Creativity in Full Bloom: EM3 Showcases Art and Design Learning in Third Quarter
Third quarter was a whirlwind of creativity, collaboration, and celebration at East Millbrook Magnet Middle School of Arts and Design (EM3). From visual art to music, dance, and drama, our students stretched their imaginations and sharpened their skills in powerful ways.
Our 8th graders took on a mission-driven design challenge this quarter through their Stormwater Projects. Using art and design principles, students created powerful Public Service Art pieces aimed at raising awareness about stormwater pollution and the importance of keeping our water clean. With bold visuals and thoughtful messaging, these works proved how art can be both beautiful and impactful.
Meanwhile, the Adaptive Musicians Push Play Sing program brought a joyful energy to EM3 as they partnered with Ms. Gibson’s class for a musical residency. Each day, our students experienced the power of community and creativity through group music-making, where every student found a way to contribute. The smiles, rhythms, and harmonies spoke volumes.
In seventh grade, the entire class journeyed to the Carolina Theatre for a moving performance about the life and legacy of civil rights icon John Lewis. This field trip connected history, performance, and personal reflection—giving students a front-row seat to how the arts can bring activism and history to life.
February ended on a graceful note with a visit from Ballethnic, one of the oldest African American ballet companies in the country. Our student body was captivated by their performance, which brought professional-level dance to the EM3 stage and inspired many young dancers in the audience.
As March rolled in, so did the Aggregate Theatre Company, treating our 8th graders to a fresh take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream. After diving into the text in quarter two, students were thrilled to see the characters they’d analyzed come alive on stage in this vibrant and interactive performance.
The EM3 Arts Team was also in full swing this quarter with major performance assessments. Our Orchestra, Chorus, and Band all participated in Music Performance Adjudication (MPA)—a rigorous event where students receive feedback from professional music educators on their technical skills, musical expression, and sight-reading. It’s often called “the EOG for musicians,” and our students rose to the occasion with excellence and artistry.
Select students from our Chorus also represented EM3 in the Middle School All-County Chorus, demonstrating leadership, talent, and Cougar pride on a broader stage.
And we couldn't end the quarter without celebrating a shining visual arts achievement—8th grader Z. Langston earned the Gold Key Award in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for her painting Afternoon Nap. This prestigious honor was awarded to only three middle school students in our entire region, placing Z. among the best young artists in the country.
From stage lights to paintbrushes, EM3’s third quarter has been a showcase of what happens when imagination meets opportunity. As we look ahead to the final stretch of the school year, one thing is certain: the arts are alive and thriving at East Millbrook.
