HC music teachers strive to help students further their musical careers

HC is made up of departments full of engaged teachers that put education as a priority. The HC music department has a diverse student body led by HC Band Director Bill Kite, HC Orchestra Director Julie Foster, and HC Choir Director Isaac Jones. 

Each director has taken a unique pathway to their current positions. Kite has been interested in music ever since he was in early elementary school, when he began listening to high school and parade bands. 

“I started on trombone and I still play,” Kite said. “[I play] a little bit of keyboard here and there and I can kind of get around on some other instruments, but I pretty much choose to do the Harmony Director keyboard and my trombone when I’m modeling [in class].” 

Kite’s lifelong love of music has helped him teach his students today and share his passion. Kite uses music as a way to connect with the audience through the use of sound.  

“Instrumental music without words gets the same kind of feeling and emotion,” Kite said. “You can make this connection with your audience that you can’t do any other way. It’s a very different kind of connection with your audience rather than acting or public speaking.” 

Foster enjoys giving the gift of music to other young musicians through her job as an orchestra director. 

“[I love] my students,” Foster said. “They’re curious and it’s like it brings a sense of joy to their lives to learn music.”  

Music allows the students to express themselves in a unique way. Some students use writing or speaking to make themselves heard, music is a different outlet.  

“It really conveys a lot of emotion,” Foster said. “It’s a way of communicating beyond language. It’s sort of a universal language.” 

Jones started playing music when he was in elementary school, sparking his interest in music as a whole. From this he has furthered his musical career, participating in a multitude of other extracurriculars.  

“In fifth grade, I heard the sound of a clarinet,” Jones said, “and I wanted to be in band.” 

Jones’ music career started early and his passion in teaching others is evident. Jones continues to share his love of music to others today.  

“I graduated doing choir, band, and a little bit of theatre,” Jones said. “I went to college and took men’s choir, went back to my high school to help teach and I sort of taught class myself as a freshman in college.” 

Through these teachers’ interests in their musical careers, they have supported and encouraged students to pursue their own interests. At HC, these teachers can be found doing what they love and spreading their passion to others.