Sophomore Rae George and junior Alyssa Tarlton are emerging leaders in the PCS music scene. When they were approached by vocal music teacher Meg Privatera about attending the Eastman Leadership Development Conference on October 5, the pair jumped at the opportunity.
“I wanted to attend for more opportunities to learn about leadership in music and school,” said Rae. Alyssa seconded that thought, “I like music and I want to become more of a leader in chorus so people feel comfortable coming in and singing.”
Both students are members of PCS Music and Drama Clubs. The day-long conference, which was held at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, was funded by Music Club and served as the maiden field trip to provide students opportunities to explore music leadership. Students attended several interactive workshops, which were taught by Eastman’s faculty and staff, including “Identifying Audiences” and “Project Management.” For Rae, the classes taught real-world skills like goal-setting and learning from mistakes.
“The teachers were very interesting,” she said. “I really liked learning how to build an audience and how to plan musical events.”
A favorite of both students was Herb Smith, a musician and member of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, who served as the keynote speaker. Rae and Alyssa originally met Smith when he conducted the Junior High Chorus at All-County. Smith told students that getting from Point A to Point B doesn’t necessarily have to be a straight line. Once you get to Point B, you have to keep going because there’s more progress to make.
“It was inspiring because he basically said that there’s not a specific plan or path you’re supposed to follow,” said Rae. Added Alyssa, “I really loved what Herb was saying. It was the best part of the trip.”
Rae and Alyssa got to meet like-minded high schoolers who are leaders at their schools. The experience will undoubtedly benefit the participating students and their respective music programs.
“I saw Rae and Alyssa go out of their comfort zones and engage with other students in similar leadership roles,” said Privatera. “The experience will benefit the way they manage leadership in their multiple facets of extracurriculars, and I hope to continue sending students to the conference so that the program can continue to grow in student involvement and autonomy.”