Last year I recognized the need to inspire students in those in-between years of middle school. It was post-pandemic and the school lacked both a theater program and a band mentoring program. I was fortunate enough to have experience and training in both disciplines, having previously attended Stella Adler, Stagedoor Manor, and Broadway Workshops (among others). I met with the heads of each department.

First up was theater. I introduced Improvisation to these 12-14 year olds and it was well received. In fact this program, now entering its second year, has alum that are poised for their high school theater curriculum as well as newbies who are excited to join the troupe.

The band mentoring program had a slower start, requiring external funds. I was then a junior in the select High School Wind Ensemble (saxophonist) when I proposed it to the head of the department. It took an extra year to gain funding, and I was tapped on the shoulder to run the program! I found this surprising since I dropped band, but of course will run with it when the time is right and won’t let those middle schoolers (nor the high school department head) down.