Holly Leach, Principal, Northshore Christian Academy

Nominated by: Northshore Christian Academy, Contact is Denise Christian 425.322.2301 or dchristian@northshorechristian.org

Mrs. Lisa Walchenbach’s passion is to develop her students to be our future music leaders and music creators of Western Washington. Her desire is to inspire all students to be future promoters of the arts, future creators of music, and future leaders in community music groups.

Mrs. Lisa Walchenbach’s whole life has been devoted to music education and children. She is passionate about teaching children to appreciate and create music using their potential and giftedness. She sees the potential in every child. Mrs. Walchenbach’s love for children, music and education inspires her students to develop their musical skills, unique giftedness and passion for music.

Mrs. Lisa Walchenbach has built our K-8th grade music program over the past 6 years from teaching approximately 500 students to over 800 students. Starting as the only full time music teacher, she now leads a team of 4 music teachers. With the teamwork of her music department, she oversees 45 music classes, 10 performing groups, 3 weekly chapel assemblies, and 8 yearly concert performances.

Mrs. Walchenbach has a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Hope College. She has over 22 years of teaching music in public, private, and gifted schools.

At NCA, we understand the importance of music education. It is an integral part of our education program. New research has found that music lessons do more than teach a child how to play an instrument. You may have heard about the “Mozart Effect”—the theory that babies exposed to classical music show more advanced brain development that other babies. But only recently have studies found provable links between musical training and the comprehensions of math and science. When children listen to music and learn to play it, they use both sides of the brain, setting up mental pathways and connections they’ll use all their lives.

At NCA, every student has the opportunity to learn and grow in their skills, understanding and appreciation of music.

Elementary: Every student performs in a yearly concert, learns music theory, studies famous composures, and learns to play the recorder, violin and rhythm instruments. Their music education builds into participating in band, orchestra or choir programs.

Middle School: beginning and advanced opportunities abound with 10 performing groups to choose from starting in 5th grade. Orchestra, instrumental band, praise band and choir are avenues open to our students.

Northshore Christian Academy has over 900 students (Toddlers - 8th grade) NCA began in 1995 in a warehouse, students now enjoy three buildings (145,000 sq. ft.) on 33 acre campus is located near the Everett Boeing plant. They enjoy a beautiful view of Puget Sound.

Mrs. Holly Leach
Superintendent
Northshore Christian Academy