|
It’s second period at Highlands High School and quite quiet walking down the hallways, the students all in their nine o’clock classes. But a corner turned on the first floor brings the faint sound of music which only gets louder as the band room grows closer. The music practically pours through the doorway as one steps in, the middle school band practicing for upcoming auditions to join the Northern Kentucky Select Band.
The relationship between the Education Foundation and the school’s arts is a traditionally strong one, with the Foundation keeping avenues open to help provide what the choir, band and symphony orchestra might need. And one needn’t look much further than the recent winter and holiday concerts to see how much they’re flourishing.
For band director Lori Duncan, the Foundation’s assistance has helped to enhance the actual music of the band itself by purchasing a drumline for the marching band and new instruments which help the music stand out. “When you listen to the sound of our high school band, where the Education Foundation provided a new baritone saxophone and tuba,” she says “you can tell and hear the change in the sound.”
Middle school choir director Beth Rowland feels like the Fort Thomas landscape is incredibly supportive of the arts and the lessons learned here reach far past the rehearsal spaces. “It’s a Highlands thing, but it’s also a life thing as well,” says Rowland. “Some of my middle school students may not continue into high school choir or beyond, but they’ll remember that when they were here they were part of something good.”
As part of their musical “wish lists,” Duncan would like to enhance the rehearsal spaces’ audio capabilities to allow students who are applying for scholarships to record themselves for college submissions. Both Rowland and high school Director of Choral Activities Jisoo Bae would love to see additional risers to meet the growing numbers of music students in their programs, as well as a new baby grand piano as the current piano is showing signs of age and wear.
The Education Foundation has been a tremendous source of support for us, playing a pivotal role in various aspects of our educational environment,” explains Bae. “Whether it's ensuring that classrooms are equipped with necessary supplies or attending to the overall well-being of both students and teachers, the Foundation has consistently demonstrated its commitment to enhancing our educational experience. Their invaluable assistance has contributed significantly to the success and thriving atmosphere within our school community and in arts.”
| 
