TCS Voices: Finding Confidence Through Song
When Music Specialist X’ene Taylor took over TCS Voices in January, she had a clear vision to create a space where students felt safe to use their voices and truly be heard.
“From the start, I wanted TCS Voices to be a place where every single one of them belonged.”
That vision came to life on May 6 when TCS Voices performed during Community Time in the TCS gym. In just over three months, students in kindergarten through 5th grade learned harmonies and performed trios and solos for three songs.
“The students made it possible. We chose music that meant something. “Dreams” has that irresistible groove. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” carries real history and weight. “Say a Little Prayer” is pure joy,” said X’ene. “When students connect emotionally to a song, they learn it faster than anything I could teach through drills. We also made every rehearsal count. We were focused, we were playful, and we celebrated small wins.”
The group’s rapid growth was fueled by meaningful music and intentional community-building. Before learning lyrics, students spent time laughing together through games, call-and-response activities, and collaborative exercises that helped build trust across grade levels.
“Once that warmth was there, blending voices felt natural,” X’ene explained.
The spring performance highlighted not only musical growth, but also the confidence and collaboration that define the TCS experience. Students learned to harmonize while supporting soloists, balancing leadership and teamwork in real time.
“Learning to lead and to support is one of the most important things a young musician can develop. Watching a 2nd grader hold her part in a trio while the full chorus sang around her? That kind of growth is hard to put into words,” X’ene said.
For X’ene, one image from the performance captured the spirit of the group perfectly: “A kindergartner, fully locked in, singing their heart out next to a 5th grader. They were not worried about mistakes. They were just present, sharing music together.”
That sense of belonging and collaboration reflects the BCC traits at the heart of TCS.
“Chorus is the BCC traits in action,” said X’ene. “You cannot sing in an ensemble without being a builder, you are constructing something together that none of you could make alone.”
Looking ahead, X’ene hopes to expand the chorus repertoire, create more performance opportunities throughout the year, and even collaborate on an original student-written piece.
Drama and Community: Inside This Year’s TCS Players Production
In March, TCS Players brought Disney’s “Dare to Dream Jr.” to life in a production that celebrated imagination, collaboration, and the power of community. Directed by Community Liaison PJ Mitchell and Jess Londeree, the production marked an exciting milestone for the program: the return of performances to the TCS campus, this time inside the school gym.
PJ said the decision to stage the musical at TCS was inspired by a simple but powerful reminder from Jess: “Theater happens everywhere.”
“That struck me so hard,” PJ shared. “We hoped it inspired more imagination and creativity because theater happens everywhere.”
The cast embraced that spirit from the very beginning. Featuring more than 30 songs connected through themes of dreams, family, and belonging, “Dare to Dream Jr.” challenged students to think beyond a traditional storyline and work together to create a cohesive performance.
“What really impressed me was the students’ sheer ambition,” PJ said. “They didn’t just learn the steps. They did the hard work of connecting the dots to make the show feel like a full emotional story.”
That collaboration extended far beyond rehearsals. Student dance captains helped castmates master choreography, while students practiced songs and scenes together during lunch and recess. Families and faculty members also played an essential role in bringing the production to life. Art Specialist Kelley Taylor and STEAM Specialist Kelly Lyn helped with set design, while Spanish Specialist Heavyn-Leigh Armstrong supported students with pronunciation for the song “Remember Me.” Parents also stepped in to assist with costumes, props, and front-of-house hospitality.
“I say this all the time, but no one does community better than TCS,” PJ said.
For PJ, one of the most memorable moments came during “Remember Me,” when the youngest performers explored themes of family, dreams, and legacy through song.
“It was one of those rare still moments in theater where you realize even the directors are reaching for tissues,” PJ reflected.
Throughout the rehearsal process, students developed far more than performance skills. PJ described theater as “a lab for life skills,” where students learn confidence, teamwork, creativity, and self-expression in a supportive environment.
“When a student feels supported enough to take an artistic risk in rehearsal,” PJ explained, “they walk onto that stage with the kind of confidence that allows them to just go out there and crush it.”
Looking ahead, PJ hopes to continue expanding the program while introducing students to the rich history of musical theater and the shows that inspired today’s modern favorites.
TCS Athletics Round-Up: A Season of Growth, Joy, and Championship Moments
The 2025 – 26 athletics season marked an exciting new chapter for TCS under the leadership of Director of Athletics Micaela Reynolds. With a clear and intentional philosophy centered on fun, exploration, and inclusion, this year’s program created space for every student-athlete to grow, connect, and thrive.
That approach delivered both meaningful experiences and impressive results. TCS teams brought home three MAAC championships in volleyball, girls basketball, and boys basketball; girls and boys track & field placed second in the MAAC Championships; and all the TCS teams posted strong, competitive seasons. Yet, as Micaela emphasizes, the true measure of success goes far beyond wins and losses.
“At TCS, success means every student achieves personal growth and would choose to play the sport again,” she shared.
Practices across all teams reflected this philosophy in action—filled with creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. Coaches designed experiences that encouraged students to learn through play, discover their strengths, and build confidence alongside their teammates. The result: teams that not only competed well, but genuinely enjoyed the process of getting there.
One of the hallmarks of the program this year was its emphasis on multi-sport participation. Students were encouraged to try new activities across seasons, building flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to take risks. Micaela noted that these student-athletes often showed stronger perseverance and social growth, skills that carried into the classroom and beyond.
Equally important was the focus on our Building Character and Community (BCC) traits. Leadership on TCS teams looked like encouragement, inclusivity, and respect. These moments define the TCS experience, brought to life on the field, court, and track.
Perhaps most importantly, this season built something lasting. Confidence grew and students discovered a love of movement and teamwork that will stay with them long after middle school.
As Micaela looks ahead, the vision remains clear: continue expanding opportunities, introduce new sports, and ensure every student feels a sense of belonging.
“If someone visited a TCS practice,” she said, “they would see fun, friendship, leadership, and skill-building all in action.”
