In the Spotlight: Performing Arts

CHOIR

Visiting artists help the choir program grow

Two renowned composers and a rock star keyboardist brought culture and good vibes to Harpeth Hall as they taught and inspired students to create new musical works. In February, composer Kara Stacy worked with the 6th grade English classes to compose a piece of music using the students' poetry. She also worked with the 5th and 7th grade choirs as a guest clinician. In the spring, composer Mina Esary visited Harpeth Hall to work with the Chamber Choir on a new commissioned piece featuring a string quartet of Chamber Orchestra members. After taking part in the creation process, the choirs had the honor of premiering the compositions. In the 7th grade Music and Culture class, the students had the opportunity to work with John “JoJo” Hermann, keyboardist with the band Widespread Panic. As he visited around Mardi Gras, Mr. Hermann led a conversation and performed music centered around the music culture of New Orleans. We are so grateful to these wonderful guest artists who shared their expertise with our students!

THEATRE

Theatre director Lauren Bromfield makes her Harpeth Hall debut

There has been a murder at Mr. Body’s mansion, but who did it? Was it perhaps Colonel Mustard, in the conservatory, with a candlestick? In a hilarious adaptation of the movie “Clue,” based on the beloved Hasbro board game, the Upper School Playmakers had the audience laughing while trying to solve the mystery. This production marked the debut of Harpeth Hall’s newest theatre director, Lauren Bromfield. “Collaborating on our version of this whimsical whodunit with these dedicated young actors and technicians has been an absolute pleasure,” Ms. Bromfield said. “Their ideas and insights make this production what it is. I am eternally grateful for all the support and guidance I have received throughout my first production here at Harpeth Hall. I offer sincere thanks to the Harpeth Hall community for welcoming me.” Ms. Bromfield’s next endeavor will be directing the 24th fall Harpeth Hall/MBA collaborative musical, “Into the Woods.”

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

On stage with . . . Lindsey Beatty ’22

Senior Lindsey Beatty started dancing in the fall of 5th grade when she joined Harpeth Hall as a new student. This fall, she is heading to Ohio State University where she will major in contemporary dance. Her goals are to join a professional dance company after college. She is confident that dance will always play a big role in her life.

What do you like most about being part of Harpeth Hall’s Dance Company?

I love the dance company so much! The community is so supportive and loving, and I couldn't imagine a better group of people to be my dance sisters. I can always rely on others to be there for me whether it be dance or just life in general. I love the teachers and the training is really amazing. Dance Company has positively influenced my life in so many ways, and I don't know what I would do without it.

What are the most challenging aspects and most rewarding aspects of dance?

The most challenging and rewarding part of dance company is tech week — the week leading up to the dance concert. We are dancing for hours each day and while it is tiring, it is so much fun because the concert really starts coming together, and it is fun to see the costumes and lighting.

What is the best thing that Harpeth Hall has taught you?

Harpeth Hall has prepared me for the future by teaching me how to work with all types of people. I am also far more confident in my abilities as a student than I was before I went here.

BEHIND the music stand…

Meet Lori McDermott

Orchestra director Lori McDermott loves watching her students grow as musicians. During Mrs. McDermott’s 11-year tenure at Harpeth Hall, the Upper School strings program has competed at the state level during concert festivals, developed Music and Culture Class curriculum, and spearheaded a string festival that collaborates with Montgomery Bell Academy. Beyond her work as a conductor, Mrs. McDermott has coached the rowing and cross country teams at Harpeth Hall. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Iowa and a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Emporia State University.

What drew you to teach at Harpeth Hall?

This is actually a funny story. My resume fell into the hands of someone at Harpeth Hall through one of my husband’s work acquaintances. I was really caught off guard when Mary Lea Bryant, former Middle School director, called me for an interview. We were moving from Kansas City to Nashville, living in a two-bedroom apartment with three kids and 110-pound lab. I was so frazzled when I picked up the phone that when she asked to speak to Lori McDermott, I replied, “Um, I will go get her.” After composing myself, I had a long wonderful conversation with Mary Lea and she invited me for an interview. I really had so much fun the two days I interviewed. I really felt this was meant to be.

What would you say you like the most about teaching at Harpeth Hall?

I love the excitement, curiosity, and love for learning I see in the girls each day.

As a teacher, what is the most important lesson you could impart on your students?

The most important lesson is to love what you do and enjoy the process no matter how painful. Meaning, the hard work is necessary and, yes, the product is important, but not near as important as what you will learn in the journey to get there.

What are you looking forward to exploring most in your classes next year?

I am looking forward to the orchestra working with a national clinician next year. I am also excited about new opportunities and getting involved in more performances now that we are opening back up after COVID-19.

If you could sit down to dinner with any three musicians in history, whom would you invite?

Beethoven, Dvorak, and Clara Schuman. I have so many questions for each of them. I love Beethoven and Dvorak's music, and I am intrigued by Clara and her struggles as one of the first female composers.