Highland Magazine - Spring 2015

The Magazine of Highland School | Spring 2015 Issue

SPRING 2015 ISSUE: SPECIAL FOCUS ON HIGHLAND’S FACULTY Lise Hicklin Celebrates 30 Years at Highland School Behind the Scenes: ‘The King and I’ David Fatula: Highland’s Rocker-In-Residence

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HIGHLAND SCHOOL Be

yourself at Highland

HIGHLAND SCHOOL Be

yourself at Highland

Board of Trustees Mr. Tim Dunn* Chairman Mrs. Olympia Moshos* Vice Chair Mr. David Young* Treasurer Mrs. Heather Iasso* Secretary

Mr. Ike Broaddus* Mr. Richard Chadwell* At Highland School, our mission is to provide a demanding academic and co-curricular program

Mrs. Karen Flikeid Mrs. Hilary Gerhardt

that develops the skills and character essential

Mrs. Samantha Gravett

for students to meet the challenges of college

Mrs. Anne Hall

and leadership in the twenty-first century.

Mr. David Hazel (8th, ‘79) Mr. Mark Melvin*

To carry out this mission, Highland School has assembled thoroughly modern facilities, a large, diverse, and

Mr. Randy Minter Mrs. Vaughan Myers

highly qualified staff, a student body ready to meet

Ms. Diana Norris

the challenges, and an academic philosophy and

Mr. Lewis Pollard

strategy that make maximum use of these resources.

Mrs. Wendy Rodgers Mrs. Darlene Smith Mrs. Lesley Soltys Dr. Beejal Taylor Mr. Dave Turner Mr. Mark Van de Water* Mrs. Jody Warfield* Mr. Henry D. Berg Head of School Dr. Laura Tremblay Parents Association President Mr. Marshall D. Doeller (8th, ‘67), Trustee Emeritus Mr. William A. Hazel Sr., Trustee Emeritus Mr. Paul Rice, Trustee Emeritus *Indicates member of the Executive Committee

Table of Contents

Spring 2015

Head of School Henry D. Berg Editor David Henrickson Writers and Contributors Briar Bogin Anita Brinson Megan Catalfamo David Fatula Michael Hughes LeeAnn McVane Karen Stinnett Sarah Roach Graphic Design David Henrickson

Check out images from Grandparents Day on page 44 On the cover: For thirty years, Lise Hicklin has called Highland School her “home away from home” for its emphasis on blending academics and all the little things that make for a well-rounded education.

To learn more about Lise, please go to page 22.

Letter from the Head of School

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There’s nothing more important to the Highland experience than our dedicated faculty. This issue tells some of their behind-the-scenes stories.

Backstage at ‘The King and I’

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This spring’s production of ‘The King and I’ broke new ground in many ways – sold out shows, a huge cast ranging in age from 3 to 18 – but the camaraderie behind the scenes never changes.

Highland Teachers Connect 20 with Students Through the Arts Anita Brinson and LeeAnn McVane are deeply involved with Highland’s theater productions. But they don’t do it just for their love of theater.

Lise Hicklin Celebrates 30 Years

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For 30 years, Lise Hicklin has embodied everything that is good about the Highland experience.

Welcome to the 30 Year Club, Lise 30

Lise Hicklin joins Sarah Roach and Karen Stinnett as active teachers who have been at Highland for more than 30 years.

David Fatula: Highland’s Rocker-in-Residence

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Since 2004, David Fatula has been quietly shaping and reshaping the Upper School and its music programs.

Copy Editor Lora Mackie Class Notes Coordinator Briar Bogin Director of Advancement Joy Willey

Departments

News from Around Campus

‘The King and I’ Image Gallery

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5th Grade Wax Museum Gallery

32

Grandparents Day Gallery

44

Alumni News and Notes

46

Picture Puzzle

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Photography Megan Catalfamo David Henrickson Wendy Safren

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Highland Magazine is produced by the Office of Communications for alumni, parents and friends of Highland School. Letters and comments are welcome. Please send inquiries to: Director of Communications, Highland School, 597 Broadview Avenue, Warrenton, VA 20186, e-mail to dhenrickson@highlandschool.org, or telephone 540-878-2717

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Highland School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational, employment, or admission policies, its scholarship, athletic and other school-administered programs.

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Letter from The Head of School

Our Dedicated Faculty Changes the Lives of Students Every Day A former Headmaster I worked with often said “its all about who” referring to the vital importance of the quality of the people in a school. We know that the heart of a great independent school is the faculty and staff.

One of the four cardinal tenets of the Highland School philosophy reflects this:

Hank Berg, who has served as Highland’s Head of School since 2004, has overseen an expansion in both facilities and curriculum.

The student-teacher relationship and community responsibility are at the center of the learning experience.

The Highland experience is based on small class size and a caring community that provides attention to the individual. Our faculty value the opportunity to work closely with the individual student and utilize a variety of methods to empower all kinds of learners. The relationship that begins in the classroom is developed into a broader connection to other adults and students across divisions.

Educators like Lise Hicklin, Sarah Roach, and Karen Stinnett have made teaching at Highland their life’s work, influencing over three decades of students. These dedicated educators and others have literally built the school. Every day, amazing things take place here and behind every well known achievement there are hundreds of small actions that develop the broader connection between adults and students.

Please read the story on page 20 on our Learning Center faculty working backstage of our fall plays and spring musicals for one example of how interactions occurring in such different environments strengthen relationships between our students and faculty.

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Knowing the difference great teachers make in the lives and experiences of our students, we put substantial resources into recruiting, retaining, and developing our dedicated and talented faculty. This is a process that goes year round and I am indebted to parents and others for providing support for professional development.

“Knowing the difference great teachers make in the lives and experiences of our students, we put substantial resources into recruiting, retaining, and developing our dedicated and talented faculty.”

This summer, our faculty and staff will attend workshops, undertake curriculum development projects, present at conferences and enjoy summer reading –much of this made possible by the support of parents. Thank you for your continued dedication and support!

Sincerely,

Henry D. Berg Head of School

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News from Around Campus

Pictured from left: Margie Kuzminski, Cathy Campbell, Sarah Tomsyck & Mimi Corcoran

This June, Four Highland Teachers Will Serve as Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Readers This June, four of Highland’s Upper School teachers will share their expertise with the College Board as Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Readers.

Cathy Campbell (Dean of Students/English), Mimi Corcoran (Math), Margie Kuzminski (Social Science) and Sarah Tomsyck (English) will join AP teachers and college faculty members from around the world, who gather in locations throughout the United States, to evaluate and score the free-response sections of the AP Exams.

Mimi Corcoran was Highland’s only AP Reader for five years, and is now in her eighth year of being invited to serve as an AP Reader. Advanced Placement Exam Readers are led by a Chief Reader. The Chief Reader is typically a college professor who has the responsibility of ensuring that students receive scores that accurately reflect collegelevel achievement. More than 12,000 teachers and college faculty participated in the 2014 Reading.

According to the College Board website, “Advanced Placement Readers evaluate and score AP students’ freeresponses ensuring that high school students receive AP grades that accurately reflect college-level achievement in a specified discipline.”

In addition to scoring the exams, AP Readers work and exchange ideas with faculty, teachers and AP Development Committee members from around the world. Readers also establish friendships within a worldwide network of faculty members and become familiar with AP scoring standards, which can provide valuable knowledge and insights for scoring their own students’ essays.

All applicants for these positions must submit a current resume and teaching syllabus. AP Readers from secondary schools must currently teach the AP course in a faceto-face classroom setting and have at least three years’ experience teaching the subject.

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News from Around Campus

The Highland Auction brings together families, friends, alumni, faculty, and staff to support programming and students.

2015 Highland Auction a Success

Casual ‘Boots Buckles & Bling’ theme proves popular with attendees at fundraising event Thanks to everyone who supported the ‘Boots, Buckles & Bling’ Highland Auction April 18. In a beautifully transformed Upper School gym, Highland families, friends, alumni, faculty, and staff came together for the annual event that raises money to support our programming and benefit our students.

In keeping with the event’s country casual theme, entertainment was provided by the Brandy Stills Band.

The evening centered around a high-energy live auction, a full slate of great silent auction items, and a Paddleraiser video created by Director of Academic Technology Robert Hampton.

Popular live auction items at this year’s event included unique experiential dinners hosted at local wineries and private homes, a beach house for a week, and the always-popular

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“Head of Middle School for a Day” package. Silent auction items included unique gift packages created by parents and students in each of the Lower and Middle School grades, great trips, and unique local products and services.

Thank you to our sponsors and to everyone who attended the event and supported Boots, Buckles, & Bling. You helped make this year’s Auction a huge success and such a fun night!

This year’s Boots, Buckles & Bling sponsors included Moser Funeral Home (Randy & Robin Minter), The Dunn/ Stofan Family, Pepsi, BB&T, Yount, Hyde & Barbour, Lynx Investments, Country Chevrolet, Akre Capital Management, American Automated Sprinkler Company, Robert C. Flikeid DDS & Associates, EMO Insurance Agency, The Fauquier Bank, Warrenton Toyota, Griffin & Errera Orthodontics, and Ernie & Betty Oare.

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News from Around Campus

Highland Raises Over $53K Through Give Local Piedmont Fundraiser

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Area non-profits raise more than $730,000 from donors nationwide On May 5, Highland School participated in Give Local Piedmont, a 24-hour fundraising event for non-profits serving Fauquier, Culpeper, Rappahannock, and Madison Counties In total, 137 non-profits received 5,084 gifts totaling more than $730,000.

Highland reached the top of the leaderboard with 295 gifts totaling more than $53,000. With prizes and matching funds, Highland will receive more than $13,000 in additional funds.

Thank you to all the members of our Highland community

who supported our efforts and the efforts of other local non-profits. It was an exceptional example of school spirit and pride, and one that will certainly translate into future successes for our students. We were very fortunate to receive gifts from faculty, students, parents, grandparents, alumni, trustees and friends.

We also want to extend our thanks to the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation for sponsoring Give Local Piedmont, and the Fauquier Health Foundation for donating the matching funds.

Spotlight on Athletics

Boys Varsity Soccer Reaches State Finals

Highland’s Boys Varsity Soccer team lost 2-0 in the VISAA Division II Finals to North Cross School, Roanoke. The game was played at Sports Backers Stadium at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.

After holding the top-seeded Raiders to a first half draw, the Hawks gave up an early second half goal after Senior goalkeeper Seth Kott was left one-on-one with Kennedy Nwabia, North Cross’s most dangerous attacker. North Cross sealed victory with a penalty kick.

“It was a truly special season,” Boys Varsity coach Reynolds Oare said in an article posted on FauquierNow.com.

“They’re just a great bunch of guys. Not only did this team have a lot of talent, but also the chemistry they possessed was unmatched. They progressed a tremendous amount throughout the season and were playing some of their best soccer in the state tournament.”

Ward Van de Water ‘15 and Antonio Bachman ‘16 were chosen as VISAA Division II All-State players based on their performances throughout the season and in state tournament play. Van de Water was also selected a 2014 Mid-Atlantic All American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

Junior Antonio Bachman (above) was selected to the VISAA All-State team along with Senior Ward Van de Water.

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News from Around Campus

Battle of the Books team members pictured include Allison Harmon, Grace Petronzio, and Reilly Oare (front row from left) and Caroline Watkins, Kofi Ansenso, JP Doucet, Luke Warfield, Morgan Malinow, Hall Pritchard, and Avin Curtis (back row).

Middle School Battle of the Books Team Excels

Team of 6th through 8th graders finish fourth in Piedmont Regional Tournament 2014/2015 Finals Team Members Grace Petronzio Kofi Ansenso Reilly Oare JP Doucet Luke Warfield Alternates Caroline Watkins Allison Harmon Coaches Jane Banse Lisa Cooper

Having missed only three questions throughout several rounds of competition, Highland’s Middle School Battle of the Books team finished fourth place, out of twenty teams, in the Piedmont Regional Tournament last month.

In the competition, teams competed in groups of two to accumulate points throughout the daylong event. The Highland Hawkeyes, coached

by Librarian Jane Banse and fourth grade teacher Lisa Cooper, were impressive with their knowledge of the books.

“Throughout the day, other teachers and coaches commented on our excellent teamwork and sportsmanship,” said Mrs. Banse. “Mrs. Cooper, all the parents who attended, and I couldn’t be more proud of how our team worked together and the sportsmanship they displayed throughout every round of the competition.”

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Battle of the Books is a motivational and competitive reading program that inspires students to read good books in an encouraging environment. Students are provided with a list of twenty books that will be included in the competition. Next year’s Battle of the Books list will be released in May so team members can add the titles to their summer reading lists.

While each student doesn’t have to read every book on the list, teams work together to successfully answer as many questions as possible to earn points. This event marked the culmination of a year’s worth of work reading, preparing, and scrimmaging among teammates and with other area teams.

“We’re already looking forward to next season,” said Mrs. Banse. “With the new reading list coming out in May, the students are ready to get busy reading!”

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Spotlight on Academics

AP Physics students Nick Iasso ‘15 and Jamie Dyer ‘15 show off the sub-sonic wind tunnel they designed and constructed. Both students will be attending university engineering programs in the fall.

AP Physics Students Design and Build Sub-Sonic Wind Tunnel in Innovative Project Students applied engineering skills learned in extra-curricular robotics program to design and build low-speed wind tunnel Students in Highland’s AP Physics class designed and built their own subsonic wind tunnel in Highland’s Robotics and Innovation Lab. The project is a culmination of a year-long study of the design, construction, and applications of subsonic and super-sonic wind tunnels.

Earlier in the year, students visited the Glen Martin Wind Tunnel at The University of Maryland in College Park to learn about its use in studying and testing low-speed aerodynamics. Recently, the class visited Aerolab, a company located in Laurel, Maryland, that designs and builds custom wind tunnels for academic, private industry, and military applications.

On each visit, students gained valuable insight from professionals who work with wind tunnels every day.

At the University of Maryland, students witnessed the

wind tunnel in action. At Aerolab, they got to speak directly with the engineers, designers, and machinists that build them.

“My goal was to create an AP Physics course with a college-level challenge for the students,” said Dr. Pat Hewitt, who taught the class. “While wind tunnels have always been my area of professional and personal interest, I wanted the students to be completely in charge of the design and construction.”

The tunnel, which is comprised of an inlet, test section, diffuser, and commercial grade fan to draw the air, can generate winds of approximately 50-60 miles per hour.

To see a short video of Highland’s subsonic wind tunnel in action, please visit www.highlandschool.org/windtunnel.

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Team RoboHawk Wins Creativity Award This year the Highland School’s Team RoboHawk participated in one of the toughest FIRST robotics challenges seen to date. Called Recycle Rush, the challenge required the team to design a robot that could stack recycling bins and totes; the robot also had to pick up litter (disguised as pool noodles). The team rose to the occasion with two outstanding showings at regional events.

At the 64-team Virginia Regional competition, Team RoboHawk scored well in qualifying matches and was selected to compete in the quarterfinals, narrowly missing the semifinals by a mere two points. As team captain Jamie Dyer put it, “Since we were able to put recycling bins on top of preexisting stacks, a task worth a lot of points, we were desirable for higher-ranked teams going into the elimination rounds.”

At the 48-team Greater DC Regional competition, the team won the Creativity Award sponsored by Xerox. This award “celebrates creativity in design, use of component, or strategy of play.” The award was in recognition of the

robot’s unusual all-wheel steer “swerve drive” hardware and the control software developed entirely in house.

Taken together, this design provides unparalleled chassis traction and maneuverability.

The demonstrated ability to rotate at high speeds without dropping items got a lot of attention on the practice field and admiration in the pits. Upper School Director Cassin Bertke noted, “While we would love to win the competition, we are equally excited about winning these awards. Last year we won the Innovation in Control Award and now the Creativity Award this year. It’s obvious our students are doing great thinking in the design phase. I am so proud of the team for their achievements.”

Team RoboHawk’s technical prowess and passion were evident in DC as well as Richmond. Next year they hope to continue the tradition of designing and building robots that can manage the tasks in unique and successful ways.

Reni Moshos Wins State Title in 200M IM At the 2015 VISAA State Swim Meet in February at the Collegiate Aquatic Center in Richmond, Reni Moshos ‘16 won her fourth state title. Competing in the 200 Meter Individual Medley, she swam a state record-breaking time of 200.71, which also earned her an All American time in the event. In the same event, Moshos finished second in the 100 Meter Back Stroke with an All American qualifying time of 55.56.

Moshos has earned four state titles since she started swimming with Highland’s Varsity swim team as an 8th grader in 2012 and has been an All American swimmer since 2014. She is currently ranked 48th in the nation and is a highly-recruited prospect in her 2016 recruiting class with interests from Division 1 swimming programs including University of Florida, University of Virginia, University of North Carolina, and Texas A&M.

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Reni Moshos has earned four state titles since 2012: 2012 - 100M Free 2013 - 100M Back 2014 - 100M Breast

56.56 (AA) 2015 - 200M -IM

200.71 (AA) (AA) = All-American

Qualifying Time

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9th Annual Family Service Day

Highland serves organizations around Warrenton Highland students, parents, and teachers volunteered on five different projects for the ninth annual Family Service Day in April.

Projects led by students and parents took place off-campus and around the campus throughout the day.

Students Head Off-Campus to Support Area Organizations Off campus, volunteers assisted clients with food boxes at the Fauquier Food Distribution Coalition. Others helped Special Olympics athletes practice for their track and field meet. Other students offered basic supplies and friendly conversation to families living in low rent motels as part of The Dignity Project.

Lots of Ways to Help Around Campus On campus, the Lower School entrance received some beautification with volunteers sprucing up the front beds and planting annuals.

Inside the Chilton Commons, the Enkijape Rummage Sale raised nearly $6,000 for our sister school in Kenya.

Thanks to the volunteers who shared their time, energy and talents to improve our school, local, and global communities. We are especially grateful to our adult and student project coordinators and liaisons including Ann Martin (Enkijape Rummage Sale), Amudha Mahendiran (Lower School garden), Jessica Simpson (Special Olympics), Treuting family (Fauquier Food Distribution), and Savarna Pahari and Mallory Bryan (The Dignity Project).

Two-Year Old Program Starting in Fall 2015 Starting this Fall, Highland School will offer a Pre-Kindergarten designed specifically for bright and curious two-year olds. In creating a developmental program that promotes creativity, exploration, decision making and play, Highland has applied the expertise of its early education specialists.

“Our Pre-Kindergarten 2 program will provide a warm and supportive learning environment in which each child is nurtured,” said Lise Hicklin, director of the Lower School and Early Childhood education. “Our youngest students will be encouraged to develop socially, emotionally, and academically at his or her own rate of growth.”

To learn more about our Pre-K2 program, please contact Donna Tomlinson at 540-878-2740 or via email at dtomlinson@highlandschool.org.

Highland Alum?

Share Your Stories with Classmates and Friends Celebrating a special event? Want to stay connected with classmates, friends, and faculty? Send in your stories via email to alumni@highlandschool.org and we’ll include your update in an upcoming issue.

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In the Spotlight

‘King and I’ Production Packs The Rice Theater Under the direction of Michael Hughes, the Highland Players presented an ambitious production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘the King and I’ in The Rice Theater. With a cast of 51 talented Highland students ranging from ages 3-18, the house was packed both weekends of the musical run. Supported by a live orchestra, rich costumes, and classic songs, the productions was truly a ‘hit with audiences.

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In the Spotlight

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BACKSTAGE AT ‘THE KING AND I’ AN INSIDER’S LOOK AT THE PRODUCTION OF RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S CLASSIC MUSICAL WITH A CAST OF 51 STUDENTS RANGING IN AGE FROM THREE TO 18.

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The entire cast of Highland School’s staging of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘The King and I’ gathered on the stage of The Rice Theater for a photo. Cast photos from every show are displayed in the Highland Center for the Arts.

Behind every cast photo of a Highland School play or musical taken on the stage of The Rice Theater are hundreds of man hours of preparations. Long afternoons of rehearsals for the cast and crew, costume fittings, set design and construction, hair and makeup design and elaborate dress rehearsals are just a few of the parts that go into bringing a show to the stage.

A Scale Unmatched in Recent Productions For this production of ‘The King and I’, which was originally presented on Broadway in 1951, the undertaking was great. With a principal cast of thirteen, a supporting cast that included 38 students ranging from a three-year old preschooler to Upper Schoolers, and a backstage crew led

by Senior Rosemary Groux ‘15, Artistic Director Michael Hughes had his work cut out for him.

Given the size of the cast and crew, the complexity of the production, and a first-ever run that spanned two weekends, Mr. Hughes estimates that the time requirement to put on four sold-out performances (one of the originally scheduled performances was canceled due to snow) ballooned to more than a thousand man hours.

“There are so many things that go into a show of this scale, I’m not sure I could put an actual figure on it,” Mr. Hughes said. “To be honest, I’m not sure I really want to know!”

Elaborate Backdrop on Wheels The play’s detailed and hand painted backdrop, which serves as the center of the production – and actually moves during the opening scene of the show – exemplifies both the scale of the show and the work involved in staging it.

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Artistic Director Michael Hughes seems to feed off of the energy created by the students in the green room just off stage.

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The green room, which is just off the stage, is a busy place both before and during a performance of ‘The King and I’. Actors are preparing their hair and makeup, costumes are being changed and fitted, and nervous energy is being released before the performers take to the stage.

The backdrop was built out of sixteen 4’ x 8’ plywood panels supported by a huge wooden frame. Then, this wall, which measured 16 feet tall by 32 feet wide was placed on casters that allowed the backdrop to move – with the help of a crew of stage hands – to represent a ship coming into the port of Bangkok in the play’s opening scene.

Costuming That Rivals a Professional Production With more than two-thirds of the costumes custom-made or specifically adapted from Highland’s inventory of costumes collected over ten years of previous shows, the lush and colorful costumes presented a unique challenge for the crew.

Senior Julia Granato ‘15 meticulously designed and painted the backdrop with help from a small, but dedicated crew of students. Granato and her team, which included fellow Upper School students Tanya Bopp ‘15 and Caitlyn Parz ‘18, worked for more than four weeks to complete the piece.

“For this staging of ‘The King and I’ the costumes became as important as the music and dialogue,” said Mr. Hughes.

“Without the flavor and texture that the costumes add, there’s no show. The setting, the 1860’s time period, and the exotic locale of Siam. You can’t fake that.”

“It was a pleasure to get the opportunity to bring the musical to life both on stage and back stage,” said Granato. “Although painting the backdrop seemed daunting, it was satisfying to admire the finished product.”

Then, the costumes are painstakingly custom-fitted by Diane Hughes and her crew to accommodate each actor in the show. In many ways, the costumes help the young actors get more deeply into their characters.

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Rehearsals took place for eight weeks leading up to opening night in early March. The dedicated cast, which included Preston Mulford ‘17, had to work around sports schedules, academic calendars, and school closings due to inclement weather.

“For many of our young actors in ‘The King and I’ we’re asking them to play characters from a different time and different place,” said Mr. Hughes. “The costumes, no matter how simple or ornate, help the actors understand and embody the different cultural expectations needed to convincingly portray their characters and bring the audience into the story.”

Meticulous Makeup and Hair Sets the Stage With the musical set in Bangkok, makeup played a critical role in helping to set the stage – for both actors and audience. And nearly every actor in the production had some type of makeup – ranging from a simple spray tan treatment to heavy white face paint – to add authenticity and prepare them for the harsh glow of the stage lights.

The most complex costumes are rented from Norcostco, a costume rental and theater company located in Atlanta, Georgia. Norcostco rents costumes to professional theater companies around the world. Some of these costumes include the finely detailed hoop dresses worn by Anna, played by Mary Catherine Treuting ‘15, the intricate and richly woven tunics and robes worn by Oliver Schwartz ‘15 in his role as the King, and the heavily beaded costumes of the ballet dancers in the play-within-a-play near the end of the production.

While relatively simple in styling, hair styles for the actors helps to set the mood and also gives the audience information about what’s happening with characters during the play. For some of the principal actors, hair also served as a way to hide the tiny microphone systems that amplify their performances throughout The Rice Theater.

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“Hair and makeup are of critical importance to this play.

We were presenting an ethnic group and it was essential that it be portrayed as accurately as possible,” Mr. Hughes

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Sixth grader Peyton Dofflemyer was one of 18 Lower and Middle School students who were part of ‘The King and I’ cast of 51 students across all divisions.

The cast ranged in age from three to 18.

said. “For some of the actors, we used tanning lotion to darken the skin. The hair style was very distinctive for the wives and children. The top knot was an intentional part of the design for the characters.”

“The makeup for the ballet in ‘Small House of Uncle Thomas’ is very specific. Rodgers and Hammerstein included careful notes on the makeup, choreography, and costumes.”

Hours of Rehearsals Build Confidence in Cast The cast of primary actors totaled thirteen. This core cast rehearsed four days a week for two hours per day. This schedule lasted eight weeks leading up to the first weekend of performances in March. Multiply that out and you’re at more than 800 man hours of rehearsal time. Combine that with the practice schedules for the 38 other members of the cast and crew dedicated well over 1000 man hours.

Everything Comes Together in Green Room On the nights of the performances, all this preparation, energy, and excitement came to a head in the green room just offstage. Costumes are donned. The hair and makeup chairs manned by dedicated crew members (and Highland faculty members) LeeAnn McVane and Anita Brinson are spinning as students prepare for their time on stage (read more about McVane and Brinson on page 20 - ed.)

For some, the performances will be brief and include only a few lines. For others, their performances include renditions of timeless songs in front of a packed theater.

For all, the experience will remain both memorable and meaningful thanks to the all the hard work, dedication, and preparation that goes into putting on a play of this size and scope. A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed to the show’s tremendous success! n

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As Highland’s Upper School learning specialist, Anita Brinson works daily to help her students achieve their full potential, both in the classroom and out.

Spotlight on Faculty

TWO HIGHLAND TEACHERS CONNECT WITH THEIR STUDENTS THROUGH THE ARTS LEARNING CENTER SPECIALISTS ANITA BRINSON AND LEEANN MCVANE HAVE BECOME FIXTURES AT HIGHLAND’S FALL PLAYS AND SPRING MUSICALS IN THE HIGHLAND CENTER FOR THE ARTS. WHILE HELPING WITH HAIR AND MAKE UP IS THEIR OFFICIAL ROLE, THE TWO TEACHERS ALSO USE IT AS A WAY TO CONNECT WITH THEIR STUDENTS. ARTICLE BY BRIAR BOGIN

Though neither came to Highland with a particular background in the Fine Arts, each now boasts coif, makeup, costume and music experience galore.

Anita Brinson and LeeAnn McVane are part of Highland’s Learning Center – Brinson as the Upper School Learning Specialist and McVane as the Learning Center Director. Both work diligently daily to help students achieve their full potential, both in the classroom and out. And both have come to appreciate the value of the Fine Arts department in helping students learn to express themselves and use the program as an avenue to demonstrate their strengths.

“When I first came to Highland, my mentor suggested that I get involved in after school activities with the students,” said Brinson.

“Not only because it means so much to them but being involved would also provide me with another view of students outside the classroom.”

“My schedule varies almost daily. Because students often stay late to work or get extra help, sports was quickly excluded. But I went to Michael Hughes and asked if he needed

backstage help. He said yes, and four years ago, my journey began.”

LeeAnn McVane tells a similar tale. “I started helping Middle School students in the green room before class plays doing some makeup and hair as help was needed,” said McVane.

“Three years ago, I joined Anita in the Upper School production of ‘The Sound of Music.’

With the amount of costume changes, braids and Von Trapp children running around, it took lots of us to keep everyone organized, coiffed and costumed.”

HIGHLAND STUDENTS HAVE TALENTS IN MANY AREAS Working with these talented students offers both McVane and Brinson a glimpse into another side of their students. “I hope these actors know I love being a part of each play with them,” said Brinson. “I enjoy the energy and dedication and love to be able to help. I really enjoy watching them evolve as singers, dancers, actors or whatever it is they decide they want to do.”

It seems to be a natural fit with their passionate love for teaching. “Probably one of the most

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Spotlight on Faculty

important things about me is that I really love kids,” said McVane. “I loved raising my own children and was very actively involved in their lives. I enjoy teaching the students at Highland, watching them learn, grow, and develop to their fullest potential.”

THE FINE ARTS PROGRAM IS ABOUT MORE THAN THE ARTS McVane couldn’t agree more. “I see that the Fine Arts Department is a huge asset to Highland. It allows creative students an avenue in which to demonstrate their strengths.”

BACKSTAGE MOM OR EDUCATOR ON THE DOWN-LOW? Although both agree the role of backstage mom may not fit into what they see as their regular jobs at Highland, Brinson and McVane feel that it does fit in with their view of what Highland is about. It’s about allowing and supporting students to excel in whatever they choose to do, and making the most of this wonderful opportunity for students to display their artistic talents.

“Many of the students we have in the Learning Center are excellent musicians, actors, singers or dancers. As Director of the Learning Center, I often have to focus on areas that are more challenging to these students. Working behind the scenes with them in their plays and musicals allows me the chance to interact with them while they are doing something they love.”

Mrs. McVane’s undergraduate degree is from East Carolina University in the field of Special

… BRINSON AND MCVANE FEEL THAT IT DOES FIT IN WITH THEIR VIEW OF WHAT HIGHLAND IS ABOUT. IT’S ABOUT SUPPORTING STUDENTS TO EXCEL IN WHATEVER THEY CHOOSE TO DO, AND MAKING THE MOST OF THIS WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS TO DISPLAY THEIR ARTISTIC TALENTS. A memorable moment came backstage in their first production working together in ‘The Sound of Music.’ The duo had one minute and thirty seconds to get Maria out of one dress and into a wedding dress, panty-hose, shoes and veil and up the stairs at the top of the theater ready to descend.

They also take on the task of keeping track of all the extraneous items that go with each costume.

Brinson and McVane keep a full inventory of hair and makeup products on hand.

“Working with high school students is not only fun, but also invigorating,” said Brinson. “I have learned what they care about, what they want to offer to society, and what they hope to pursue in life. I am encouraged each day that our world will be better with students from Highland out there working and accepting the challenges they have with knowledge and a strong backbone to endure and pursue.”

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Education. At the time she received it, this included all areas of specialized education from the most severe disabilities to students requiring gifted education. After several years of teaching at the high school level, she headed to the University of Maryland to pursue a Master’s Degree in Education. She and her husband have three children of their own and two grandchildren.

Mrs. Brinson’s educational background began as an undergraduate at Oklahoma University in special education with an emphasis on learning disabilities and students with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). She taught for several years as an ESL teacher at OU and Tulsa University to college-bound students. Upon moving to Virginia, Mrs. Brinson taught private school for grades 4, 5, 7 and 8. After that she taught in public schools with years in the K-3 special education unit. It was during this time she earned an M.Ed. from George Mason University. She and her husband have a son, a daughter and three grandchildren. n

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LeeAnn McVane has been working backstage at Highland’s theater productions since the 2011 production of ‘The Sound of Music’. “I see that the Fine Arts Department is a huge asset to Highland. It allows creative students an avenue to demonstrate their strengths.”

Spotlight on Faculty

A FEW MINUTES WITH

Lise Hicklin ARTICLE BY BRIAR BOGIN

LOWER SCHOOL MATRIARCH LISE HICKLIN CELEBRATES 30 YEARS AT HIGHLAND SCHOOL THIS YEAR. BRIAR BOGIN SAT DOWN WITH MRS. HICKLIN TO LEARN ABOUT HER JOURNEY FROM CLASSROOM TEACHER AND COACH TO GUITAR-TOTING LOWER SCHOOL DIRECTOR AND FRIENDLY FACE FOR A CAMPUS FULL OF CHILDREN.

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Spotlight on Faculty

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Spotlight on Faculty

“I knew I wanted to be a teacher from the get-go.

I love to be with children, and I’m excited to see them learn. I love to work with students, teachers and parents on this educational journey.”

Quote from Lise Hicklin in a recent “Faces of Fauquier” feature on FauquierNow.com

“There’s never been a time in my life when I didn’t want to grow up and be a teacher. I’ve always taught somehow, whether it was as a baby sitter, camp counselor, swim instructor or schoolteacher.”

Mrs. Hicklin began her career coaching physical education and teaching Kindergartners at North Cross School in Roanoke, Va. A job she liked so much, she noted, because “I got to do it all…singing, teaching, and coaching.”

Meet Lise Hicklin, one of Highland’s most well-known and well-liked faculty members.

A teacher her entire adult life, she has given the last 30 years to Highland’s Lower School.

And in those 30 years, she has made more than just friends; she has made a difference in the lives of countless children.

Eight years later, though, she and her husband Gary moved to The Plains where she found herself the Grade 2 teacher at Highland School in Warrenton. “I just always put myself in a teacher role,” said Hicklin.

A Teacher at Heart She has been a teacher, Head of the Primary School and now holds the title of Director of Lower School. She develops curriculum, gets students excited about learning, attends assemblies, holds hands, wipes tears and more in her current role.

“What is so wonderful about being here at Highland is that all the teachers know they can make a difference,” she said. “We all want to do what is right for each child as an individual.” In fact, she calls Highland her home away from home.

She earned an undergraduate degree from East Tennessee State University, a graduate degree from Radford University, and a post-graduate certificate in early childhood education from The University of Virginia. “No place has ever met my professional needs and made me as happy as Highland does though,” she remarked.

Evolving to Stay True to Her Roots Mrs. Hicklin certainly shares Highland’s educational philosophy. It’s one where teachers consider the changing needs of each child, while determining what is needed to develop both their educational and whole-person experience.

This ensures that students are in an environment that simultaneously challenges them while also allowing them to feel secure and self-confident.

“What I love about Highland’s curriculum is that we’re able to provide a balance of academic challenges along with other special area classes that round out the educational experience and ensure that each child has a chance to achieve success,” said Hicklin.

“As an administrator, I am intimately and directly involved in the development of curriculum, and have the ability to implement change and improvements instantly. It’s an opportunity afforded in a small independent school like

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Spotlight on Faculty

“Lise embodies everything that is good about Highland School. She is kind-hearted, caring, supportive, and truly loves being around our youngest students.”

Hank Berg, Head of School

Highland that might not be available elsewhere.”

“Our program develops well-educated, confident, thoughtful and happy students through a beautiful balance of strong academics, special area classes, fine and performing arts activities, leadership skills and community service,” she added.

Excited to Come to Work Each Day The fact that she is always excited to come to work is a true testament to her dedication to her profession. “I love to work with students, teachers and parents on this educational journey.

I just love all aspects actually,” she laughed.

And they love her right back. In fact, the Black Box Theater in the Center for the Arts now bears Mrs. Hicklin’s name. The dedication was made in 2005 by one of her former students, Andrew Farrar, then a senior “lifer” at Highland.

And how appropriate it is too, that the Black Box Theater be named after someone who so regularly incorporates music into her teaching.

“Music is so much a part of my life. I almost studied music education in college, but decided to use it as an aside to what I do in the classroom,” noted Hicklin.

Music Helps Her Reach Her Students Many people are familiar with the sight of Mrs. Hicklin and her guitar at various Lower School events. She has been playing the instrument since she was 16 and auditioned to be in a travel folk

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group, “The Knight Knotes,” sponsored by her high school. Her inspiration at that point came from her favorite musical group, Peter, Paul and Mary, and later from working for eight years as a YWCA camp counselor. “All the crazy songs I teach are from my camp days,” she laughed.

She credits husband Gary, a Science teacher in Highland’s Middle School, as being her true hero though. “He is selfless, hardworking, determined and brave.” He helped her achieve what she thought might be impossible – an 1,100 mile bike ride from Virginia to Michigan. Of course, they did it on a tandem bike.

After reading a recent profile article on FauquierNow.com, a former student commented “after over 20 years and dozens and dozens of teachers and professors through grade school and college, second grade with Mrs. Hicklin remains the most memorable time of my educational career. Highland and Fauquier County are so fortunate to have such a wonderful educator and citizen in the community.”

Her memories, she sighed, are simply too many to recount here. She’s seen it all, heard it all, and enjoyed it all. “Children are so honest,” she remarked. “To be in their company is so refreshing.”

“If I didn’t feel like every year there was something I could do better,” concluded Hicklin, “then I would definitely be in the wrong business.” n

highlandschool.org

Celebrating 32 Years with

Sarah Roach After 32 years at Highland School, Upper School Latin teacher Sarah Roach will retire at the end of the 2015/2016 academic year (after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, of course). We caught up with Sarah to find out how she arrived at Highland, what she thinks about traveling the world with her students, and what adventures lie ahead.

You came to Highland School in 1984 after teaching at Wakefield Country Day School. What originally brought you to Highland? Did you think at the time that you’d stay for 32 years?

were writing new textbooks, instituting a national Latin exam, and encouraging schools to make Latin more interesting.

I actually taught Latin for a year in a high school in Virginia Beach. I was right out of college and I didn’t know if I wanted to teach Latin or English. I just knew I needed a job!

In 1977, my husband and I moved to Rappahannock County and I started teaching at Wakefield Country Day School in Flint Hill. For six years, I taught Latin, Greek, Mythology, and English for students from 6th to 12th grades.

As it turns out, in the early 1970’s, Latin education was in decline. School systems were putting their resources into languages like French and German. At the time I graduated from college, Virginia was on the cutting-edge in classics education.

By that time, I knew I was committed to teaching Latin.

Interest in Latin was increasing as other languages were declining. At the same time, enrollment in private schools was increasing. I knew I was riding the wave of a renaissance in both the classics and private school education.

Classicists knew they had to take drastic measures or Latin in the classroom was going to die. To increase interest among both students and school systems, they

In 1984, I came to Highland to work for William Osier, the Headmaster at the time. I taught Latin in the Middle School for 12 years. Did I know that I was going to be at

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Spotlight on Faculty

Highland for 32 years? Absolutely. I love teaching, I love the students, I loved having my own daughters Morgan (Class of 2003) and Ryan (Class of 2006) attend school here with me. I just love the environment.

You moved to the Upper School when it originally opened in 1996. Did that change how you taught Latin after teaching at the Middle School level?

When Highland opened the Upper School in 1996, David Plank, who was then the headmaster, asked me if I wanted to teach high school Latin. Frankly, I was getting tired of teaching Latin to Middle School students and I leapt at the chance to take on a new challenge. In Middle School, you’re focused on the basics like grammar and vocabulary. You can’t read Ovid with Middle Schoolers.

You were involved in the travel program in the Middle School, which was more conservative due to the younger students. Did the international travel program that is now so prominent in the Upper School evolve from that?

I had done a bit of traveling with students while I was at Wakefield Country Day School and wanted to bring the experience to Highland. When I first started in the Middle School, we took a few international trips.

When I got to the Upper School, I expanded the travel program. Travel – and especially international travel – broadens horizons. International travel is a lot more than just seeing. It’s doing. Kids must manage a different currency, a different language, and a different culture.

I don’t go up to their room in the morning and wake them up for breakfast. They’ve got to deal with getting up on time, roommates, navigating airports, and being where they are supposed to be on time. When students travel with me, they have to be responsible. And they usually do very well.

What has the opportunity to travel the world with your students meant to you? What does it mean to the students? What does it mean to Highland School?

I want kids to travel and I do everything I can to encourage our families and students to participate in Highland’s travel program. We typically get 20-25 students for each of our trips. For our more popular trips to Italy and Greece, we can get 30-35 students. In Italy, everyone loves the food, the cappuccino, the gelato. And it gives my Latin students an opportunity to see many of the cities and places we talk about during the year. I pack as much as I can into

every trip to make sure students are getting the most out of the experience possible.

You are retiring after the 2015/2016 academic year, but not until you’ve climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. What will retirement bring for you?

My husband is an avid skier. We own property in Idaho and, at the end of the next school year, we will move there and build a house. My husband has traveled extensively in the western United States. While I’ve traveled throughout Europe and up and down the east coast, I’ve never traveled out west. I’ve never been to the national parks like Yellowstone or Yosemite. We’ll travel out there together.

Will I miss teaching? While I’m not the sentimental type, I’ll miss teaching, yes, but I am ready to get on with the second half of my life.

My only concern now is to make sure that Highland’s Latin program continues to thrive. We currently have 60 Upper School students in the Latin program, and I want that popularity to continue after I’m gone. I’ve worked too hard over the last twenty years to build the program to where it is today.

That’s a significant investment in time and energy.

I am actively involved in the process of hiring a new Latin teacher for Highland. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future will bring. n

This spring, Sarah Roach took a group of Highland Middle and Upper School students and family members to Italy to visit a variety of historic sites.

Spring 2015 Highland Magazine 31

In the Spotlight

Fifth Grade Wax Museum Fifth graders presented their “wax museum” reports to parents, faculty, and classmates in the Johnson Academic Media Center in the Middle School last month.

Students selected an historic figure and when their “button” was selected, each gave visitors a biographical overview of their subject’s life, accomplishments and impact on history.

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HIGHLAND SCHOOL Be

yourself at Highland

Highland’s Artist-in-Residence

Karen Stinnett

Seemingly at home in her bright and bustling classroom in the Highland Center for the Arts, Upper School Arts Teacher Karen Stinnett has been inspiring, encouraging (and occasionally cajoling) her students to push themselves beyond expectations.

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Spotlight on Faculty

Tell us a little about your life before Highland School After graduating from Western Carolina University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, I graduated from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan with a Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) in 1980. Cranbrook Academy is a renowned art college that has been home to influential artists and designers including Eero Saarinen, the architect who designed Dulles Airport.

Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, I always had connections with the art and music scene in Athens. While the art scene in Athens was exploding at the time with bands like R.E.M. and The B-52’s gaining popularity and bringing attention to the area’s artists and musicians, I wanted to live in a big city with a better art scene than Atlanta. Friends who worked at the National Gallery of Art convinced me to come to Washington, DC where I started teaching art at The Owl School.

You first came to Highland in 1982. What initially brought you to Highland School?

While I was in Washington, I met Hildy van Roijen.

Hildy was also an artist with a huge studio in Georgetown.

The van Roijen family owns St. Leonard’s Farm in Warrenton and also played a prominent role in the history of Highland School. Six of Hildy’s children graduated from the school, which at the time was only Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Hildy encouraged me to come out to Warrenton to teach at Highland. While I enjoyed living in the city, I had a horse, named Mr. Smart, back in Georgia that I wanted to bring up to Virginia. This was an opportunity to reunite with Mr. Smart and move out to the country.

What originally brought you to teaching?

When I graduated with an MFA, I knew that teaching art was on the horizon. Also, from the 1950’s to the 1980’s, my grandfather, T.M. Stinnett, was a prominent education advocate who played a role in abolishing teaching colleges.

Back then, teaching colleges were central to a system that treated teachers as second class citizens. My grandfather wanted to recognize teachers and elevate the profession.

Thanks to his lifetime of work as an education advocate who wrote many books on the subject, education has always been a prominent part of our family. Not only did his work elevate the work of teachers and the teaching profession, it lifted our family as well.

When did you move to the Upper School?

I came to the Upper School as soon as it opened. While I have taught every age group at Highland and while I love little kids’ art – I find it hilarious and interesting

– I relate to teenagers the best. I am most interested in working on long-term projects that develop over time instead of something that is put together quickly.

What did the opening of the Center for the Arts in 2003 do for the arts program at Highland?

The opening of the Highland Center for the Arts allowed us to do so much more as a department. The chance to add pottery wheels and kilns transformed the 3D room into a dedicated ceramics studio and the etching press and dark room spaces allowed us to become a lot more specialized.

The gallery changed the way we were able to show students’ works. Hanging artwork on a bulletin board is not the same as hanging artwork in a gallery. Showing your artwork is the same as performing a play instead of just learning the play.

Art is about communicating. For an artist, there’s so much more to get from showing your art than just creating it.

Showing is like performance for introverts. People are looking at what you did, not you directly.

Head of School Hank Berg refers to you as an artist-inresidence. How does your career shape your teaching?

The best art teachers are artists. While I don’t have as much time to paint as I would like these days, I always have a piece I’m working on by my desk. Students like to see the progress and it gives me a chance to bring a form of experiential learning into the classroom.

For some students, there’s real value in seeing and not just being taught. Modeling is a real thing.

Being an active artist also keeps me connected to other artists. I reference samples of other artists’ works all the time. And while we currently don’t offer a specific art history class at Highland, I am always referencing historic works. It brings a connection to the classroom. All art comes from other art. As you are creating, you’re pulling in influences from other art and artists.

As an artist, I can also put myself in a student's position. For example, our AP students have to deliver 24 major works in one academic year. That's a lot of projects in a short period of time. I tell them that when they become professional artists they can spend as much time as they want on a piece.

However, getting through the AP requirements is like a game with specific rules that need to be followed.

I am also able to do more for our AP students than a teacher at a bigger school would be able to do. Due to our small class sizes, I can spend more time on the details like matting, framing, and photographing works to make sure that they are presented as nicely as possible. I know how critical that is. n

Spring 2015 Highland Magazine 35

David Fatula tests and tunes before a recent Coffeehouse performance in the Lise Hicklin Black Box Theater. Fatula hosts eight of these informal performance opportunities during each school year.

Spotlight on Faculty

DAVID FATULA

HIGHLAND’S ROCKER-IN RESIDENCE SINCE 2004, DAVID FATULA HAS BEEN QUIETLY SHAPING AND RESHAPING HIGHLAND’S UPPER SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAMS TO MEET THE NEEDS AND TALENTS OF HIS STUDENTS. AS A RESULT, THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO ARE FINDING WAYS TO GET INTO HIS CLASSES AND PROGRAMS IS GROWING… FAST! ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID HENRICKSON

Spring 2015 Highland Magazine 37

THE YEAR IS 2004. THE UNITED STATES LANDS A ROVER ON THE SURFACE OF MARS. THE SUMMER OLYMPICS ARE HELD IN ATHENS, GREECE. FACEBOOK IS LAUNCHED. SPACESHIP ONE COMPLETES THE FIRST MANNED PRIVATE SPACE FLIGHT IN HISTORY. DAVID FATULA ARRIVES AT HIGHLAND. In the Fall of 2004. Michael Hughes, the Director of the newly opened Highland Center for the Arts, was looking for an alternative to a foundering band program launched a year earlier. With a small population of Upper School students who were interested in music and no Middle School feeder program, there just weren’t enough interested students to cover the wide range of instruments needed to form a full band.

However, Mr. Hughes had several talented guitar players who wanted a more formal program in the school and needed an instructor – and a newly christened state-of-theart Center for the Arts that needed a music program.

“I called Drum & Strum, a music store located in Old Town Warrenton, to see if they had an instructor that might be available to teach a guitar class,” said Mr. Hughes. “David Fatula came highly recommended and we originally signed him up to teach one class a day.”

INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION When Mr. Hughes made his call, Fatula had been teaching guitar at Drum & Strum for four years. His list of clients had grown to about 60 students per week. Originally, Mr. Fatula treated the opportunity as a way to add more students to his schedule.

“When I first started at Highland back in 2004, my teaching experience was centered around individual classes,” Fatula said. “I had always taught just one student at a time through the lessons I offered at Drum & Strum. For me, it was natural to bring that mindset to the classroom setting that’s filled with more students.”

“A class is just a room full of individuals,” Fatula continued.

“You have to teach each player individually. After ten years in the classroom, I still follow that same approach with my students today.”

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CONNECTING THROUGH PERFORMANCE While he was beginning his teaching career, Fatula was also performing shows in clubs and venues around the area.

“When David first arrived in 2004, he was performing shows all the time as part of several bands,” said Mr. Hughes. “As a performer, David brought a cache to the program that resonated with his students. His background, experience, and passion for performing still help him connect with his students.”

In 2005, Highland’s young guitar program grew to nine students – all in one class that lasted the entire year. While there were talented musicians, many of the students were new to the guitar, which made it difficult to teach a wide range of students in one class. This group performed for the first time at the Holiday Concert in December of 2005.

“One of my main goals was to make the students perform in front of an audience to help them learn about the challenges,” Fatula said. “That first performance was a hit and our biggest sales tool. In the third year, the program grew from nine students to 20.”

To deal with the increased demand, Fatula and Hughes split the guitar program into beginner guitar and guitar ensemble. In 2008, the beginner courses were changed to one semester classes.

TIME TO CHOOSE BETWEEN TWO ROLES At the time that Mr. Fatula’s guitar program was growing, he was also taking on additional responsibilities around the Highland campus. That year, Mr. Fatula was working 20 hours a week providing IT support to help maintain the school’s growing inventory of computers and servers.

“I had been doing IT support work for local companies and friends while I was teaching guitar lessons,” Fatula said.

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Spotlight on Faculty

Spring 2015 Highland Magazine 39

Not only is David Fatula a talented musician and teacher, he is also guitar buff. In this picture, he’s playing a 1960 Gibson E5 Slidemaster.

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Spotlight on Faculty

“I was looking for a way to be on campus more and the school needed help managing its computers and network.”

This role as Highland’s Director of Information Technology continued until 2006 when Fatula had to make a choice.

Coffee House series was born. Students now had regular opportunities to play in front of their friends in a supportive and fun environment. And they loved it.

The choice between continuing to manage Highland’s growing IT responsibilities or devoting himself to teaching in the classroom and growing Highland’s new music program ultimately turned out to be an easy one.

“David’s always coming up with ideas for new things,” said Mr. Hughes. “As a performer, David knows the responsibility required to be a professional who works in the industry and he passes that on to his students at every opportunity.”

“I knew that teaching and working with the students was my passion,” Fatula said. “So the choice turned out to be very easy. Besides, the guitar program, which really started out as an idea, was growing into a whole department. I had to be a part of that.”

The Coffee Houses have become a staple of the Upper School experience. With eight performances each year (two are also open to Middle School students and families) Coffee House performances have become much more of a social event – not only for those in Highland’s music

THE CHOICE BETWEEN CONTINUING TO MANAGE HIGHLAND’S GROWING IT RESPONSIBILITIES OR DEVOTING HIMSELF TO TEACHING IN THE CLASSROOM AND GROWING HIGHLAND’S NEW MUSIC PROGRAM ULTIMATELY TURNED OUT TO BE AN EASY ONE. Today, the guitar program serves more than 70 Upper School students who can take up to two guitar classes per year. Many more students than that would like to get into the classes. There’s a waiting list to get into Fatula’s classes every semester.

“I do whatever I can to accommodate as many students as possible,” Fatula said. “For some, this is the place they come to truly be themselves. They need this outlet every day and it’s so satisfying that we are able provide them with the opportunity to learn, perform, and grow as both musicians and people.”

COFFEE HOUSE ADDS REGULAR PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES In those early years, Fatula had students who were interested in writing, performing, and sharing their music with a wider audience. In 2006, Fatula launched the Coffee House performances to create more chances to get up on stage.

“From the very beginning, performance has always been an integral part of what I was envisioning for a guitar program,” Fatula said.

With an ambitious schedule of two performances each month in the Lise Hicklin Black Box Theater, a flexible 60-seat space in the Center for the Arts, the popular

program, but for the broader community. But they still offer the same supportive performance environment that Fatula fostered in those earliest sessions.

JAZZ PROGRAM TAKES OFF IN 2007 In 2007, Hughes and Fatula took over a year-old jazz program started by John Krumich and several students who were interested in jazz. One of those students was Nick Halgren.

Nick graduated from Highland in 2006 and would graduate from Indiana University having studied jazz saxophone before being tragically killed in a car accident in 2012.

While the jazz program already had several talented musicians, Fatula wanted to infuse more soul and introduce an improvisational focus into the music they were playing.

He introduced different styles of jazz to the students and let them do whatever they were interested in pursuing.

“As a performer, David loves jazz and blues,” said Mr. Hughes. “So it was a natural fit for him to provide a new direction for Highland’s budding jazz program.”

One of the goals Fatula had for the program was to encourage a more improvisational style of play. While it was critical that the students could read music, it was also important to Fatula that they could bring their own perspectives and feelings to the music.

Spring 2015 Highland Magazine 41

Thanks to its flexible format, Highland’s jazz ensemble grew to accommodate a wide range of instruments and skill-levels. Performances took place through school assemblies and at annual holiday and spring concerts.

In 2013, Nancy Halgren wanted to help make the jazz program more prominent to honor her son’s passion for the genre and his role in starting Highland’s jazz program. That year, she helped bring in Charles Owens, a professional jazz saxophonist and teacher from Charlottesville, to complement the perspectives offered to students by Hughes and Fatula.

In addition to offering more focus on brass instruments and horns, the addition of Owens allows the students to focus more on developing their improvisational skills.

performance venues around campus, Fatula saw a need to start a Sound Technology course. Three years ago, he presented a course description to Highland’s academic committee and in 2013, the first Sound Tech class was widely available to Highland students.

Fatula saw a need not just to help deliver the technical services needed around the school, but to provide a creative outlet for students who love music but who may not be interested in performing or even playing an instrument.

Not only is Sound Technology a unique creative outlet, it’s also a potentially lucrative career path with demand in a wide range of creative industries including television, radio, concerts, theater, sporting events, studio recording, and film. And thanks to it’s two professionally outfitted

WITH THE SUPPORT OF NANCY HALGREN, FATULA SEES A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR HIGHLAND’S JAZZ PROGRAM. HE SEES THE PROGRAM CONTINUING TO GROW, EXPAND, AND EVOLVE WITH THE NEEDS AND INTERESTS OF THE STUDENTS. “The focus that Charles brings to the horn section and how it interacts and leads the band is crucial,” said Fatula. “We’ve had a guitar-led jazz program for a long time. Charles brings a horns focus. In fact, several of our students are playing horns for the first time.”

“Charles has enriched the focus and perspective of the jazz program. He’s helped to teach what we’ve always espoused for the program.

In the 2015/2016 academic year, Highland will be offering two sections of jazz for the first time. While there will always be a section of jazz for newer musicians, Fatula will be offering a new class that is available only to those who audition and can prove their talent and desire to improve.

With the generous support of Ms. Halgren and the support of Highland’s administration, Fatula sees a bright future for Highland’s jazz program. He sees the program continuing to grow, expand, and evolve with the needs and interests of the students.

SOUND TECHNOLOGY LAUNCHED IN 2013 As demand for audio technical support grew in The Rice Theater, the Lise Hicklin Black Box Theater, and other

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theater spaces, Highland offers students access to all the tools they need to prepare for their studies in college and beyond.

Sound Tech students managed all the audio and lights for the recent production of ‘The King and I.’ They also run all the audio and lighting for the monthly Coffee House performances in the Lise Hicklin Black Box Theater.

Students are starting to take notice of the program’s creative and professional possibilities. In the first year, seven students signed up for the Fatula’s Sound Tech course. In the 2014/2015 academic year, the class grew to 15 students.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? The future of Highland’s music program looks bright with a growing percentage of Upper School students getting involved both on stage and behind the scenes. Thanks to the hard work, dedication, and vision of David Fatula and direction of Michael Hughes, Highland students have a lot to look forward to.

“I didn’t come to Highland as a classroom teacher,” Fatula said. “But I’ve learned a lot about teaching by being here.” n

highlandschool.org

Spotlight on Faculty

MC Treuting ‘15 performs at recent Coffee House event in the Lise Hicklin Black Box Theater.

Fatula performs with Charles Owens (on saxophone) at a recent performance of the jazz ensemble in The Rice Theater.

This summer, a group of students and faculty visited the Gala´pages Islands off the coast of Ecuador as part of Highland’s Experiential Education program. They hiked, snorkeled, played with wildlife, and immersed themselves in island culture.

Spring 2015 Highland Magazine 43

In the Spotlight

Grandparents, Families Visit Highland in April Parents, grandparents, and family members showed up in large numbers to attend Highland’s annual Grandparents Day celebration. The day kicks off with a breakfast for all visitors, followed by opening remarks from Head of School Hank Berg and students from each division. Families are invited to visit classrooms to see the students in action.

The event wraps up with musical performances from Lower and Middle School students.

In September, the Senior Class kicks off the field studies with a College Planning Night with parents . Then, the students head off to Front Royal to spend two days hiking and canoeing in the Shenandoah National Park.

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In the Spotlight

Spring 2015 Highland Magazine 45

News from Highland Alumni

Highland alumna Gretchen Finn (’03) and Gordon Sawyer were married on November 25, 2014, at the Hawksmoor House in Stellenbosch, South Africa, located just outside of Cape Town. The event was attended by a host of Highland alumni including Ryan Ross (’03), Simone Garreau Solit (’03), Peter Paschalides (’03), Caleigh Megless (’03), Kate Spencer (8th,’99), Stephanie Manaker Bell (’03), and Joel Bell (’03).

Save the Date for Alumni Reunion Weekend:

Friday, May 29 Saturday and May 30, 2015. Check out the Highland School website for more details!

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EASY

MODERATE

DIFFICULT

Picture Puzzle

The Varsity Boys Lacrosse team is working hard to get its swagger back. The young team, which has only four seniors on its roster, is coming together and ready to return to state tournament play. Can you find the ten differences between the two photos? For answers, visit www.highlandschool.org/picturepuzzle.

Spring 2015 Highland Magazine 47

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Highland ‘Lifers’ Gather for Lunch Every year, we celebrate the students who have spent their entire academic careers at Highland. These students, who have been at Highland since Pre-Kindergarten or Kindergarten, gather with Lower School Director Lise Hicklin, Upper School Director Cassin Bertke, and Head-of-School Hank Berg to reflect on their time and reminisce with the friends they’ve known from an early age before they graduate in June. This year’s ‘Lifers” are (from left to right) Madeline Terpilowski, Jamie Dyer, Mackenzie Walker, Oliver Schwartz, Olivia Bell, Henry Hazel, and Jessica Simpson.