The Head of School – December 18, 2024

Flint Hill Community, 

Over the course of the last couple of weeks, I have truly enjoyed experiencing our winter concerts — overseen by our Director of Fine Arts, Joshua McClymont, in partnership with our divisions and excellent music teachers: Dr. Scott, Ms. Pramstaller, Ms. Moniuszko, and Mr. Murley.  

Full disclosure: Despite many, many attempts and a true love of all types of music, I am not at all musically inclined. In 4th grade, I was given a little practice drum pad and a couple of sticks. Let’s just say, it didn’t progress much from there.  

So, one of my favorite aspects of attending these concerts is actually learning what the students are focusing on with each musical piece. In most instances, between songs, our teachers explained to the audience what to listen for or how the specific pieces came together. Then, as an audience, we are able to not only experience beautiful music, but appreciate the hard work and progress that the students are making. From complex meters or harmonies to moments when the teacher gave the students creative license for the arrangement or song choice, excellent teaching and learning in a truly challenging academic arena was on full display at each concert.   

The concerts also demonstrated the thoughtful progression and growth available within our JK-12 music program — some of our most dynamic senior performers got their start with some encouragement from these great teachers while they were in the Lower School. The end result at each concert was not just an enjoyable (and, at times, very cute) experience for our Huskies and their families, but a thoughtful display of the process and progress of learning, driven by great educators bringing the best out of their committed students. 

A big Husky thanks to all who helped support these concerts, who attended in enjoyment and appreciation of learning, and who continue to hum some of the amazing songs performed at each event!  

I wish you all a fun, safe, and relaxing winter break, and look forward to our return to campus on Monday, January 6.