RCHS Fine Arts

Bill Thelen holds degrees from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (BFA) and the UNC-Chapel Hill (MFA) and has previously taught at Mt. Olive College, UNC-Chapel Hill, St. Augustine’s College and Wake Tech. Mr. Thelen has exhibited his art both nationally and internationally. In 1996, he co founded Lump Projects in downtown Raleigh and was the founding director for over 20 years. Currently, he is the director of Drawing Room, a socially-engaged, drawing initiative.

Cynthia Brown holds degrees from Campbell University (BA) and Southern Seminary (Master of Church Music, Doctor of Musical Arts) and has a wealth of experience in voice, organ and conducting. She directs the choral and instrumental music programs and serves as the Chair of Fine Arts. Dr. Brown previously taught at Meredith College, Campbell University and Southern Seminary.

David Kilbride , originally from Chicago, joined the North Carolina Symphony in 2007. Mr. Kilbride graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Music with a BA in Violin performance in 1993. David started his career with the New World Symphony in 1993, then spent 1995-98 with the Hong Kong Philharmonic. In the early 2000s he was Assistant Concertmaster of the Stockton (CA) Symphony, and positions followed in the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Opera Pacific Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony and the Virginia Symphony. He has been Director of the Raleigh Charter String Ensemble since 2012.

Maggie Rasnick holds the BFA in Theatre from the University of Memphis and her MFA in Acting from the University of Florida. A professional actor and director, she is a member of Actor's Equity Association, Assitej, and the American Alliance of Theatre and Education. Her education and direction credits include numerous positions and productions in Orlando, Seattle, Gainesville, and Raleigh.