office at 283-1337 or email Carissa at nbcs@newtonbible.org.

Awards Ceremony: Our Fine Arts Award Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, January 22^nd at 8:40 a.m. in the sanctuary.  All are invited to attend this time! 

It is exciting to see the time and energy students are investing in preparation for this event.  What a joy to see the students use and develop the gifts God has given them!