Mondays with Mike: Fine Arts Week

This week’s Mondays with Mike is a special two-part celebration of Fine Arts Week at Portsmouth Christian Academy—a time when our school shines with the beauty of music, theater, and God-given creativity. In this single message, I’m sharing two separate podcast interviews, each with its own link below, highlighting the excellence, joy, and teamwork of our student performers.

First, is an interview of 3 of our 4 6th graders who participated in a statewide Honors Choir recently.

Second, we hear from 4 of the Music Man Cast about the upcoming show and their journey in faith and community about the show. 

Enjoy!

🎶 Part 1: Elementary Honors Choir In our first conversation, I sit down with three sixth-grade choir students—Signe, Emily, and Kaylee—who represented PCA at the New Hampshire Elementary Honors Choir in Concord. I am sorry we missed Magda, pictured above, who was our fourth PCA singer. They practiced during recess, learned music in Spanish, and joined over 100 students from around the state for a full-day rehearsal and performance. Their reflections were rich with insight and joy.

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Teamwork is the Heartbeat of Harmony
   The students discovered that choir, like sports, requires humility, timing, and mutual trust. They learned to blend their voices—not compete for the spotlight—and embraced their roles for the good of the whole.
2. Faith Sustained Their Confidence
   From challenging Spanish lyrics to performance-day nerves, the students shared how they relied on prayer and God’s presence to carry them through, especially when things felt uncertain.
3. Joy, Growth, and a New Tradition
   The girls spoke with joy about bonding over music, a standout group moment singing “Defying Gravity,” and even starting a new tradition—celebrating with Panera Bread as a family and team.

🎭 Part 2: The Music Man Cast

In our second interview, I sit down with four cast members of The Music Man, PCA’s spring musical opening this Thursday night. These students—Anna Tolley (Marian Paroo), Grace Wack (Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn), Donovan Bentley(Charlie Cowell), and Owen McKenney (Marcellus Washburn)—represent a cast of 30+ students who have poured heart, humor, and hard work into this classic American show.

✅ Top 4 Takeaways:

1. Calling and Character Are Formed on Stage
   Whether playing comedic relief or lead roles, students shared how God used theater to reveal hidden gifts, stretch their courage, and form friendships that run deep. Several found themselves in roles they once thought were out of reach—and grew in the process.
2. Theater is Ministry—Through Excellence and Witness
   From overcoming vocal strain to rediscovering the joy of acting, students spoke honestly about spiritual fatigue, creative renewal, and how God used others (including directors and peers) to build them up. Their desire to glorify God through their gifts was unmistakable.
3. Legacy, Mentorship, and Invitation Matter
   Senior Owen spoke about being shaped by past PCA performers—and now being that influence for others. Students recalled how upperclassmen treated them not as “kids” but as teammates, and how they now pass that same welcome and encouragement on.
4. The Cast Becomes a Community
   Rehearsals after school became more than just work—they became family. Friendships formed in the day carried into the night. Whether on stage or off, students emphasized how theater at PCA is a place of belonging, laughter, and deep connection.

To hear past episodes, share with your loved ones and friends, follow, and even review us, check out our PCA Podcast on these platforms: