Art in the Hills

I hope you are enjoying the beautiful colors of this year’s fall season! In this edition of the Arts in Our Schools newsletter, we are pleased to feature two outstanding productions presented by the theater departments at Eastern and Central High Schools. These performances reflect the remarkable creativity, dedication, and talent of our students, and I encourage you to attend and support their outstanding work.

John DeStefano

“If I could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint.” Edward Hopper

Michelle, a seasoned educator with over 25 years of experience in the FHPS system, primarily teaches 6th-grade band and provides additional orchestra instruction as needed at Northern Trail and Central Woodlands. Hailing from New York City and raised in New Jersey, Michelle pursued her musical education at West Chester University, where she earned a degree in music education and clarinet performance. Her professional journey commenced in Delaware, followed by a stint in Pennsylvania. Subsequently, she obtained her Master’s degree in Music Education and a minor in clarinet performance from Indiana University in Bloomington.

After relocating to Michigan, Michelle found her true calling at FHPS, where she has cultivated a deep appreciation for both students and instruments. Her passion lies in guiding students through the initial stages of learning to play their instruments. Witnessing their progress from their first sounds to the spring concert is a source of immense fulfillment. Michelle also cherishes the opportunity to connect with students on a personal level, understanding their unique personalities, interests, and learning preferences. Ultimately, she recognizes the transformative power of fostering a sense of unity among students, which is the foundation upon which the magic of ensemble performance truly begins.

Michelle’s primary occupation revolves around music, encompassing her daily activities of eating, breathing, and sleeping in harmony with it. She performs various musical styles on her clarinet and saxophone throughout West Michigan. In addition to her musical pursuits, Michelle and her partner engage in daily walks with their dog, often accompanied by bicycle rides or attendance at live music concerts.

A noteworthy aspect of Michelle’s life is her involvement in a bicycling group during a period when her performance opportunities were limited. She took great pride in achieving second place at a local race in the Eastern Pennsylvania mountains. This accomplishment inspired her to teach her son the skills of mountain biking as soon as he began riding bicycles alongside her.

In her sixth year of teaching in FHPS, currently at Northern High School, Kate serves as the art instructor. During her tenure, she has also taught middle school. Kate holds a BFA in Sculpture from the College for Creative Studies and an MFA in Metalsmithing from Cranbrook Academy of Art. Before her high school teaching career, she taught 3-Dimensional Design, Sculpture, and Welding and Fabrication for 14 years at The College for Creative Studies, Grand Valley State University, and Kendall College of Art and Design. She also managed the metal shop and sculpture studios at Kendall College of Art and Design. Kate has been a working metal sculptor for nearly three decades, with gallery representation.

If you are interested in seeing her work, check out her website. www.katesilvio.com. She began her teaching career as a substitute instructor for a brief three-and-a-half-day job in the Forest Hills school system six years ago. She was quickly hired as a long-term substitute and began working on her teaching certificate from Michigan Teachers of Tomorrow. She was subsequently hired as a full-time teacher.

During her tenure in the district, Kate has been assigned to different schools annually. She has cherished the opportunity to be a part of diverse schools and cultures within the district. Kate’s primary pastime is spending time with her two daughters, Louise and Lottie, who are ninth and sixth graders in the Eastern side of the district. Their sports and activities consume a significant portion of her time. However, when she has moments for herself, she engages in avid crossfitting, which she thoroughly enjoys. Kate also continues to create her own sculptural works.

Kate possesses a deep passion for art and firmly believes that it is an essential element in our lives.

In his 32nd year of teaching, Michael is currently in his 7th year at FHPS. His teaching responsibilities encompass both choir and theater at Northern High School and the middle school. Michael’s extensive teaching experience includes kindergarten through graduate students, as well as roles in choir, band, theater, elementary music, guitar, piano, health, gym, and jazz studies. Notably, he served as a jazz studies professor at Western Michigan University for eight years. Michael’s passion for teaching stems from the profound impact that students have on his work. In his leisure time, Michael finds great enjoyment in riding rollercoasters. Notably, he possesses over 600 Pez dispensers in his choir room, and one student even created a personalized Mr. Wheaton Pez for him.

CMS Art classes are busy glazing their clay pieces! Students planned and designed a set of magnets with a theme of their choice.

Kason, a senior at Eastern High School, has been involved in the theatre scene for four years. As the sound engineer for the musical, Kason is excited to bring a full-scale production to a space typically reserved for smaller shows—because, as Kason puts it, “it’s super magical.” Getting to spend each day with the beloved characters from Peanuts really brightens Kason’s day.

Emily, a senior at Eastern High School, has been a part of the theatre scene for an impressive 10 years. She’s been cast as Sally Brown, the delightful and mischievous little sister of Charlie Brown! Emily absolutely adores this role because it allows her to channel her inner energetic little girl. She gets to have a blast goofing around and performing on stage! It’s an incredibly fun show, and Emily is thrilled to be a part of it.

Kami, a senior at Eastern High School, has been a part of the theatre scene for 4 years. She’s been cast as Charlie Brown, an average, kind kid with an uncanny run of bad luck. Kami loves how this super fun and classic production is perfect for all ages. Also, it’s awesome that she get the chance to play Charlie Brown.

Morgan is in her 4th year of teaching in the Language Arts Department at Central High School. This is her first year as director of the play, but she has served as the director for Improv Central and Random Acts of Talent for the past four years. She is excited about the crucible because she has added a few dynamic scenes involving dance and music. She is so excited to have a multi-dimensional performance.

Audrey Milanowski is a senior at Forest Hills Central High School. She’s been in the theater program for four years now and is the student director of the upcoming play. She’s super excited because the productions they put on are always a blast and really bring the theater program together. But this show is especially special to her because it’s not just the story from the book or the movie. They’ve added some really cool parts to make it even more exciting to watch, and the sound effects during certain parts are just so much fun. Audrey also loves seeing how dedicated everyone is to the show. She always smiles when she sees people recovering from messing up a line or getting excited when they see their costumes, sets, or props for the first time. Being involved in this production is a blast, and she’s so grateful for all the amazing people she’s surrounded by in our community.

Aubrey Van Skiver is a senior at Forest Hills Central High School. She’s been chosen to play Abigail Williams, a gorgeous, smart, and super sneaky character who uses her charm and lies to protect herself and get what she wants. Aubrey’s been in the theater program for the past four years. She’s thrilled because six years ago, when FHC did Crucible, her sister Meredith VanSkiver was Abigail Williams. So, it’s a huge blessing and a cool coincidence that they got to play the same part!

Meet Henry Oxley, a senior at Forest Hills Central High School. This is Henry’s first year in the theater program, and guess what? They’ve cast Henry as Reverend Parris! Now, Reverend Parris is a self-centered, paranoid, and power-hungry minister, and Henry can’t wait to bring this character to life. But here’s the thing: Henry is thrilled because all the amazing actors and actresses in the play are using their talents to put on a truly dramatic and moving performance of one of the greatest American playwrights of the 20th century.

Paulie Erickson is a junior at Forest Hills Central High School. He’s been in the theater program for three years now. He’s been cast as Reverend Hale! Paulie is super excited about this play. One of the coolest things about it is that he’ll get to have some major scenes with his best friends. They’re like the dynamic duo of the theater! He’s also thrilled to be working with Ms. Beckett, who’s directing this play for the first time. Paulie’s particularly pumped about acting dramatically. While his previous roles have been all about music and positivity, this one’s got a more serious and dramatic vibe.

The show starts at 6:30 pm at Forest Hills Fine Arts Center.

The show starts at 7 pm at Forest Hills Fine Arts Center.