A SCHOOL IN HARMONY
Celebrating Music in Our Schools Month across every division at MPCS
At Mount Pisgah Christian School, music is part of the student experience from the earliest grades through graduation. From Lower School general music with Kelly Pugh to Middle and Upper School programs led by Fine Arts Director Anisha Lewis and Orchestra Director Nicholas Wheeler, students are given opportunities to explore, perform, and grow.
In celebration of March being Music in Our Schools Month, we’re highlighting a few of our student musicians and the role music plays in their lives.
Will Daunais, Grade 3
General Music
For Will, music is something to enjoy and share. He plays drums, ukulele, and piano, and has already spent two years learning and growing as a musician at MPCS.
Outside the classroom, Will stays busy with travel baseball, basketball, and swim and dive. Still, music remains a meaningful part of his routine.
“I enjoy playing music and it’s fun to learn,” he shared. “And I like to play with my sisters.”
When asked what music means to him, his answer is simple and honest: “Music makes me feel calm and relaxed.”
Raegan Watkins, Grade 5
Band, General Music
Raegan has been an integral part of the music community at Mount Pisgah since kindergarten, and she continues to share her talents in a variety of ways.
She plays violin and guitar, loves to sing, and is currently learning euphonium as part of the 5th grade band. Her curiosity and willingness to try new instruments reflect a growing confidence in her musical journey.
Outside the classroom, Raegan stays involved in ballet, musicals, cheer, and serves on the worship team at her church. Her creativity shows up in every space she steps into.
One of her goals is to one day dance as Clara in The Nutcracker, and one of her favorite musical memories so far was playing Jasmine in last year’s 4th grade musical.
Raegan’s love for music is clear, and we are grateful for the way she shares her God-given creativity both in and out of the Pisgah community.
Daniella Kruse, Grade 8
Band, Private Lessons
Now in her fourth year of music, Daniella plays the trombone and is involved in both school and personal musical growth. She is also a member of the National Junior Honor Society and participates in taekwondo, where she serves on the junior leadership team. Music shows up in her daily life in consistent ways.
“I listen to music, I play trombone almost every day whether it’s in class or at home.”
For Daniella, the best part is the connection it creates. “My favorite thing is just being there with my friends and just embracing my instrument.”
Persia Coulter, Grade 9
Chapel Band
Persia brings a wide range of musical talent, performing as an alto vocalist and playing guitar, bass, drums, and piano. Music is not just a class for her. It is a constant presence.
“Music is in my life every minute of the day, whether I am songwriting, singing, playing my guitar, or listening.”
She is also producing her own original music and plans to release an album this year, a reflection of both creativity and discipline. Performance is where it all comes together.
“I perform on a stage 1 to 2 times a week, whether it is for 8,000 people or an open mic for 30.”
DJ Rogers, Grade 11
Band, Drumline
DJ is a true renaissance student, balancing involvement in wrestling, cross-country, esports, and thespian society while continuing to make a strong impact in the music program.
A multi-instrumentalist, DJ plays trumpet and electric bass in band and has stepped in on percussion when needed. His versatility extends to drumline, where he has played nearly every section.
For DJ, music is ultimately about connection. “It’s so general yet interpersonal,” he shared. “It feels like you can completely connect to it, even though it’s made by someone you’ve never even met.”
Adelynn Tuck, Grade 12
Orchestra
With ten years of experience, Adelynn is a dedicated violinist whose involvement spans both school and community ensembles.
Her accomplishments include All-County Orchestra selections, participation in regional orchestra, and years of involvement in youth orchestra.
Even beyond rehearsals and performances, music is woven into her everyday life.
“I’m constantly listening to music while studying or going about my day in addition to playing violin inside and outside school.”
What stands out most to her is the shared experience of making music.
“My favorite part of being in an orchestra is that special moment when everyone is engrossed in the music together and putting every ounce of emotion into the piece.”
Across every grade level, these students reflect what makes music at Mount Pisgah so meaningful. It is not just about performance. It is about expression, discipline, community, and joy.
And it starts early, grows over time, and stays with them long after the final note.