蜜桃直播, Author at 蜜桃直播 /blog/author/idyllwildarts/ California Art Boarding High School Mon, 13 Jul 2026 16:52:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cropped-favicon-32x32.png 蜜桃直播, Author at 蜜桃直播 /blog/author/idyllwildarts/ 32 32 Guest Blog: Studio 45B Client Spotlight – Hallie Jade /blog/guest-blog-studio-45b-client-spotlight-hallie-jade/ Wed, 06 May 2026 19:33:00 +0000 /?p=26175 This post featuring 蜜桃直播 Songwriting Program Director Hallie Ballou originally appeared on the Studio 45 Blog! Many thanks to our guest artists Grady James and Danielle Todd from Studio […]

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This post featuring 蜜桃直播 Songwriting Program Director Hallie Ballou originally appeared on the ! Many thanks to our guest artists Grady James and Danielle Todd from Studio 45B.

Get ready for a soul-stirring, whimsical journey鈥擧allie Jade is a force. Songwriting teacher, storyteller, and full-time creative, she draws inspiration from legends like John Prine and Brandi Carlile. We had the joy of recording her EP at Studio45b, where her luminous perspective and magnetic teaching spirit lit up the room.

Hallie views the universe through a deeply luminescent lens. She traverses life like a beautifully complex game of Super Mario, viewing fleeting moments of inspiration as floating question mark boxes and golden coins. If she does not jump up and grab a melody the second it appears, someone else will. That fierce, creative devotion means she writes every single day鈥攕ometimes at midnight after putting her kids to bed, and sometimes right in the middle of our own control room while her tracks are being mixed.

She is a storyteller first and an artist second. Drawing profound inspiration from the honest, rootsy truths of John Prine and Brandi Carlile, Hallie weaves the kind of simplicity that saves lives. She knows this power firsthand, having relied on those very songwriters to pull her through her own dark times. Now, she crafts that same guiding light for others.

Her roots run deep and wild. Mentored by Atz Kilcher (Jewel鈥檚 father) from the tender age of ten, she learned early on to observe the world and honor her foundations. You can hear the profound echoes of her indigenous heritage in every note she sings. It is a wild, ancestral rhythm that pulses through her veins and directly into her breathtaking new EP.

Beyond the microphone, Hallie balances a wonderfully chaotic life as a mother to two girls and a son, a playful puppy, and a classroom full of teenage dreamers. As a full-time songwriting faculty member at the prestigious 蜜桃直播, she stewards the next generation of creators. She helps them navigate a noisy, AI-driven world by teaching them the most valuable lesson of all: radical authenticity.

We recently had the absolute honor of hosting Hallie here at her . She stepped into the recording studio with our producer, , and completely surrendered to the creative process. Together, they turned 2 AM dream-melodies into total bops, struck guitar cases for makeshift percussion, and brought the galloping sounds of wild horses to life.

After the final vocal takes were captured and the studio monitors quieted down, we sat down to talk with her about this incredibly vulnerable record, her magical songwriting process, and a life entirely guided by sound waves.

Let鈥檚 jump right into what shapes your sound identity, your background at 蜜桃直播, your children, your mentors.

If someone had never heard your music but sat across from you for five minutes, what part of you would they meet first鈥攖he artist, or the storyteller?

The storyteller for sure – I am a storyteller first and an artist second. I view the artist component as merely a means to express the stories. 

There鈥檚 always a kind of invisible thread running through a person鈥檚 life鈥 what鈥檚 been pulling you forward lately?

Honestly my kids… They weren’t alive yet for the first chapter of my public music journey and watched me write and sang with me exclusively at home for their entire lives until a few years ago, when my oldest looked at me and said “mom, why don’t you play shows?” As soon as I knew that my kids were watching, I had no excuses but to pick myself up by my bootstraps and get out there again. Every time I think about pulling back on the reins, I think of what I would say to them in the same position – it’s your dream, keep going… 

What an amazing response – you carry such an incredible responsibility in showing your children how important it is to live out your dreams. You had the rare experience of being mentored by someone deeply rooted in songwriting鈥攚hat鈥檚 a piece of wisdom that never left you?

I had the great honor of being mentored by , dad, starting at age 10. To this day, he is one of my biggest champions and inspirations. He taught me that stories come first, to be observant, dig deep and never forget your roots.

What an honor to be connected to such an incredible writer! How did your time at 蜜桃直播 shape not just your craft, but your sense of self? How does it feel to be back as a part of the faculty teaching the next generation of songwriters?

蜜桃直播 saved my life as a young artist. There is truly nothing like being surrounded by like-minded peers at such a turbulent and vulnerable time in your life. My time as a student allowed me to find myself as an artist, collaborate with artists that are still some of my best friends to this day, find confidence in my unique voice, and to remember, especially when the ground is shaky – who I am and what I stand for. Returning to 蜜桃直播 as faculty has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I feel such an intense sense of responsibility to steward this next generation of songwriters in an honest and authentic direction, considering their often inauthentic surroundings on social media, with AI, etc. There are truly no words to describe how proud I am of my students and how grateful for the gifts they give me every day. 

What a beautiful connection you have with that school. Thinking back on that time, what did a younger version of you believe music would be鈥攁nd how does that compare to what it is now?

Oddly enough, my perception of what music should be hasn’t changed much since I was a kid. Growing up, I idolized Jewel, , J, … and I’m still out here trying to follow in their storytelling, rootsy, troubadour footsteps. 

Can鈥檛 get much better than those inspirations when it comes to songwriting! What kind of stories are you drawn to telling right now? What inspiration do you pull from and how do you stay authentic?

I was actually just reflecting on this the other day, because it’s always interesting to look back at my catalog over the years and recognize shifts in perspective and common themes. For years, there was a real rambling nature to my songs – I wrote a lot about being on the road, exploring places and self, leaving home… – but recently, I’ve begun to settle more into my life and am writing more about going back home, finding out what home means and finding beauty in staying. 

Let鈥檚 chat about your songwriting process!

You write every day – you even wrote songs while Grady was mixing your record! 鈥 What are you chasing when you sit down with a blank page? How do you stay motivated to write every day?

Haha yeah… it’s kind of a problem, but a good one? Honestly, I can probably thank my therapist for this one. I’ve done so much work over the years with both digging deep and staying open energetically. Through that process, it’s gotten so much easier to recognize inspiration when it comes my way. This is so nerdy, and I tell my students this all the time, but I view a songwriter’s journey as a game of Super Mario – we’re all just running through life with these question mark boxes and coins in our path – that’s the inspiration, and if you don’t grab it when you pass, somebody else will. I suppose that’s my competitive nature coming through, but I try to never let an inspiration pass without at least taking note. Sometimes it’s just a funny or inspiring phrase, sometimes a melody, but either way, I sit down every night (even if it’s at midnight, after I’ve put the kids to bed, picked up the house, etc., pick one and flush it out. I was so inspired being in the studio with Grady, that I think I wrote 3 songs one day while he was mixing. I certainly don’t have time to do that in the incredible chaos of my typical daily life, but there was something about being in that space and all in with my music that flooded me with ideas. It’s honestly a great business model for Grady if ya’ll can figure out how to capitalize on it! If I didn’t have a flight back, I probably would have just stayed and recorded the new songs. 馃槈 

That is such an incredible way to think of things – Super Mario?! Even that is artistic. We loved having you in the studio and found you just as inspiring. Speaking of all this inspiration – what鈥檚 something you鈥檝e written that scared you to put into the world?

Honestly, everything I write scares me a little bit. I write from such a vulnerable place, about my own life and experiences, good and bad. Every time I put songs out, both recorded and live, I feel like I’m revealing another piece of myself that I might not be necessarily proud of, but is so intrinsically me. While I’ve battled this a lot, I keep coming back to finding solace in knowing that chances are, somebody else will resonate with my stories, and this power that songs hold to bring us all together continues to be one of my biggest driving forces. 

Vulnerability can be exhausting – how do you keep showing up on days that inspiration doesn’t?

You know, some people have meditation, some have journaling, some have exercise… Either way, for better or for worse, it has to become routine to remain effective. The more I write, the easier it is to find, process and finish an idea. I’ve grown addicted to making the process “easy” for myself, by practicing it every day. Not easy, like it’s mindless and meaningless, but easy in that I don’t have to work so hard to access the depths of what I’m trying to say. I won’t lie and say it’s always easy, especially when life gets messy, but that’s where the power in routine comes into play – when it’s just what you do, no matter what day you’re having, it’s pretty incredible how quickly you can slip into a flow state.

All of your answers have us swooning over here – we might just have to take a break and go write a tune!

You love John Prine and Brandi Carlile. Can you chat about how some of your influences shaped you?

You know me so well… haha. I’ve listened to and loved both of them since I was a kid. For both of them as writers, I’m inspired by their combination of simplicity and truth. There is nothing fancy or complex about their songs, but they tell the stories that are both lyrically compelling, but also relatable. This kind of stuff is tough to admit, but I can credit both of them for saving my life. In my deepest, darkest times, their songs were just enough light to keep me going. To know that songs hold that kind of power, is enough to inspire me to maybe someday be that storyteller for someone else. 

The moment we鈥檝e all been waiting for – Your EP! We can鈥檛 wait to dive deep into the songs, the process and your favorite moments on the record.

Is there a thread鈥攅motional or sonic鈥攖hat quietly ties every song together?

I certainly took a journey with these songs. Broken Record tells a story of a young person breaking free of their silent battles, digging deep and finding hope in this wild life we live. Sticks and Glue is the next step on that journey, about leaving your past, exploring love and building a foundation with somebody else. Mercedes then feels like home – you’ve settled down and have somebody that comes back to you regardless of hardships or your past. Wild in Me ties everything together as a story both about loss, cherishing what you have, going back to roots and finding yourself again. 

How did you choose these four songs, out of all the incredible songs you’ve written over the years?

Surprisingly, it was one of the easier decisions I’ve made. I always felt like these songs needed to exist together in some way. While written over the course of 5ish years, they each highlight really pivotal moments in my life, and tell a story of my own evolution during that period. 

鈥淲ild in Me鈥 carries something deeply personal鈥攈ow did that song find its way out of you?

I wrote Wild in Me the day that my grandfather passed last year. It was deeply cathartic to process everything he means to me through song and honestly, the song wrote itself – it never ceases to amaze me how urgently a song can make its way into this world when the time is right. Although my grandfather never heard the song on earth, he was with me when I wrote it and I feel him with me every time it gets played. 

Wow – The same day that your grandfather passed. You really do use writing as therapy! While we don鈥檛 wish grief on anyone, this song definitely is a beautiful representation of love. Did writing it feel like closure, or something else entirely? Can you share with us a little of the relationship you had with your grandfather that sparked the emotion in this track?

For sure it felt like closure, but also an exploration of self. Unfortunately, I think we all at times take for granted the blood in our veins. While we may have complicated relationships with our families, at the end of the day, their stories and experiences led to our existence, and both biologically and energetically impact our own story. While growing up, I loved the wild nature of my grandfather, I don’t think I fully appreciated his take on life until long into adulthood. He cherished this wildness of this earth more than anyone I’ve ever encountered and continues to serve as my reminder to go back to nature and ancestry, whenever I start feeling out of balance due to the chaos of our world. 

How do you hold grief and beauty in the same space when you鈥檙e creating?

I mean, I think they go hand in hand. You can find beauty in chaos and chaos in beauty, depending on how you look at it. I find the exploration of such dichotomies incredibly inspiring and appreciate that I can view and write about the world and experiences from a completely different perspective than somebody else. 

“I’m glad your blood runs through my heart” “Thank you for leaving some wild in me” – these lyrics are so beautiful. Can you tell us how you landed on these words in particular?

鈥淚鈥檓 glad your blood runs through my heart鈥 is an ode to returning to ancestral roots. My ancestors were Indigenous people, whose heritage and connection to the earth resonates in every cell of my body. That 鈥渨ild in me鈥 keeps me in a state of wonder about where I came from and gratitude for those who helped steward my path long before I was here.

“Mercedes” is such a bop. We can’t get it out of our heads. Upbeat songs can sometimes be a challenge for songwriters, especially in the “folk” genre. How did you come up with this tune?

It’s truly an anomaly and I worry to this day that I may never write a “bop” again, haha. I want to say that I was in just the right energetic state for that song to come to life, but honestly that song woke me up out of a dream one night at 2am. I was so groggy, but I couldn’t escape that chorus in my head, so I got out of bed and finished the chorus. The next morning after a couple cups of coffee and residual hype from that chorus, the verses and pre-choruses came together. If I could recreate that scenario to write something like it, I would, but unfortunately it simply came down to “grabbing” the inspiration when it hit. All I can hope for is that it hits again… and maybe at a more reasonable hour of day. 

We think you have another bop in you for sure! Do you have a favorite song on the record?

It changes every day… Since Wild in Me just came out as the last Single on the EP, and I just had a super cathartic and emotional experience playing it live last weekend, it’s my favorite. 

There鈥檚 a real art to making something feel simple without losing its depth, and “Sticks and Glue” does that beautifully鈥攎elodically and lyrically. How do you strike that balance between simplicity and emotional weight in your writing?

While I consider myself to run pretty “deep,” I’m also a hopeless romantic at heart. Sticks and Glue is a combination of what I imagined falling in love would look like as a kid and personal experience… but of course I’ve NEVER done bad things on the beach. 馃槈 

“Broken Record” is the album’s title track and carries a beautiful message of hope, courage, and strength. Can you tell us about the moments that are mentioned in this song? You shared a lot of vulnerability within this single.

Oof, this one’s tough. I was mentoring a young person many years ago, who in their short 14 years of life, had experienced some of the worst things life could throw at you. I wrote this song for them, but also to serve as a reminder for myself or anyone else going through a tough time, that hope and light is always around the corner, if you just open your eyes. 

We are completely honest when we say that we had an absolute blast having you in the studio. Let鈥檚 chat about your experience while you were here recording the EP.

鈥淵ou found all your peace where wild horses play鈥 鈥 these lyrics really seem to match the production of Wild in Me. Was this 鈥渞anch鈥 sound a style you were after, or was that an idea from Grady?

That was 100% Grady鈥檚 genius. I fully told him to take the reins (no pun intended) on that one after we had a long conversation about what the song means to me. He took the time to really understand my style and matched the vision to the song perfectly. I could not be more proud of how it turned out. You can literally close your eyes and hear the wild horses.

What was the most unexpected moment during the recording process?

It sounds silly, but how easy it all felt. Grady is incredible at creating a welcoming, safe space to express yourself and record. The studio felt like home, and honestly, I never wanted to leave.

What was it like stepping into a studio with someone you鈥檇 never met and spending days fully immersed in a creative space? Was it hard to open up to Grady and trust him with your vision? When did you know you had found the right producer?

I鈥檝e had experiences all across the board with producers, but working with Grady instantly felt special and different. From the start, he made me feel like he had genuinely connected to my songs and vision, and that he cared most about bringing that to life rather than simply making it his own. I had heard and admired his work before, so I felt totally comfortable leaning into his ideas. You can tell trust matters deeply to him throughout the process. It was such an incredible experience that I later asked him to come work with my students – many of whom had never worked with a producer before – simply because I wanted their first experience to be that good.

Were there moments where a song transformed completely from what you originally imagined?

Yes, but in the best ways. Sticks and Glue is the perfect example. I went in with reference tracks that were very 鈥渂ubblegum,鈥 for lack of a better word. We had already made Mercedes a total bop, so beyond wanting a different vibe for Sticks and Glue, Grady thoughtfully talked me through what he was hearing in his head. I walked away with a completely different sound than I expected – but one that fits the song perfectly. I鈥檓 so grateful to have found someone I trust not to just follow along, but to have the confidence to give the song what it鈥檚 asking for.

There is a moment in Sticks and Glue where the instrumentation drops out and it鈥檚 just your vocals and synths. It is show-stopping. How did you feel hearing that for the first time? Was it something you expected?

Oh my gosh, I totally lost it in the studio. It鈥檚 such a powerful moment, and the fact that Grady knew not only how to create that, but how impactful it would be, still blows my mind.

In Sticks and Glue there are some really interesting percussion ideas. Were you on board from the beginning? Was there any moment where you were unsure of how it would turn out?

Watching Grady pick up random objects around the studio to make cool, weird sounds was honestly one of the best parts of the experience. I had full trust in him to know how to execute what the song needed, so at that point I was really just along for the ride – laughing while he walked around hitting things (including guitar cases) trying to find the perfect sound. He鈥檚 a sound genius.

Working with Grady James feels like stepping into someone else鈥檚 sonic world for a moment鈥攚hat did his perspective unlock in your music that you hadn鈥檛 tapped into yet?

Haha yes – it is Grady鈥檚 sonic world, and we鈥檙e just living in it. Listening to a track Grady produced is like Christmas. I hear something new every time – something I didn鈥檛 notice before – and it often makes me laugh because there鈥檚 so much personality and humor hidden inside his sonic choices. He helped me realize that production can elevate emotion in ways I hadn鈥檛 fully tapped into yet. Not just making a song sound good, but making it feel deeper, more vivid, and more alive.

Thank you for taking so much time to chat with us about you, your record and your time recording with us. We can鈥檛 wait for your next EP and until then we will have this on repeat. Before you go – lets do a rapid fire round!

Sunrise or sunset?Sunset, doing bad things on the beach… lol jk, but not really! 

Ocean or mountains?Can I say both?!I’m from a small town in rural Alaska surrounded by both, which each hold a special place in my heart. 

Coffee shop or quiet cabin?My life is insane right now so… quiet cabin. 馃槈 

Rainstorms or golden hour? Golden Hour 150% 

Vinyl or streaming? Vinyl. I’m an album girlie and die for moments when I get to listen to a record top to bottom. 

Drive at night or walk at dawn?Drive at night… although I can’t see well in the dark, so somebody else needs to be driving while I either talk to much or play DJ. 

Stay wild or find peace?Listen, I’m currently working on both and will let you know when I find the answer. Haha. 

Pineapple on pizza?Yes, give it to me. 

Coffee or tea? Americano with heavy cream, please and thank you. 

Book or movie?I grew up hating to read and without a TV, so I have a complicated relationship with both. lol. The safest bet is music recommendations for me鈥  

What an absolutely beautiful journey Hallie is on. From turning midnight melodies into studio magic, to guiding the next generation of creators, she constantly reminds us to look for the wonder hiding in plain sight. Her music holds a mirror to the chaotic, stunning truth of life, proving that you can honor your deep roots while boldly carving out your own path. We are beyond grateful to have been a part of her story here at Studio45b, and we know this new EP will soothe plenty of tired hearts.


Now, it is your turn to experience the magic. Go take a listen to her stories, feel the rhythm of those wild horses, and let her songs leave a little wild in you, too.

Where to Find and Support Hallie Jade:

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Announcing New Assistant Head of School for Student Life Lydia Stoye /blog/announcing-new-assistant-head-of-school-lydia-stoye/ /blog/announcing-new-assistant-head-of-school-lydia-stoye/#respond Thu, 10 Apr 2025 22:26:46 +0000 /?p=22700 蜜桃直播 is delighted to announce that Lydia Stoye has accepted the position of Assistant Head of School for Student Life for the 2025-2026 school year. As a lifelong dancer […]

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蜜桃直播 is delighted to announce that Lydia Stoye has accepted the position of Assistant Head of School for Student Life for the 2025-2026 school year.

As a lifelong dancer and actor, Lydia Stoye believes in the transformative power of the arts and is drawn to the unique energy of creative communities.

A seasoned student affairs professional, Lydia brings nearly two decades of experience to her new role as the Assistant Head of School for Student Life. She is deeply committed to fostering inclusive communities where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Before joining 蜜桃直播, Lydia served as Upper School Dean of Students at Dana Hall School in Massachusetts. Lydia led initiatives to enhance student engagement, implement restorative practices, and restructure residential life programs. Her previous roles include Director of Community Life at Cushing Academy and Assistant Dean of Students at Interlochen Arts Academy, where she successfully blended strategic leadership with a hands-on approach to supporting student growth and well-being.

Lydia holds a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Grand Valley State University. She is a certified trainer with the International Institute for Restorative Practices and has presented at the annual conferences for the Small Boarding Schools Association and The Association of Boarding Schools.

Her work is grounded in creating spaces where students can take risks, lead with authenticity, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys recreational volleyball, dance, and spending time with her family.

蜜桃直播 is excited to welcome Lydia and her family to the 蜜桃直播 community in July!

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Exploring “Storytelling” with the Native American Arts Center /blog/exploring-storytelling-with-the-native-american-arts-center/ /blog/exploring-storytelling-with-the-native-american-arts-center/#respond Mon, 26 Aug 2024 22:54:21 +0000 /?p=15366 June 2024 brought yet another incredible three weeks of summer Native American Arts programming to life on the 蜜桃直播 campus, including a range of workshops in a variety of […]

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June 2024 brought yet another incredible three weeks of summer Native American Arts programming to life on the 蜜桃直播 campus, including a range of workshops in a variety of arts disciplines and the popular annual Festival Week. This represented the fifth year of programming curated and produced by Shaliyah Ben (Din茅), the Executive Director of the Native American Arts Center at 蜜桃直播.

In the workshops, master artists led classrooms of eager adult learners as they showcased and passed on the knowledge, craftsmanship, and creativity of diverse Indigenous cultures:

This year’s theme, Celebrating Kinship Through the Power of Storytelling, took us on a journey full of culture, creativity, and passion. Attendees gathered on our campus from far and wide for our many enriching public events, including the exhibition opening of “Blue Corn and Other Stories” by Joe Baker, the Michael Kabotie Lecture Series highlighting the work and perspectives of many talented Indigenous storytellers, a special screening of the zombie horror film “Blood Quantum,” and an artist meet & greet with 蜜桃直播 student Tain Half (Aps谩alooke)), who presented a photography exhibition, and 蜜桃直播 alum Emily Clarke (Cahuilla), who debuted a beautiful new poem. The Native American Arts Market and the third annual bird singing celebration, “Welcoming Home the Birds,” was the perfect way to close out the week.

We are grateful to our outstanding contributing artists, teachers, and presenters, and to everyone who joined us on campus for this truly unique experience. Please save the date for the Native American Arts Center’s next upcoming event, Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, October 14th! Join the 蜜桃直播 Community on our beautiful Southern California mountain campus for a day of programming featuring the Delbert Anderson Jazz Quartet as well as lectures, film, food, and more! All events are free and open to the public. Learn more here.

Details for this and all other upcoming public events will be added to our event calendar and shared via our email newsletter (sign up ) and social media channels (, , and ).

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COMMUNITY VOICES: Why Idyllwild? By Erica Nashan /blog/community-voices-why-idyllwild-erica-nashan/ /blog/community-voices-why-idyllwild-erica-nashan/#respond Fri, 29 Mar 2024 22:48:34 +0000 /?p=11994 By Erica Nashan Director of Art in Society The mountains surrounding 蜜桃直播 have attracted creatives for over a century, and human civilization has sought the clear water, open […]

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By Erica Nashan

Director of Art in Society

The mountains surrounding 蜜桃直播 have attracted creatives for over a century, and human civilization has sought the clear water, open skies, and coolness from the desert for thousands of years. There is a spirit that beckons us, and natural beauty that sparks the imagination. We find health, renewal, and space to work on artistic development that requires both inward and outward learning.

The villages of Idyllwild, Fern Valley, Mountain Center and Pine Cove share a commitment to the safety and welfare of all of their inhabitants, including support of the 蜜桃直播 campus. This coexistence and mutual appreciation for the arts, artists,
intellectuals, and entrepreneurs, surrounds the school with a support system uniquely adapted to its environs.

While students have the opportunity to explore the world outside within the safety of the mountain communities, they also have access to the protected forests on and off campus, that serve as a retreat and source of renewal for mind, body and spirit. 蜜桃直播 embodies the coming together of these essential resources that grow the creative artist inside and out.

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COMMUNITY VOICES: Why Idyllwild? By Sarah Klitzke /blog/community-voices-why-idyllwild-sarah-klitzke/ /blog/community-voices-why-idyllwild-sarah-klitzke/#respond Thu, 22 Feb 2024 21:23:08 +0000 /?p=11593 By Sarah Klitzke Director of Health Services I knew that 蜜桃直播 was special from the first moment I arrived here in August of 2019. At the time, I […]

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By Sarah Klitzke

Director of Health Services

I knew that 蜜桃直播 was special from the first moment I arrived here in August of 2019. At the time, I was just a mom bringing one of my own aspiring artist children to campus to begin his journey as an 蜜桃直播 dancer. After parent meetings and unpacking a carload of belongings into his dorm room, I stopped at the Health Center out of mere curiosity. With 20 years of nursing experience, many of them with teens and in community and school health, I was curious about what the campus health center offered for students. I was welcomed and offered a brief tour, and I loved the warmth it offered students. Then I went back home to Texas, leaving my 15-year-old here to grow as a dancer and as a person without me by his side.

I could not get the school out of my mind. I wanted my son to have every opportunity as a boarding student here on his own, but I couldn鈥檛 stop thinking about what it would be like to work at 蜜桃直播. By November, I had applied for a position. My daughter would also be attending the following year, and my husband and I wanted me to be closer to our kids in California. COVID hit and delayed my initial start date by several months, but by Arrival Day in the fall of 2020, I was here with both my children.

From that first Arrival Day, and every arrival day since, it stood out to me that students were so happy to return to this place after being away. It amazed and impressed me that any teenager was that excited to return to school after a vacation or break, but it was true. Students could not wait to get back to the mountain. The joy and energy with which they greeted each other (and the staff) was palpable and remains a testament to the uniqueness of this place for me.

This is now my fourth school year working in the Health Center at 蜜桃直播 and my daughter is getting ready to graduate, two years after her brother. As a parent, I can attest to the ongoing benefits for my children in attending the healthiest, most nurturing, and well-balanced dance program I have ever seen, combined with academics that challenged them to think differently and creatively. They flourished and grew while living in dorms, learning how to share space with roommates, do their laundry, advocate for themselves, manage their time, and develop diverse friendships with students from around the globe. They developed identities and friendships of their own choices and began learning who they are and what they stand for, an 蜜桃直播 motto.

I plan to continue my work here as Health Center Director after my daughter graduates in May. I love what I do, even on the hard days. The Health Center team is incredible, and I truly love my job. My colleagues, at every level, and in every department, are inspirational and the work we do here is important. 蜜桃直播 has the best students in the world. I am proud to be a part of their lives for even a short time during their journey. I hope they grow up to remember the Health Center here not only as a place to go when they are ill or injured but also as a place where they were radically loved and accepted.

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COMMUNITY VOICES: Why Idyllwild? By Erin Latimer /blog/community-voices-why-idyllwild-erin-latimer/ /blog/community-voices-why-idyllwild-erin-latimer/#respond Fri, 09 Feb 2024 23:25:17 +0000 /?p=11481 By Erin Latimer Humanities Chair When I ask myself, Why Idyllwild? two phrases come to mind. First, 鈥淩emember who you are and what you stand for,鈥 the words we chant […]

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By Erin Latimer

Humanities Chair

When I ask myself, Why Idyllwild? two phrases come to mind. First, 鈥淩emember who you are and what you stand for,鈥 the words we chant as a community at the close of each week; and second, this invocation in our school song, written by Meredith Wilson: 鈥渕ake us worthy of this land thou hast chosen to bless.鈥 To me, Idyllwild, and the worthiness to live and work here, are synonymous with service to creative spirit and service to the community鈥攐ur tiny community and that of the world. Artists hold a crucial role in the making and remaking of human culture, in expressing the value and purpose of the human mind in uncertain times and in an uncertain universe. In Idyllwild, the mountain keeps us grounded, reminds us to approach art and life with wisdom, compassion, and intention.

Who am I? I鈥檝e known I wanted to be a teacher since the third grade, and I knew I wanted to teach at 蜜桃直播 probably about an hour into my first class here as a high school junior. An Idyllwild native, I was fortunate to grow up on the mountain because my artist parents decided the city was no place to raise kids, and this campus quickly became a second home. From my first 鈥渁ll-school meeting鈥 during ISOMATA鈥檚 summer camp to the hours I spent watching my dad plant trees along Apela drive and install the first computers on campus, I could feel the magic of this place and knew that important things happened here. When I joined the Creative Writing Department, after two years of public high school, I felt for the first time that I had found my people鈥攁 community that would support me in becoming fully myself鈥攁nd I knew I wanted to continue co-creating this space for other young artists.

What do I stand for, then? First and foremost, my students. Though I may occasionally call myself a writer or a bookmaker, the young people with whom I exchange daily knowledge and laughter, in my attempts to impart some useful skills for their futures, are my greatest works of art and the greatest acts of service I can give to the world. I am most fully myself when I see them thrive, and the eternal drive we share to make ourselves worthy inhabitants of the land, as we aim to become worthy stewards of humanity, is the most hope I have that a more just and beautiful world is possible.

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COMMUNITY VOICES: Why Idyllwild? By Kirt Wackford /blog/community-voices-why-idyllwild-2/ /blog/community-voices-why-idyllwild-2/#respond Fri, 02 Feb 2024 19:34:21 +0000 /?p=11365 By Kirt Wackford, PhD Mathematics and Science Chair I have taught students science at eleven different institutions over thirty-three years, with the last twenty-two at private high schools, the last […]

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By Kirt Wackford, PhD

Mathematics and Science Chair

I have taught students science at eleven different institutions over thirty-three years, with the last twenty-two at private high schools, the last sixteen at boarding schools, and the last six at 蜜桃直播. IAA is a place like no other.

What distinguishes the students of Idyllwild is their passion for creation. They are not the bored or jaded students I have had elsewhere, young people who would struggle to identify anything in their lives that they care about deeply. Idyllwild students recognize the amazing opportunities they have, and want to be here, despite the equally amazing work loads. Many of them found the school themselves and then had to sell their parents on the idea. Few of the eighty-some students I have each year are considering a career in science, and fewer still will become biologists, but all of them know that they need to pass my class to remain here – and being at the school, with the chance to make their art surrounded by supportive peers and inspirational mentors, is sufficient motivation for them to pass my class. On their worst day, they recognize the necessity of completing Biology to remain in the place they love. At their best, they are incredibly eager and enthusiastic for what they are learning in my class. They are simply easier to teach, and more grateful for what they learn, than any other high school students I have taught. Nowhere else have I had so many students spontaneously thank me at the end of each class.

For me personally, living in a forest on a mountaintop is idyllic. It does my soul good to see the rabbits and quail every day, the deer and bobcat and coyotes on occasion. Having trained as a field biologist in the world鈥檚 largest wetlands, I thought that I would have to give up living in such close contact with nature when I left research for teaching. My first high school job entailed a 90-minute commute, each way, through a crowded and smoggy city. In Idyllwild I walk to my class in seven minutes, and along the way I breathe the pine-scented air and know that the abundant lichen is proof of its lack of pollution. I hear the rush of Strawberry Creek on my way to my classroom in the morning and the calls of the frogs and owls on my way home at night. I sample the occasional manzanita berry along the trail when I need a tart pick-me-up. Walking in the fog, I hear the collected dew pattering off the leaves overhead. The crunch of the snow in winter and the bearableness of the summer heat when the desert floor below is baking. The amber or rose afternoon glow on the white San Jacinto peaks above the school. Now, there are certainly plenty of students who find this place to be an unbearable wilderness in the middle of nowhere, but at the very least those who have never experienced nature before will come to know this about themselves and others will discover only after they leave how much they miss it.

I鈥檝e been at schools where the students had to stand up when a teacher entered the room, schools with uniforms, schools where part of my job was telling young people to tuck in their shirts or take off their hats indoors, schools where students were required to address me as 鈥淒r. Wackford鈥. Here they call me 鈥淜irt鈥 and they are told to explore their dreams and to remember who they are. My days are marked by kindness, and by the concerns of a community of artists. When illness strikes, dorm parents offer to cover one another鈥檚 shifts and students bring back food from the dining hall for their friends. Prefects keep track of their podlings, and let dorm parents know when something seems off. Students can cry alone in their rooms, but if they cry outside they are soon joined by others, sitting silently in sympathy or murmuring soothing words. Students collaborate – filming each other鈥檚 dance performances, directing each other鈥檚 plays, attending each other’s recitals, and, when necessary, sitting in the awesome responsibility of deciding each other’s judicials. This isn鈥檛 paradise; there is no panacea for the indiscretions of youth, the pain of adolescence, or the scourge of social media. But if we can鈥檛 make a community of caring here, in an enclave of artists, where can we? And if we are making a community of compassion here, among such a diverse population and across all the bounds of nationality, religion, and gender expression, where can鈥檛 we? This, for me, is why Idyllwild.

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Remembering Lillian Lovelace /blog/remembering-lillian-lovelace/ /blog/remembering-lillian-lovelace/#respond Wed, 24 Jan 2024 01:02:13 +0000 /?p=11256 Dear 蜜桃直播 Community, Last week we learned of the passing of our dear friend and Lifetime Trustee, Lillian Pierson Lovelace. Lillian and her husband Jon (previously deceased) fell in […]

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Dear 蜜桃直播 Community,

Last week we learned of the passing of our dear friend and Lifetime Trustee, Lillian Pierson Lovelace. Lillian and her husband Jon (previously deceased) fell in love with the magic of Idyllwild 鈥 its place, its people, and its purpose 鈥 and remained stalwarts of 蜜桃直播 throughout their lives.

The Lovelace family entrusted聽three generations聽to 蜜桃直播 (formerly known as聽Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts听辞谤听ISOMATA), and Jon and Lillian鈥檚 children and grandchildren speak fondly of summers spent in Hummingbird Hollow, Elves Shelf, Fitzgerald Junior Players Theatre (JPT), and other magical places in the Children鈥檚 Center on IA鈥檚 campus. Lillian herself also took classes in the 蜜桃直播 Program including painting, drawing, charcoal, and enamel-making, to name just a few.

Lillian remained an active member of the Board of Trustees until 2020, when she was honored as a Lifetime Trustee, a designation bestowed to her alone in the school’s history. IAF Board Chair Jeff Dvorak remembers: 鈥淒uring our many years together as members of the Board, I was fortunate to witness Lillian鈥檚 savvy and strategic business leadership in action. She possessed keen observation skills and was able to synthesize information, draw enlightening conclusions, and quickly identify and focus on the most efficient path to achieve meaningful solutions, inspiring her peers along the way. She was truly an extraordinary person.鈥

Lillian and Jon gave generously of themselves to the school, philanthropically supporting William M. Lowman Concert Hall (named in honor of 蜜桃直播 Foundation鈥檚 founding Head of School), Nelson Dining Hall, Krone Library & Museum, and Pierson Dormitory (named in honor of Lillian).

Jon and Lillian鈥檚 influence throughout Southern California represents excellence in the arts, and in 2014, 蜜桃直播 began awarding the聽Jon and Lillian Lovelace Outstanding Artist Award聽to an exemplary young artist in each year鈥檚 graduating class. Lillian once said: 鈥淭here鈥檚 something so rewarding about helping to contribute to learning of any kind, but it鈥檚 especially fun if it鈥檚 something you鈥檙e interested in and see someone learn and grow as they become adults. All the arts are so important for bringing our country and people together in a very healthy and fun way.鈥

Founding Head of School William (Bill) Lowman recalled how 鈥渄evoted and generous鈥 Lillian Lovelace was. 鈥淗er deep and abiding belief in the value of the arts in American society and the key role that 蜜桃直播 would play sustained the mission of 蜜桃直播. I鈥檓 personally grateful, professionally grateful, and so thankful that they were in the orbit of ISOMATA supporters and stepped up to help 蜜桃直播 achieve its potential in the world of arts education.鈥

The magnitude of Lillian Lovelace鈥檚 participation, contributions, and leadership will forever leave an indelible mark on 蜜桃直播 Foundation.听We will remember Lillian Pierson Lovelace during our annual Founders Day celebration in Idyllwild, California on June 22, 2024. Her life and love of 蜜桃直播 was and always will be important to the very fabric of our existence.

With loving fondness,

Pamela Jordan

President, 蜜桃直播 Foundation

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蜜桃直播 Hosts Week-long Arts Workshop at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation /blog/arts-workshop-pine-ridge-reservation/ /blog/arts-workshop-pine-ridge-reservation/#respond Mon, 02 Oct 2023 18:03:54 +0000 /?p=9672 Since its founding in 1947, 蜜桃直播 (IA) has been devoted to promoting, advancing, and teaching Native Arts in collaboration with Native American artists and scholars. This has long been […]

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Since its founding in 1947, 蜜桃直播 (IA) has been devoted to promoting, advancing, and teaching Native Arts in collaboration with Native American artists and scholars. This has long been demonstrated by IA鈥檚 Native American Arts Program, which expanded into the Native American Arts Center (NAAC) in 2022. This year, the NAAC has had an eventful, wildly successful summer of classes, workshops, the Michael Kabotie Lecture Series, the celebrated Native American Arts Festival Week, and more.

One of the highlights of this summer took place at the very beginning, in June: IA鈥檚 fifth annual trip to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Spearheaded by the NAAC鈥檚 Executive Director, Shaliyah Ben (Din茅), this trip brought arts education to the students of Red Cloud Indian School. The partnership between IA and Red Cloud Indian School was originally fostered by Marianne Kent-Stoll, IA鈥檚 prior Head of School.

This year, Shaliyah Ben, alongside IA faculty Abbie Bosworth (Chair of the InterArts Department) and Rachel Welch (Visual Arts Faculty), conducted a week-long, interdisciplinary arts workshop in which the students of Red Cloud Indian School saw their culture represented in art and had the chance to use art to celebrate it themselves.

A Play By and For the Oceti Sakowin

Ben, Bosworth, and Welch kicked off the week by bringing the students to see the Cornerstone Theatre Company鈥檚 production of Wicoun [wee-CHO], a play written by Larissa FastHorse (the first Native American woman playwright to have her work shown on Broadway鈥).

FastHorse鈥檚 play, Wicoun (which translates to 鈥渨ay of life鈥) is described as 鈥渁 new play with and about the Oceti Sakowin.鈥 The Oceti Sakowin Oyate [oh-CHEH-tee shaw-KOH-we oh-YAH-tay], or the People of Seven Council Fires, refers collectively to the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people. From late May to early June, throughout the South Dakota communities and reservations that inspired it (). The play itself鈥a comedy about superpowered Lakota teens鈥攁ddresses several contemporary issues facing these Indigenous communities while emphasizing the strength that can be found in heritage.

The play also celebrates the legacy of genderqueer identities in Indigenous culture through the journey of its protagonist, the female-presenting teenager 脕ya. As 脕ya seeks the strength to protect their family, they learn to embrace and express their innate gender identity. When 脕ya transitions, they become the super-powered Ah铆, a (someone with both a masculine and feminine spirit鈥攈ence, two spirits). It鈥檚 no coincidence that they become a superhero when they become their true self. In choosing to center a two-spirit character, FastHorse pays homage to the long-standing cultural significance of two-spirit people (or 鈥渢wo-spirits鈥) in various Indigenous communities (read more , , and ).

For the students of Red Cloud Indian School, Larissa FastHorse鈥檚 writing and the Cornerstone Theatre Company鈥檚 work demonstrated how one can honor their culture and give back to their community through art. Meanwhile, the play itself鈥攚ith its emphasis on celebrating identity鈥攅xpressed a theme of combining the traditional with the contemporary while empowering the voices that have not had the chance to speak for themselves.

All of this made watching Wicoun the perfect start to IA鈥檚 arts education workshop with the Red Cloud students. As the week-long workshop progressed, Bosworth and Welch led the students in learning about different aspects of theatre and art, mixing tradition with the contemporary as they shared their unique voices.

Exploring Art and Honoring Culture

After watching Wicoun, the students of Red Cloud Indian School set out to create a production of their own. Throughout the week, Bosworth and Welch led the students in activities and exercises spanning several disciplines: theatre, creative writing, visual arts, and more; they did so with help from a teaching assistant and IA alumna Emilee Swalley (Oglala Lakota), an InterArts student of the Class of 2022.听

With guidance from Bosworth and Welch, the students ultimately brought their interdisciplinary work to life in an original play鈥W贸wau艐艣ila: The Flower of the Amazon. 鈥淲贸wau艐艣ila鈥 [wo-WAHN-shee-luh] refers to the Lakota virtue of Compassion and Kindness.

The students took inspiration from FastHorse鈥檚 Wicoun as they structured their play and鈥攍ike FastHorse鈥攊ncorporated the Lakota language throughout the script and dialogue. As the students developed the plot and the conflict, they reflected on their personal experiences and the challenges their community has faced. 鈥淭hey were ready to connect their lives with art,鈥 said Bosworth.

Various theatre games helped students build the ensemble, creating an environment of trust, collaboration, and interconnectedness. Through exercises in role-play and improvisation, the students developed the story of their play and the characters within it; visual arts activities aided the process as they helped the students plan, visualize, and personally connect to the material. 

One exercise had the students pick an animal protector they would take with them if they went on a journey like the one in Wicoun. The students then made 3D models of their chosen animal protectors out of simple materials (as Welch says, 鈥淏utcher paper and tape can do anything鈥) and could be seen carrying their protectors around; at the end of the week, every animal was eagerly taken home.

Putting it All Into Play (and Putting on a Play)

The students were eventually divided into two groups: actors and technicians. The actors joined Bosworth in various exercises to workshop and rehearse scenes for the play. Meanwhile, the technicians worked with Welch to finish backdrops, props, costumes, and the set: a floor-to-ceiling construction paper rainforest depicting the Amazon.听

Bosworth and Welch remember the moment when the two groups reunited: the technicians had just finished the set and the actors were seeing it for the first time. The excitement in the air was tangible as the students really saw their production coming together and appreciated everything they had accomplished so far.

The week culminated in a performance of W贸wau艐艣ila: The Flower of the Amazon for an audience of proud parents and family members. The production really showcased how much the students had learned during the week as the show exhibited the many different artistic disciplines that were involved in its making. Most importantly, the students walked away having had an incredible experience in using art to share their voices, tell their stories, and make an impact.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Ben, Bosworth, and Welch for extending IA鈥檚 impact by bringing such a valuable inter-arts experience to the students of Pine Ridge. We would also like to thank Red Cloud Indian School and everyone who made this collaborative workshop possible. 

Welch described it as a 鈥渢ransformative鈥 experience for both the students and the teachers: 鈥淭he whole time I was like, 鈥業 can鈥檛 believe I鈥檓 doing this, this is so amazing,鈥欌 she said. Bosworth echoed her sentiments, saying, 鈥淚鈥檇 like to keep up the partnership鈥擨鈥檓 so grateful that I was able to be involved.鈥 Providing arts access to young creatives鈥攅specially those in historically disenfranchised communities鈥攃ontinually proves to be a meaningful experience for all.

Celebrate Native Arts with Us on Campus at 蜜桃直播

There are several upcoming opportunities to engage with Native Arts at IA in person. To learn more about IA鈥檚 Native American Arts Center (NAAC), please join us in person on Sunday, October 8th at 2 p.m. for a specially-catered engagement at Lowman Concert Hall, followed by a concert with NAMMY-winning Navajo pianist and composer Connor Chee. To learn more about the NAAC, click here.听

This all leads up to Indigenous People鈥檚 Day at IA. On October 9th, IA will host its annual Indigenous People鈥檚 Day celebration, complete with a full day of in-person arts and educational programming, all free and open to the public. The day鈥檚 events will feature performances, lectures, outdoor concerts, and Native foods, as well as several special guests, including (but not limited to) musician Keith Secola; hoop dancers Sky and Talon Duncan; artist Steven Paul Judd; filmmaker Ivey Camille Manybeads Tso; singer Tia Wood; and designer Bethany Yellowtail. 

Coming Soon: Michael Kabotie Lectures Premiere Online

With this November also comes the chance to experience (or revisit) this summer鈥檚 celebrated Lecture Series online. This lecture series partners with Indigenous creators to promote Native Art and highlight Native perspectives.

Each Wednesday in November at 7 pm PDT, a recording of one of this summer鈥檚 Michael Kabotie Lectures will debut online via . Check out the line-up below: 

  • Nov. 8 – Still We Smile: Humor as Correction and Joy with artist and curator Meranda Roberts (Numu/Xicana). 
  • Nov. 15 – An All Around Comedy and Cat Guy, A Conversation with Joey Clift (Cowlitz): comedian, TV writer, and cat guy. 
  • Nov. 22 – Art that Makes You Laugh, Makes You Think, and Makes You Feel Pride with filmmaker, director, screenwriter, fiction writer, and visualist Steven Paul Judd (Kiowa/Choctaw). 
  • Nov. 29 – Good Medicine Comedy with stand-up comedian, writer, actor, and producer Jackie Keliiaa (Yerington Paiute/Washoe/Native Hawaiian) and showrunner, screenwriter, filmmaker, and weaver Sierra Teller Ornelas (Navajo). 

These lectures all focus on the power of comedy, humor, and joy in Indigenous communities; all of the lecturers are working artists and creators who continuously promote these themes through their work while playfully rewriting some of the false preconceptions about Native American people. Save the dates, and To stay updated on upcoming events鈥攁nd see more of Native Arts at IA鈥攆ollow us on . You can also find us on TikTok, , and LinkedIn.

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蜜桃直播 Theatre Student Andre Real Becomes Jimmy Awards Finalist /blog/andre-real-jimmy-awards-finalist/ /blog/andre-real-jimmy-awards-finalist/#respond Fri, 29 Sep 2023 18:08:29 +0000 /?p=9610 At 蜜桃直播 (IAA), we have the privilege of watching our talented students soar to new heights. Musical Theatre major Omar Andre Real did just that鈥攁nd on a Broadway […]

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At 蜜桃直播 (IAA), we have the privilege of watching our talented students soar to new heights. Musical Theatre major Omar Andre Real did just that鈥攁nd on a Broadway stage鈥攖his year at the Jimmy Awards, a national theatre competition. Performing among student nominees from high schools across the U.S., Andre became a finalist in the 2023 Jimmy Awards and was selected by his peers for the 鈥淪pirit of the Jimmys鈥 award.

, or The National High School Musical Theatre Awards (NHSMTA), were established in 2009 and have come to be known as the high school version of the Tony Awards, or 鈥渢he Tonys for teenagers.鈥 Their mission is 鈥渢o elevate the importance of theatre arts education in schools and reward excellence in student performance.鈥

Andre鈥檚 Journey to the Jimmys

Andre鈥檚 journey began at the Lucie Arnaz Awards in Palm Springs, CA, a regional competition celebrating outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre throughout California鈥檚 Inland Empire (including the San Bernardino and Riverside counties).

This was one of 48 regional awards programs that took place this year, each sponsored by a professional theatre. Every year, these competitions involve over 140,000 high school students from across the country.

At the Lucie Arnaz Awards, IAA won Best Musical for its production of BAT BOY: The Musical, a rock musical and dark comedy that follows a half-bat, half-human boy trying to find acceptance in a town fraught with suspicion, secrets, and schemes. For his performance as the titular Bat Boy, Andre won the 2023 Lucie Arnaz Award for Best Actor. This made him a Jimmy Award nominee and won him fully-funded, round-trip travel to NYC.

Next stop: New York City, for Andre鈥檚 Broadway debut. When Andre arrived in NYC, he came face-to-face with his own headshot on a Jimmy Awards billboard in Times Square, and it only got better from there!聽

After an action-packed week of rehearsals, workshops, and masterclasses鈥攏ot to mention the fun of being a tourist鈥擜ndre performed in the Jimmy Awards ceremony alongside 95 other nominees from 31 different states. The fully sold-out, one-night-only program was held at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway and consisted of ensemble numbers, showcase medleys, finalist solos, and (of course) the awards, hosted by Broadway star Corbin Bleu (whom you may recognize as Chad from the iconic High School Musical movies).

Awards and Applause

Among all the exceptionally talented young artists, Andre was selected by a panel of judges as one of only eight finalists, a distinction that earned him the incredible opportunity to perform a solo number to the full house. His outstanding performance of 鈥淚鈥檓 Alive鈥 from the musical, Next to Normal, can be viewed .

Of course, you can鈥檛 have an awards ceremony without the awards. On top of winning a $3,000 scholarship for being one of the eight finalists, Andre won the 鈥淪pirit of the Jimmys鈥 award and an additional $2,000 scholarship. is given to one nominee for 鈥渆mbodying the spirit of this musical theatre celebration,鈥 as voted by their peers in the competition. This year, the award was presented by the Disney Theatrical Group (which encompasses Disney on Broadway) and their president, Thomas Schumacher, a well-known theatrical producer. 

鈥淎ndre is one of those young artists that is very deserving of this honor because he is dedicated, talented, and just an amazing human being,鈥 said Denis McCourt Stryjewski, Chair of IAA鈥檚 Dramatic Arts Department. McCourt Stryjewski worked closely with Andre during the last school year, having directed Bat Boy: The Musical. 鈥淚鈥檓 not surprised his castmates in NYC selected him for the Spirit Award.鈥

Why do the Jimmys matter?

The Jimmy Awards provide students with the opportunity to learn from theatre professionals, earn scholarships, and celebrate their achievements on a Broadway stage鈥攁n unforgettable experience. Moreover, many Jimmy Awards participants go on to have rewarding careers in the performing arts.

include Rene茅 Rapp, Ryan McCartan, Andrew Barth Feldman, Casey Likes, and two-time Tony Award-nominee Eva Noblezada. Sixteen Jimmy Awards alumni (including Likes and Noblezada) are currently performing on Broadway, with eight more currently performing on Broadway National Tour鈥攖here鈥檚 a reason

Andre has already determined to follow the same path, Broadway-bound. 鈥淕etting to meet talented artists made me remember why I do musical theatre,鈥 he said, reflecting on his experience at the Jimmy Awards. 鈥淚 had a glance at what it is like to be on Broadway, and I loved it. I will keep preparing so that when an opportunity comes, I will be ready.鈥

Back to Broadway

It looks like that opportunity has already arrived鈥攊mpressed by his performance in the Jimmys, Broadway came calling and invited Andre back. On September 14th, Andre returned to NYC to take part in the development of a new musical, Waiting for Snow in Havana. 

The project is inspired by Carlos Eire鈥檚 memoir, Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy, in which Eire recounts how his 鈥測outh鈥攚ith its lizards and turquoise seas and sun-drenched siestas鈥攂ecomes an island of condemnation once a cigar-smoking guerrilla named Fidel Castro ousts President Batista on January 1, 1959.鈥 Eire was 鈥渙ne of 14,000 children airlifted out of Havana鈥攅xiled from his family, his country, and his own childhood by Fidel Castro鈥檚 revolution鈥 (read the full synopsis of the memoir ). 

It looks like Andre鈥檚 career in the performing arts is off to a promising start鈥攚e can鈥檛 wait to see what he does next!

Standing Ovation

Everyone at 蜜桃直播 is incredibly proud of Andre for what he accomplished on the Minskoff stage and for all the hard work he has put in at IAA鈥攖he hard work that led him to Broadway.

Andre鈥檚 impressive journey to Broadway is a real-life example of the life-changing opportunities that students at 蜜桃直播 often experience. Learn more about the Theatre/Dramatic Arts program at 蜜桃直播 here. Stay connected! Follow us on , where you can see more highlights from Andre鈥檚 performance. You can also find us on TikTok, and LinkedIn.

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Another 蜜桃直播 of Powerful Native American Arts Programming /blog/another-summer-of-powerful-native-american-arts-programming/ /blog/another-summer-of-powerful-native-american-arts-programming/#respond Thu, 03 Aug 2023 14:11:17 +0000 /?p=8730 In June, we wrapped up another incredible three weeks of summer Native American Arts workshops and the popular annual Festival Week. This represented the fourth year of programming curated and […]

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In June, we wrapped up another incredible three weeks of summer Native American Arts workshops and the popular annual Festival Week. This represented the fourth year of programming curated and produced by Shaliyah Ben (Din茅), the Executive Director of the Native American Arts Center at 蜜桃直播. In the workshops, master artists led classrooms of eager adult learners as they showcased and passed on the knowledge, craftsmanship, and creativity of diverse Indigenous cultures:

While the creativity was spilling out of the classrooms, laughter echoed through the San Jacinto Mountains (Cahuilla Land) as we invited community members from near and far for the Native American Arts Festival week, which centered around 鈥渃omedy and humor in Indigenous expression.鈥 This was a welcome theme after the past few difficult years, and demonstrated how humor is an important tool to help heal within while also coping with and accepting new realities. The engaging programming inspired internal reflection and laughter while also igniting important conversations about topics that shape Indigenous communities. Scientific, intuitive, and trickster voices came together for a balanced and provocative learning experience:

We are grateful to our outstanding contributing artists, teachers, and presenters, and to everyone who joined us on campus for this truly unique experience. Please save the dates for our next upcoming Native American Arts Center programs:

  • A series of online premieres each Wednesday of September, featuring the video recordings from this year鈥檚 Michael Kabotie Lecture Series, for those who missed it
  • Indigenous Peoples Day on October 9th, which will offer a full day of arts and educational programming, free and open to the public

Details will be added to our聽event calendar聽and shared via our email newsletter (sign up聽) and social media channels (,听, and聽).

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Iowa Writers鈥 Workshop Alum Paul Maisano Launches 鈥淭he Writer’s Life鈥 Series to Bring Top Writers to Campus /blog/the-writers-life-series/ /blog/the-writers-life-series/#respond Thu, 30 Mar 2023 00:02:37 +0000 /blog/the-writers-life-series/ 蜜桃直播鈥檚 newest Creative Writing faculty member Paul Maisano moved to the mountain for his new role in August of 2022. Though he still thinks of San Francisco as […]

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蜜桃直播鈥檚 newest Creative Writing faculty member Paul Maisano moved to the mountain for his new role in August of 2022. Though he still thinks of San Francisco as home, Paul has lived and written all over the world. He spent half of his adult life in Asia, Africa, Europe, Mexico, New Zealand, living out the popular dream of traveling and writing around the world. 鈥淢oving is part of who you are,鈥 says Paul. 鈥淚鈥檓 a chameleon. I just morph into the culture.鈥 In this latest adventure, Paul intends to bring many of the world鈥檚 top writers to 蜜桃直播, and bring 蜜桃直播 to the world, as part of 鈥淭he Writer鈥檚 Life鈥 series, funded by a grant from 蜜桃直播鈥 Arts Enterprise Laboratory.

Paul studied East Asian languages at Columbia University, then went on to study Fine Art in Rome before moving to Wilmington, North Carolina for a writing MFA program. In his second year, he was encouraged to apply to the prestigious Iowa Writers鈥 Workshop. He was accepted, and the opportunity to develop his craft alongside some of the best writers in the world left him feeling accomplished and ready to start his writing career when he graduated in 2016.

A summer retreat in Wyoming and a fellowship in Santa Fe helped him begin his debut novel, 鈥淏indi,鈥 which was published by Little, Brown and Company in 2018. Paul鈥檚 passion for teaching high school-aged students began later that year, when he started working with disadvantaged and depressed youth using yoga-based mindfulness practices. He went on to work with a research program at UCSF, which uses MRI technology to measure the changes in the brain before and after these 12-week mindfulness courses.

When he was chosen for a Writer-in-Residence position at 蜜桃直播 last year, Paul鈥檚 many interests converged. He was already familiar with the institution through family connections; his stepmother attended the 蜜桃直播 Program for Theatre 55 years ago. In his new role, Paul is eager to bring more mindfulness to 蜜桃直播, claiming that 鈥渨riting is a cousin to meditation.鈥 His teaching philosophy centers around helping students make sense of a challenging and chaotic world by developing healthy relationships鈥揵oth with others, and with their own inner thoughts.

From a practical point of view, Paul aims to make our young writers into better readers. 鈥淲e practice close reading. We sit together and read stories. An important course I teach is Literature and the Writer, in which students learn to apply their own experiences and to expand their horizons by writing about more than themselves. I give them tools and space.鈥 He thinks that creating plot and character comes back to being meditative. 鈥淢y characters lead me. If I try to project myself onto them, I know I will have problems.鈥

With 鈥淭he Writer鈥檚 Life鈥 series, launched this semester, Paul aims to bring another tangible benefit to 蜜桃直播鈥檚 writing students. This ongoing series of masterclasses and readings from guest artists will give students the opportunity to learn from renowned professional writers in the industry. Guest writers so far have included , , , and , and next week will feature (with a public reading on Friday, April 7th at 7:00pm, also available by livestream ).

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