UPPER SCHOOL CHORAL MUSIC
The mission of the Eagle's Landing Christian Academy Choral Program is to educate and inspire students in the performing arts disciplines, equip them to serve the body of Christ.
Middle school students participate in the appropriate performing arts classes where they can specialize and develop specific skills for their performing art. Students are given the opportunity in high school to develop a mastery of their specific performing art which will prepare them to take the next steps at the university level and continue to serve the body of Christ as adults through the performing arts.
Choral classes are geared towards ensemble performance. Relevant music theory, music history, and aspects of vocal pedagogy are also taught. The choral ensemble experience enables students to receive a well-rounded music education in performance, theory, music history, culture, and God centered worldview. It also helps students to develop a mastery of singing skills that can be used to serve the body of Christ in choirs, praise teams, or praise bands. For those students wishing to pursue music in college, or simply advance their vocal skills, training to be part of the All State Chorus, and to prepare for vocal scholarship auditions is also offered.
EAGLE'S LANDING CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
UPPER SCHOOL
SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS
Grades 5-12
ELCA has a robust offering of visual and performing arts disciplines.
Throughout the year, students perform musical theater productions, dramatic plays, orchestra and band concerts, choral concerts, and more. It is our desire that students will grow in their skills and love of their art and serve the Lord with their talents.
Middle School Visual Art: (Grades 5-8) – Middle school art is a further exploration of the visual arts using knowledge previously introduced to students in elementary school art. Middle school students will learn more about the elements and principles of art and will create many works of art using a much more expansive variety of media. Students are graded on a combination of classwork, sketchbook assignments, art projects, and daily participation.
High School Visual Art: (Grades 9-12): High school art students study the visual arts in much more detail and comprehensive art classes are designed to prep students to study art at university. The courses include Comprehensive Art 1, Comprehensive Art 2, and Selected Studio Art.
Advanced Placement Art: Advanced Placement classes are for the serious art student who is eager to begin working at the college level immediately. These students MUST be self-motivated because much work will have to be done outside of class. Assignments are given to students in the spring before they leave for the summer. Student’s complete their AP Art year with a student show of their pieces. Portfolios are judged by the Advanced Placement Institute and students may earn college credit if they score well on their portfolio.
NATIONAL ART HONOR SOCIETY
The middle school students at ELCA are eligible to be a part of the National Junior Art Honor Society. This program cultivates interest in art programs to inspire, encourage, and recognize the younger art student. When a student completes junior membership, they are encouraged to begin anew with a membership in the National Art Honor Society. The NAHS strives to aid members in working toward the attainment of the highest standards in art areas, and to bring art education to the attention of the school and community. For students to achieve high standards, art programs must maintain a substantive focus by choosing art content that includes complex problem solving and higher order thinking skills, and serious alignment of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development that results in student learning. Participation in these programs is a mark of accomplishment in the school and community and is well recognized by institutions when your students apply for entry into colleges or universities.
UPPER SCHOOL VISUAL ARTS
CHUCK EKSTEDT
HS Drama Instructor/Director of Theater
Chuck Ekstedt teaches theatrical performance in both the Middle School (7/8) and High School (9-12), Stage Acting, and Vocal Performance classes. Mr. Ekstedt has directed and produced many great shows over the years; such as Sound of Music, Oliver, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Annie, Beauty and the Beast, A Few Good Men, Steel Magnolias, The Crucible, The Lion King, Addams Family, A Christmas Carol, Into the Woods, Fiddler on the Roof, Mary Poppins, Music Man and many more.
Chuck has been working at ELCA since 2008 and has a Bachelor’s of Science in Secondary Education from Eastern Montana College in Billings, MT.
UPPER SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATER STAFF
Eagle's Landing Christian Academy's award-winning theatre program provides students in both Middle School and High School with a creative and multi-faceted learning program in the theatrical arts. This program not only provides a high quality level of standardized theatrical classroom instruction, but also provides many opportunities for live stage performances both at home in our state of the art 1,800-seat theater facility and in a series of annual shows performed on the road. ELCA also has a High School Theatre Honor Society, sponsored by and developed through a relationship with the International Thespian Society (ITS). ELCA theater students can earn eligibility to join these honor societies through active participation in ELCA live theatrical performances and by joining our very active ITS Troupe. Students that successfully complete this course of study will be prepared to continue their theatrical performing arts career or any education related goals they may have in theater. The graduated theater student will have excellent work habits and time management skills. They will also have mastered the ability to speak and perform comfortably in front of large groups of people. Ultimately, they will be better prepared to succeed in any field of endeavor they may choose. Above all however, it is our ultimate desire to train young people to glorify God through excellence in the performing arts. We believe that the arts, especially the performing arts, are at the epicenter of influence in our culture today. Now more than ever, Christians need to be leading the way in setting the standards for performing arts and demanding a high level of quality, creativity, and excellence.
UPPER SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATER
TRACEY FULLER
Director of Choral Programs
Tracey Fuller is a dedicated music educator with over 30 years experience working with singers and choirs of all ages, from preschoolers to adults. She currently serves as Choir Director at Eagle's Landing First Baptist Church, where she also leads in the Saturate children’s program and contributes to worship services as a vocalist and keyboardist.
A graduate of Georgia State University, Tracey holds a degree in Music Education with an emphasis in piano and voice. Her passion lies in helping individuals develop their musical gifts to serve God, a calling she has fulfilled throughout her extensive career. Under her guidance, many students have achieved notable success—earning placements in All State Chorus, receiving music scholarships, and serving on worship teams.
In addition to her work in education and ministry, Tracey has collaborated with notable artists, including directing the children’s choir for Rock the Cradle, a production by Will Turpin of Collective Soul.
Tracey is married to her high school sweetheart, and together they have two children. Her life and work continue to inspire and equip the next generation of musicians for both performance and ministry.
BEVERLY HEDGES
Pre-K thru 12th grade Choral Music Teaching Assistant and Piano Accompanist
Beverly Hedges has been a dedicated part of Eagle's Landing Christian Academy since 2010. Her musical journey began with over a decade of private piano instruction, followed by music studies at Tennessee Temple University.
An accomplished pianist with more than 40 years of experience, she has played and accompanied various bands, orchestras, and choral groups. At ELCA, Beverly plays a vital role in the Fine Arts department. She assists with vocal, theater, and elementary music instruction, and serves as Assistant to the Fine Arts Director.
Outside of her musical endeavors, Beverly has been happily married to her husband, TJ, for 42 years. They have three daughters and three grandchildren.
HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL FILM & THEATRE PERFORMANCE STAFF
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To provide quality musical education in a Christ-Centered environment.
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To glorify God through the playing of instruments.
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To recruit and retain hardworking, well-behaved students.
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To have students participate in GMEA sanctioned events.
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To teach musical skills in line with the Georgia Quality Core Curriculum and the National Standards for Arts Education.
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To provide performance opportunities beyond the school day.
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To prepare students for advanced music and academic study.
PRINCIPLES OF THE BANDS AT ELCA
BAND
Rachel Allred
Middle School Art Instructor
Rachel Allred is in her third year as the Middle School Art Instructor, where she teaches students from 4th through 8th grade. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Textiles from Georgia State University.
As a dedicated artist and educator, Rachel is passionate about helping students discover and develop the creative gifts God has given them. Through the imaginative and expressive world of art, she encourages her students to find their unique voice and learn how to glorify God in all that they do.
Outside the classroom, Rachel enjoys illustrating children’s books and spending time in nature with her husband, Jack, and their two beloved dogs.
SARAH BLACKABY
High School Art Instructor
Sarah Blackaby is our high school art instructor and began teaching at ELCA in 2000. She is passionate about using the arts to inspire creativity and confidence in students. She teaches AP Art, Art 1 & 2, Studio Art, Ceramics 1 & 2, and Journalism/Yearbook. With a background in Art, Fashion, and Digital Media, Sarah especially enjoys painting and working in mixed media.
Sarah considers it a privilege to teach in an environment where faith and creativity can grow together. Art is a powerful way to reflect God’s creativity and truth, and she loves encouraging students to explore their God-given talents and express their faith through their work.
Sarah feels blessed to be a parent in the ELCA community, with two children currently enrolled. She’s grateful for the opportunity to invest in students both artistically and spiritually as they grow in character, skill, and purpose.
UPPER SCHOOL VISUAL ARTS STAFF
Mr. Derek Rock is a graduate from Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina. Originally from Pennsylvania, Mr. Rock found Campbell University, a private Christian University, to be the perfect place to further his education. In his four years there, he served on the Campbell University Band Staff, co-conducted two years of the University Football Band, guest conducted multiple times with the University Wind Ensemble, and sat principal chair saxophone in the Wind Symphony. In his time as an educator, he has helped many students to achieve goals of reaching the District Honor Band as well as seeing one student become a member of the All-State Jazz Band. Outside of school, Mr. Rock spends as much time as he can with his wife, Mrs. Hannah Rock. Mr. and Mrs. Rock attend First Baptist Church Jonesboro where they both serve in rotation on the Praise Team and assist with Wednesday night Youth Group.
DEREK ROCK
Director of Bands
The middle and high school praise bands are student based worship groups that lead the worship portions of the weekly chapel services. These praise teams give students a chance to both practice and perform their musical talents while leading their fellow students in worship. HS praise band meets at 7:00 a.m. on Monday and Friday. MS praise band meets at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.
I'm excited to get you started on your musical journey. I've been a musician for over 30 years and played in a variety of bands for 20+ years. I'm currently Director of Guitars and Praise Bands here at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy. Also, I'm a private Guitar Instructor and teach 30 students per week. As a musician, I still perform at several churches in the area. Music is a wonderful gift from God and my prayer is that you'll do your best every day and see how God can use you.
JOE TUCKER
Director of Praise Bands and Guitar Instructor
Mr. Adam Watson is a musician, leader, and Christ-follower. He has over 15 years of comprehensive musical experience in a variety of roles. In high-school he played with the jazz band, marching band, and other ensembles at every opportunity, and was awarded with the “Louis Armstrong Jazz Award” his senior year. In college at Point University he started and led his own student jazz band that performed at many concerts and recitals. He also served as the drum major of the Point University Marching Skyhawks his senior year. Mr. Watson has been a Christ-follower since 4th grade, and has regularly played bass in church for many years. In his senior year of high-school, he was recognized as the “Senior Bible Student of The Year.” In his free time he likes to fish, play video games, and spend time with friends and family.