On May 3, 2022 nineteen Franklin Road Academy’s Department of Fine Arts hosted the annual FRAnkie Awards ceremony for upper school students in the Scarlett Family Chapel. The FRAnkie Awards are a time-honored tradition at FRA celebrating the hard work and dedication put forth by upper school fine arts students throughout the year. Equivalent to the Oscars or Grammys, we are so proud of each of these upper school students and the hard work they have put into each of their crafts.
Arts
At FRA, the arts are a priority, and our arts offerings complement our intellectual, athletics, and spiritual pursuits, lending a creative outlet to let students' minds solve problems in unexpected new ways.
Our students are encouraged to explore various forms of art as they progress through middle and upper school, and many of our graduates are pursuing their artistic passions in college and beyond.
Art News
Franklin Road Academy recently hired Ashley Willits as the new choral director for their middle and upper school music program.
Willits holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and music from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Master of Arts degree in education and single subject music credential from Santa Clara University.
I have so much fun designing earrings! I love being able to make new designs, use different combinations, and choose different stones. After being gifted an earring-making kit for my birthday two years ago, I found my love for making jewelry. After a few different designs, I had lots of people asking me for a pair of earrings. I was selling them at camp, to family members, and even just friends who saw them. My projects were really doing well so I decided it was time to start a business!
For the first time in forever, our middle school students took us back to the stage on a magical journey with their production of Frozen JR. Franklin Road Academy Middle School Fine and Performing Arts proudly presented Frozen JR. March 4-6 in the FRA Theater. The stage adaption of the Disney classic expanded upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa.
Our first grade students recognized the privilege of being a United States citizen with their Patriotic Concert on Friday, February 25. Each student performed songs and poems in reflection of our nation for their family and friends. Musical selections included “God Bless America”, “America the Beautiful”, “This Land Is Your Land”, and many more well-known tributes and poems.
Our upper school vocal ensemble was given superior ratings at the MTVA Choral Festival in Murfreesboro on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. These vocalists earned a 10.79 out of a possible 12 point average composite score from three university judges to earn a superior rating and qualified for state ACDA adjudication in April.
Congratulations to 11th grader, Landon Goff who will be representing FRA at the Mid-State Choir as a 1st Tenor this weekend. Landon was also chosen as a Tennessee All-State Choir Alternate. After auditioning with students from across the state, Landon landed a spot in these prestigious choirs. Concerts will take place Friday, January 28 at First Baptist Church in Downtown Nashville. We’re so proud of Landon and this amazing accomplishment!
Franklin Road Academy Fine and Performing Arts proudly presents Evening with the Arts on Thursday, January 27 in the FRA Theater. Join us for live performances by our upper school students. This year's production features the talents of Dylan Anderson, Hailey Blahauvietz, Liam Bradford, Lexi Cole, Harrison Douglass, Harper Hazlitt, Sloane Killinger, Lola McCormick, Annabel Oliff, Natalie Richter, Taylor Robinson, Annabelle Schraw, Roman Vickers, Sophie Vincent, Elizabeth Wang, and Lily Paris (featured visual artist).
Last week, our upper school students seized the day with their production of Disney’s Newsies. After running November 11-13, 2021, the story of Newsies highlighted a story of dedication, grit, and triumph among a group of creative young people. The same story could be told for each student on the stage. Each cast and crew member worked tirelessly to pull off an amazing production.
Congratulations to eleven of our middle school vocalists who earned spots in the Middle Tennessee Vocal Association’s 2021-22 Middle School Honor Choir! The auditions involved submitting an a cappella recording in a specified key, and for 7th & 8th graders, an additional Latin solo recording was required. Over 50 schools from the Middle Tennessee region entered vocalists during the audition process. Approximately 100 singers will perform with guest clinicians in both the 5th & 6th and 7th & 8th honor choir concerts in January.