News

Bring In The Band!

With their eyes glued to their instructor, the newest members of the 6th grade band eagerly awaited directions on how to properly begin putting together their instruments. It's the first step in learning to play in the PCA band this year.

“Each 6th grader at PCA is involved in either band or choir,” explained band director Mike Doll. “If the students choose band, we spend several classes learning about the various instruments and how each works and what they sound like. We bring in local experts to test the students for their aptitude on each instrument. Once the students meet with the experts, we help them to compare their top three choices to how they did when testing the instruments to see which one might fit them best.”

Once an instrument is decided, the next step is a "Jump Start" clinic where PCA brings in area professionals once again to work with each section of the band (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion... teaching students the basics for their particular instrument: how to hold the instrument, how to breathe properly, how to make their first sounds, how to clean their instruments, and more.

The joy on the faces of the students as they tried out their instruments was that of pure excitement.

“It was cool that I picked up putting together the trombone pretty quickly,” said new trombone player, Rawls Karnes. “I’m most excited about learning to read music this year, and I also I discovered that a few of my aunts and uncles played the trombone as well!”

“My goal for this year is for our budding crop of young musicians to learn how to read music and how to play their instruments,” explains Doll. “More importantly, I hope they learn how they can use this gift of music to bless others and lead others in worship. Hopefully, one day, they will want to be a part of the worship ministry at their church. Learning to play an instrument and read music is not an easy task, but I want them to discover that hard work and effort will produce results.”

4th Graders Explore Barrier Island

The smell of salt air and the sound of waves was all part of the experience as our 4th grade classes enjoyed a naturalist guided tour to Capers Island Heritage Preserve last Friday. Departing from the Isle of Palms marina, the budding scientists explored the winding salt marsh tidal creeks and the Intracoastal waterway before arriving at their destination. 

Along the way, students learned about the fascinating ecosystem and the plants and animals that call it home. Crab traps were pulled onboard the boat and the marine life captured the students' attention as they brought it in for closer examination. They learned how stone crabs and puffer fish are created with special abilities to protect themselves when in danger. 

Once on the island, students were able to ask questions about items found on the beach. They saw and learned about horseshoe crabs, jellyfish, pelicans, and a variety of plant life living in and around the salt marsh.

4th Grade Teacher, Connie Meadows, says this field trip enhanced all that students are learning about the salt life ecosystem inside the classroom. "This trip allowed the students to see, touch, and experience things that would otherwise just be seen on a video or read about in a textbook. It also allows for a good follow-up lesson as we will discuss and apply what was learned in the classroom with what we learned on our field trip."