NATCHEZ — West Primary School preschoolers up through Natchez High School seniors will come together Saturday to show off talent that does not show up on report cards.

The Natchez-Adams School District Fine Arts Expo from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Natchez Mall will showcase music and art from district students of all ages.

McLaurin music teacher and choir director Shana Braxton said students may not be asked to name musical notes on a state test, but music often does help children in the classroom.

Students must memorize lyrics, learn pitch and hold a rhythm when they sing, Braxton said.

“There are different, complex learning processes going on,” Braxton said.

She said the practice and brain exercises of playing music or creating art can enhance how children learn.

There are other character-building perks of participating in musical and artistic extracurricular activities, Braxton said.

“The (students) are able to show pride because they are creating something, and they feel appreciated,” Braxton said.

Braxton will be leading the McLaurin choir, called the Majestic.

Other acts include string orchestras of Morgantown Elementary, Robert Lewis Middle School and Natchez High School starting at 10:45 a.m., choirs from each school starting at 11 a.m, combined choir performances starting at noon and band performances by Morgantown, Robert Lewis and Natchez High will be in the mall’s parking lot starting at 12:45 p.m.

The expo will conclude with a combined band performance starting at 1:45 p.m.

Braxton said she looks forward to the unique opportunity to watch her former students perform and see the district children’s talents unite at the expo.

The 40 third – and fourth-grade students in the Majestic are also excited, she said.

“It’s me with all the nerves and the pressure, but they’re ready to go,” she said.

Fourth grader Malana Tennessee said she enjoys performing in the choir.

“It’s a lot of fun,” she said.

When asked if she was nervous, she shook her head “No.” Tennessee has been practicing “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho” and “Because of Who You Are,” on Tuesday afternoons with the choir to prepare for the expo.