FSPS Fine Arts News
A Review of Great Things Happening in our Fine Arts Programs
A Note From Athletics and Activities!!
Welcome to the first EVER FSPS Fine Arts Update! This newsletter will be published often and shared with our community to keep all stakeholders informed of the great things happening in the Fine Arts Programs of the Fort Smith School District! It is our intention to spotlight our amazing staff and also our students and programs! This month we start by introducing you to two of our directors that are new to our district-Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Boyd!
Students Working Hard this Summer!
Many of our FSPS Band, Orchestra, and Choir students spent part of their summer learning how to become better musicians! In early July, students could be found on our secondary campuses participating in Orchestra Camps and Summer Marching Rehearsals! Check out the photos below to see some of the action!
Northside Freshman Marching Band!
"Northside Freshman Marching Band practice attendance was great! Students will be ready for that first game!" Ms. Clark, Director, Northside Freshman Band
Southside Orchestra Summer Music Camp!
Regarding the Southside Orchestra summer music camp, Director Mike Burkepile said "We had an amazing time learning all-region material, orchestral music, ear training, and music theory. Our camp helped us become better musicians, better teachers, and our students grew closer together as an orchestral family."
Staff Spotlight! Meet Mr. Stephan Mitchell!
What school(s) and groups will you be working with this year?-I will be working with the Kimmons Middle School Band and the Northside Concert Band.
Why did you want to be a part of the FSPS team?-I wanted to be part of the incredible student-centered culture that has been cultivated in the band program.
What made you choose to become an educator?-I wanted to give students an opportunity to experience music as I do. I believe that music allows for an incredible amount of personal growth and offers a chance for anyone to rise above their current circumstances.
What is your proudest performance moment?-My final concert with the 9th Grade Band at Mountain Home Jr. High last year. The students persevered through so much that year and put on an incredible performance.
What are your professional goals this year?-I want to focus on getting to know the students that I am going to teach so that I can help them learn the skills they need to be successful.
Who inspires you?-My Family. They are always there for those who need it and they do their best to celebrate the little joys and victories in life. I strive to be like them each day.
What is one thing that would surprise us to know about you?-I used to play trumpet in a Salsa Band called Calle Soul.
Staff Spotlight! Meet Mr. Nathan Boyd!
What school(s) and groups will you be working with this year?-I'll be working with the Darby Beginner and Advanced Orchestras as well as both Northside Orchestras.
What led you to want to be a part of the Fort Smith Public Schools team?- grew in Fort Smith and I'm a Northside graduate, so I jumped at the opportunity to give back to the community I grew up in.
What made you choose to become an educator?-After going through both the band and orchestra programs myself, it felt right to share my love for music and learning with students.
What is your proudest performance moment?-Performing the Koussevitzky Double Bass Concerto with Dr. Neil Rutman.
What are your professional goals this year?-As a first-year teacher my goals are to build long-lasting professional relationships and to be receptive to new ideas to further increase student learning.
Who inspires you?-Gordon Manley inspires me with his insurmountable passion for music education.
What is one thing that would surprise us to know about you?-I'm a cat person!
Social Media Highlight! Chaffin Middle School Orchestra!
