Orchestrating Confidence: How Hillcrest’s Classical Model is Growing Musicians and Mentors

The auditorium at Hillcrest was filled with the rich sounds of young voices, strings, and brass as sixth through eighth grade students showcased their growing musical abilities in a special performance. The concert featured the choir, orchestra, and band—all vital parts of Hillcrest’s investment in student formation through music, a hallmark of the classical education students receive.

For Hillcrest, music is not simply an extracurricular—it's a cornerstone of classical training. Rooted in the liberal arts tradition, music forms habits of discipline, attentiveness, creativity, and expression. Tuesday’s performance revealed how these habits are taking root in students who are not only learning to play and sing but are also learning to lead.

One of the night’s most inspiring moments came when Senior Harrison Rogness stepped up to direct one of the orchestra pieces. As a student who has grown through Hillcrest’s music program, Harrison’s leadership modeled the school’s mission to form students who give back what they’ve received. He wasn’t alone—music instructors Jonathan and Nina Clark joined their students on stage, playing alongside the young musicians to encourage and elevate the performance. Their presence underscored the mentoring spirit that defines Hillcrest’s approach to education.

Throughout the evening, the choir sang with conviction and joy, the orchestra displayed precision and passion, and the band filled the room with energy and strength. Each group demonstrated not only musical skill, but also the confidence that comes from repeated practice, thoughtful instruction, and a school culture that honors beauty, truth, and courage.

Hillcrest’s commitment to growing its band, orchestra, and choir programs is bearing fruit. These sixth through eighth graders aren’t just learning music—they’re learning how to communicate what they know with clarity and heart. They are developing voices that will not only sing in harmony but speak truth into culture.

And that’s the Hillcrest difference: forming students who are classically trained, spiritually grounded, and boldly expressive—on stage, in life, and in faith.