All around us, we see a creative God who delights in beauty. Scripture reveals His attention to detail in the construction of the temple, where intricate craftsmanship was created for His glory, even in spaces unseen by human eyes. The birth of Christ was announced by a heavenly choir, and throughout the Bible we find music, instruments, and artistic expression used in worship and celebration. The arts matter to God, and they matter to us.
At North Hills Christian School, we intentionally cultivate our fine arts program. Through visual art, music, performance, and creative expression, students discover and develop their God-given talents for His glory and the joy of others. Fine arts begin in lower school and continue with multiple opportunities throughout middle and high school.
Lower School Fine Arts:
Lower School Art classes at NHCS are designed to enhance and support the academic curriculum students experience in their classrooms. Through an engaging and innovative approach, students explore creativity while building a strong foundation in the elements of art, principles of design, and art history.
Students have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of mediums and art forms, including sculpture, set design, painting, and drawing. Each project encourages creative expression, problem-solving, and skill development while fostering an appreciation for the arts.
The NHCS art program also participates in the annual student art exhibition sponsored by the Waterworks Visual Arts Center. Located in Rowan County, Waterworks is a non-collecting art museum recognized for its leadership and innovation in the visual arts. NHCS is honored to partner with this prestigious organization and to showcase our students’ work in a professional gallery setting.
Lower School Music Program
Our Lower School Music Program is designed to nurture musical skills, creativity, and a heart for worship. Students are given opportunities to grow musically while learning how music can be used to glorify God and serve others.
Kindergarten students meet weekly and are introduced to the basic elements of music, including rhythm, melody, and tempo, as well as an overview of various musical instruments. These foundational experiences help spark a love for music at an early age.
As students progress through lower school, they gain a deeper understanding of musical elements and begin learning about notable composers. All lower school students also have the opportunity to sing and perform in a choral setting during our Christmas and Spring Concerts, allowing them to develop confidence and experience the joy of performing together.
4th Grade Praise Band
The 4th Grade Praise Band, led by Mr. Finney and Mr. Bivins, is a special opportunity for students who wish to volunteer their musical gifts in worship. Through rehearsals and performances, students grow not only in musical ability but also in their understanding of what it means to worship God with sincere hearts, grateful attitudes, and humble spirits.
Participation in the Praise Band goes beyond playing music, it is a commitment to leadership in worship. Students are encouraged to model Christ-like behavior, strong character, and faith both on and off the stage. Continued involvement is based on each student’s dedication during rehearsals, willingness to learn, and ability to maintain a positive, respectful attitude toward fellow band members and leaders.
Middle & High School Fine Arts:
“All who are gifted artisans among you shall come and make all that the Lord has commanded.” Exodus 35:10
Middle School and High School Art classes have a greater focus on technical mastery related to various media such as paint, clay, pen and ink. Evaluation is based on students’ attitude, effort and their application of concepts from class. Exposure to the critique process is also a vital part of the journey toward self-expression and confidence. Students discuss their own work, the work of their peers, and evaluate how they fit into the larger world. Exhibition opportunities are presented to students as well. The goal is to prepare them for High School Art.
Building off their Middle School foundation, High School Art classes have a greater focus on technical mastery and conceptual development. Students are asked to keep a sketchbook as they develop more involved problem-solving. Portfolio development for those who plan to attend university art programs is stressed. Exhibition opportunities are greater for students at this level. Finally, they continue the important process of critiquing and writing about their own and their peers’ art work while exploring artwork from the past and present. Artist visits and field trips to museums and galleries are provided.
With iPad carts, students are now able to incorporate cutting-edge technology into our art classes at NHCS by allowing our students access to apps and interactive experiences. The visual arts department uses the iPad devices to enhance learning by allowing students the opportunity to practice, research, and study the process, techniques, elements, principles, and artists they are learning about in class. We are excited to add this capability to our art department and look forward to using this opportunity to enhance the hands-on art experience needed to create a dynamic understanding and appreciation of art.
The visual arts program at NHCS looks forward to continuing our participation in the annual student art exhibition sponsored by the WaterworksVisual Arts Center. Waterworks, located in Rowan County, is considered a non-collecting art museum. Waterworks strives to be a leader and innovator in the exhibition of art and in museum education. We are honored to be involved with this prestigious organization.
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Established in 2013, the North Hills Christian School Band Program was built to equip the hearts and minds of students to impact the world for Christ through music education. A combination of high moral character, community service, and musical excellence form the foundation of our program.
Today, more than 70 students in grades 5–12 participate in band at NHCS, making it one of the largest school band programs in Rowan County. Students explore a wide range of musical genres, music theory, and music history while developing instrumental technique, sight-reading skills, tone quality, and musical expression.
Band at NHCS is about more than notes and performances. Every student is on the starting team. Every student contributes. Our program fosters teamwork, discipline, confidence, and a sense of belonging. It is a welcoming “landing place” for any student interested in music, no prior experience required.
Band Opportunities
NHCS offers multiple levels of instrumental instruction:
- 5th Grade Beginning Band
- 6th Grade Intermediate Band
- 7th–8th Grade Concert Band
- High School Symphonic Band
- Percussion Ensemble
- Marching Band (Grades 7–12)
Performances & Achievements
NHCS instrumental ensembles perform regularly in concerts, festivals, and community events, including:
- Annual Christmas and Spring Concerts
- ACSI Music Festival
- NCAIS All-State Honor Band —NHCS students were selected to participate in this prestigious ensemble.
Past festival performances include:
- ACSI Solo & Ensemble Festival (Charlotte, NC)
- Carowinds Music Festival
- Dollywood Music Festival
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg Music Festival
In 2023, both the High School Symphonic Band and the 7–8 Concert Band performed at the Carowinds Music Festival.
Marching Band
Formed in 2018, the NHCS Marching Band performs patriotic and Christmas music in parades and community events throughout the region, including:
- South Rowan Parade
- Spencer Holiday Caravan Christmas Parade
- Salisbury “’Tis the Season” Parade
- Veterans Day Parade
- Kannapolis Christmas Parade
In 2022, the marching band was selected to perform in the Universal Studios “Stars” Parade.
Most recently, Disney World selected the NHCS Marching Band to perform in the EPCOT Parade on March 27, 2026. The band will perform “America” in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a tremendous honor and national recognition of the excellence of our students and program.
A Place to Belong. A Place to Grow. A Place to Worship Through Music.
The NHCS Band Program is more than an extracurricular activity; it is a ministry, a team, and a training ground for leadership, discipline, and creativity. All students are welcome to join and discover the joy of making music for God’s glory.
North Hills Christian School provides students with the opportunity to participate in Praise Band, which is designed to develop students spiritually and musically as they learn to lead others in worship. Through instrumental and vocal instruction, students grow in musical skill, confidence, teamwork, and a heart for worship, using their gifts to glorify God.
In addition to praise band participation, 5th–6th grade students also take part in Music Appreciation, where they are introduced to the foundations of music. Students explore musical genres, basic theory, rhythm, listening skills, and the role of music in worship and culture. This course builds a strong musical foundation that supports future participation in band, praise band, or choir.
Middle & High School Music:
Praise Band Opportunities
NHCS offers multiple praise band experiences:
- 5th–6th Grade Praise Band & Music Appreciation
- 7th–8th Grade Praise Band
- High School Praise Band
Praise Bands take part in leading worship during chapel services.
Performances & Worship Leadership
NHCS Praise Bands share their gifts throughout the school year, including:
- Leading worship in school chapel services
- Performing in the NHCS Annual Christmas Concert
- Performing in the NHCS Spring Concert
- Observing and learning from other worship and choral ensembles
Worship. Teamwork. Growth.
The NHCS Praise Band Program is more than performance, it is discipleship through music. Students grow in skill, confidence, and faith while learning to lead others in worship. Every student has a place, every student contributes, and every student is encouraged to use their gifts for God’s glory.