Art in the Hills for September

Welcome to the Inaugural Edition of Visual & Performing Arts in our Schools

It is my privilege to introduce this publication, which will showcase the outstanding work taking place within our music, art, and theater programs. We're excited to shine a spotlight on the incredible talent and creativity thriving in our programs. This publication celebrates the achievements of our students and faculty, both in the classroom and on stage. This newsletter published biweekly, will feature upcoming events, faculty spotlights, and student accomplishments. We look forward to sharing these experiences with you and hope you will join us in supporting and celebrating the creativity and talent of our students at upcoming performances and events.

John DeStefano

"Education in the Arts has become essential, not ornamental but fundamental in preparing kids for their future rather than our past." - Daniel Pink, American Nonfiction Writer

Teresa Strobel-Gagiu is an active conductor, violist, vocalist, and music educator based in Grand Rapids, Mich. Before coming to Michigan, she was the orchestra librarian for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign orchestra-in-residence, Sinfonia da Camera, and interim music director for UIUC Illini Strings orchestra. Graduating from Western Michigan University, Teresa received a bachelor’s degree in music education. After spending a few years teaching in the public schools, Teresa received her Master of Music degree in orchestral conducting at the University of South Carolina. During her time in South Carolina, she guest conducted with various ensembles around the Columbia area, as well as led clinics at local schools. She served as the graduate assistant for the nationally recognized USC String Project. She is currently the orchestra director at Forest Hills Northern High and Middle Schools.

Kimberly Krampe (rhymes with stomp) brings 25 years of experience teaching choir and general music in the Grand Rapids area. She spent the last 15 years in Rockford with a passion for creating joyful and meaningful musical experiences for her students. She and her husband have proudly called Forest Hills home while raising their three children. Kimberly is deeply committed to education and is thrilled to join Forest Hills Public Schools, where she looks forward to continuing her work inspiring students through the power of music.

Congratulations to our three high school band directors for putting together this year's wonderful halftime shows. A lot of hard work, dedication, collaboration, and sweat-equity, and long rehearsal hours go in to making these show each year and bringing out the best in our students. When you see a high school band teacher, let them know how much you appreciate and are thankful for the work they do. Friday night lights wouldn't be the same without our marching bands.

• Joel Burns, director of bands, at Forest Hill Central High School, has done great work this marching season with the Ranger marching band. This year's Theme is the music of "ABBA."

• Kevin Langejans, director of bands, Eastern High School. has done great work preparing the Hawks' marching band. This year's theme is "Y2KRewind."

• Jeff Robke, director of bands at Northern High School, has done great work preparing the Huskies' marching band. This year's theme is "Pit Bull, Mr.Worldwide."

Abby is starting her 2nd year in FHPS as the Jr. K-4 elementary music teacher at Ada. Abby has always enjoyed music and singing, and being around people. She went to Hope College for her undergraduate degree in music education and Michigan State University for my master's in music education. She taught in Hudsonville, Chicago Public Schools, Caledonia, and now at FHPS. She also directed the children's choirs at Mayflower Congregational Church and taught Music Together. This year, Abby is excited to start an after-school choir at Ada Vista, as well as teach ukulele to third and fourth-grade students, thanks to a grant from the Forest Hills Public Schools Foundation. What Abby loves about teaching is hearing kids sing! "Their voices always bring a smile to my face and fill me with joy," she said. "I love being able to see kids grow throughout their elementary music experience and all of the gains they make over the years." Things she likes to do in her free time include: read, run, and play with her kids. "I also love going to Disney World with my family!"

Jennifer has been teaching elementary art in FHPS for 10 years at Ada Vista Elementary School. She was previously a substitute teacher for five years in the district while raising her three amazing girls. During the 1990s, Jennifer pursued a degree in art at Aquinas College. Upon graduating, she exhibited her work at local galleries while simultaneously serving as a circulation assistant at the East Grand Rapids Public Library. During her tenure at the library, she was fortunate enough to receive an opportunity to develop and deliver art and book programs specifically tailored for youth. This experience ignited her passion for working with children, leading her to pursue a master’s degree in art education. Her initial teaching position was at Thornapple Elementary, and now, she continues to assist students in becoming multilingual by communicating in pictures at Ada Vista. What Jennifer loves about teaching is helping students develop and communicate their unique voice through art. In her free time, Jennifer likes to read and go for long walks. A fun fact about Jennifer, is she was showcased in the "Grand Rapids Press" during ArtPrize for a large sculpture piece at the Grand Rapids Library called "Look Up!"

Jackie has been an educator at Meadow Brook Elementary, teaching elementary music for 34 years. Jackie's childhood was filled with music, from piano lessons to memorizing musicals. She loved listening to the Glen Miller Band, John Philip Sousa, and many choral classics with her father. Jackie received an undergraduate degree from Calvin College and a master's from Michigan State University. Much of her professional career has included conducting children's choirs at St. Cecilia Music Society and the Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses. In addition to teaching students skills necessary for beautiful music-making, Jackie strives to facilitate positive relationships between her students and music. She hopes that a joyful connection to music at an early age will set the stage for continued enjoyment and support of music, whether as a participant or a consumer. In her free time, Jackie enjoys walking, pilates, and reading.

Sophia Wolters is a junior and has been in band for six years, and loves everything about music. She loves taking the time to learn new instruments and new techniques. She also loves all the different types and styles of music. "I love beautiful and slow sections of music, but also the fast-paced ones, too," she said. Finally, Sophia loves the community the FHE band creates through overcoming challenges. "It is the best feeling when a difficult part or formation on the field is finally complete, and it just shows how our hard work pays off to create a show for everyone to enjoy."

What being a drum major has meant to Sophia: "I love being able to share my passion with my peers in band. It means so much to me to be able to help people with questions they have and to be a role model to everyone in this group. Being a drum major has allowed me to meet and talk to everyone, especially people whom I would not normally encounter. Music is my passion, and my goal as drum major has been to share it with everyone!"

Gianna Conflitti is a senior and has played the flute since 6th grade. She became a drum major in 11th grade. One of the things she loves most about band is how it brings people from all grades together. It’s helped her form great friendships with people she may not have met otherwise. "Performing at Friday night football games is one of the highlights of my band experience — there's nothing else quite like the energy and excitement on game days," she said.

What being a drum major meant to Gianna: "Being a drum major has helped me grow as a leader in so many ways, whether it’s teaching drill or music, planning activities, or just being a supportive presence for others. I believe band should be a fun, inclusive, and a positive experience for everyone, and as drum major, I’ve made it a priority to help create and maintain that environment."

Director of Bands Kevin Langejans says: "Eastern’s drum majors, Gianna and Sophia, have done an outstanding job leading the marching band this year. They consistently set a great example by leading with positivity and enthusiasm, while also stepping in to provide organization and support for their fellow students whenever needed. Their leadership has helped the band stay motivated and focused through rehearsals and performances. The success of this season is a true reflection of their hard work and dedication."

Audrey Milanowski is a senior and has been in the marching band since her freshman year, but has been playing in the band since 6th grade. She loves being able to make music with people who want to do the same, and she loves the excitement the whole band feels when marching in uniform. Audrey also loves being able to be in a community with people she might otherwise not talk to outside of band.

What being a drum major has meant to Audrey: "Being a drum major for the band is more than just conducting. It means helping those within the band and guiding them as they go through their show. It also means reaching out to those who may not have a place within the band yet, because we were all that lonely freshman once. Being a drum major means stepping up and doing the dirty work, regardless of whether anyone notices."

Delilah Nelson is a senior and has played in the band since 6th grade and has been in marching band since freshman year. "I like it because the people involved are some of my best friends, and it's a great community," she said.

What being a drum major has meant to Delilah: "It means for me that I can lead the band to the best of my ability to make us the best we can be while still having fun and being in a fun environment."

Director of Bands Joel Burns says: "Audrey and Delilah stood out from their peers in the leadership audition process. Students audition to be a part of the leadership team every year in the month of May. Our leadership team members not only are a part of auditions during the spring, but also show their leadership throughout the year in all parts of the band program. Audrey and Delilah have shown themselves to be caring, hard-working, and passionate leaders who make our program better. They both stood out as being a great team together and working hard to make the band program better for everyone. Audrey and Delilah show great initiative to involve all students in what we do in the band program and care that all of our students have a positive experience. They have shaped what it means to be a member of the band program for the better!"

Moses Abdalla is a senior and has been in the band since 6th grade. He enjoys learning new music and new skills on his instrument, and also enjoys the connections and friends he has made through the band.

What being a drum major has meant to Moses: "Being a drum major has been an incredible opportunity to grow as a leader and represent a program I care deeply about. It taught me the importance of leading by example, staying calm under pressure, and supporting others both on and off the field. This role has challenged me, inspired me, and shown me the value of working together and dedication."

Director of Bands Jeff Robke says: "Drum majors at FHN must go through an audition process in front of the band. They need to demonstrate conducting skills, verbal commands, as well as marching and attention position evaluation. The audition also includes a brief speech about their vision for the band and their role as a potential drum major candidate. Fellow band members vote anonymously to select the drum major. The FHN band has a long history of phenomenal drum majors! They are always personable, reliable, innovative, and super creative. The drum majors understand that they are the face of the band, and are careful about preserving the integrity and image of the band. Everything they do represents the band they stand in front of. The FHN drum majors have always far exceeded my expectations!"

Prepare to be energized! On Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 7:30 p.m., the Hawk, Husky, and Ranger marching bands will perform their halftime shows at Forest Hills Eastern High School's stadium (2200 Pettis, Ada 49301). Following the halftime performances, an encore will feature the three marching bands joining together as one Forest Hills marching band. The musical repertoire will include ABBA, Y2K, Bill Withers, Pitbull, and pep tunes. Students attending the event are encouraged to approach their Central Woodlands or Northern Trails band director to obtain a special “Skipaquiz” ticket, which can be utilized during band class. Witnessing the musicians collaborate as a unified marching band provides an inspiring educational experience for beginning band students. This event is free to the public.

The FHC Ranger Marching Band and jazz band are thrilled to present Bandtasia 2025 featuring the music of ABBA! Come on down and check out the bands, and even try out some band instruments before the concert starts! The instrument petting zoo will begin at 6 p.m. with the show at 7 p.m. The event is at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center.

Forest Hills Northern High School’s violist Josephine Fredlund will perform with a local high school string quartet at the "Beatles vs. Stones Show" at the Frauenthal Center, Oct. 17.

Josephine (Jo) Fredlund from Forest Hills Northern High School began playing viola six years ago, and she also plays the ukulele and the piano. She is encouraged by her parents, who are classically trained singers. She is a member of the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and the MSBOA All-State Orchestra. She also has competed in the Skip Gates Concerto Competition. Jo’s favorite part about playing viola is “making music and meeting people, especially. [Making music] is not something a lot of people can do, so it’s good to have that skill.” In the future, Jo wants to go to college to become an optometrist, and open her own studio for viola.

Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown performs at the Frauenthal Center on Friday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $25-$55, plus ticket fees, and available online at frauenthal.org, by phone at (231) 722-9750 or at the Theatre Box Office. The Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts is located at 425 W Western Ave STE 200, Muskegon, MI 49440. The show is appropriate for all ages.

Join the Ranger Marching Band in Legacy Park every Thursday evening before a Rangers' home football game.