Teaching internship is music to Hull High student's ears |
Submitted by Jim Quatromoni
Hull High Athletic Director/Community Outreach Coordinator
[Another in a regular series of articles about Hull High’s athletic department and community outreach activities.] “I've never known a musician who regretted being one. Whatever deceptions life may have in store for you, music itself is not going to let you down.”
– Virgil Thomson, American composer
As community outreach coordinator at the high school, I am responsible for student internship programs. As we move further into this new school year, I have met with many young people to help them with internship opportunities.
I would like to tell you about Joe Capen.
Joe is a senior at Hull High. For two periods each day, he helps Mark Taylor teach music to first and second graders at the Jacobs School. There is some teaching of rhythms, classic children’s songs and the musical alphabet.
In these efforts, Joe seems to take the greatest pleasure in helping these students feel comfortable enough to pick up an instrument and play it. For Joe, these two classes are the most enjoyable parts of his day. I have no doubt that his students are also enjoying their experience.
Joe is an impressive young man. His internship program is designed for a student interested in gaining experience in a selected field. This summer, he took classes at Quincy College so that he would have enough credits to work with Mr. Taylor at the Jacobs, and carry every music class offered at the high school. Music is his passion, and this is very clear after only a few moments with him. Last year, Joe won the class award for his music technology class. He was also named Musician of the Year by the HHS music department.
Joe’s passion for music is aided in part by Corey Gilliam, a music teacher at the high school. Under his direction, Joe has learned to read and write music. In the school band, Joe plays guitar and drums, and sings. At times, he will be asked to sing and play the drums at the same time.
As Joe puts it, music fuels him, and he gets involved in any setting that he can explore this passion. This is what brought him to Joseph Doniger’s drama program. Last year, Hull became the first school to produce High School Musical, Joe played Troy, the male lead. This year’s fall feature is Annie Get Your Gun. Again, Joe will play the male lead, Frank Butler.
This Friday, Joe will be part of the band that plays at the high school football game. It is an interesting parallel – football requires such dedication, hard work and commitment in order to be successful. One must take advantage of any opportunities to develop and improve. All of the same things can be said about Joe Capen – and how he has approached his interest in music.
Joe is a passionate, thoughtful and talented young man. His presence truly makes Hull High School a better place.
Cheerleaders off to an exciting start
Under first-year coach Melinda Comrack, the football cheerleaders are off to an exciting 2007 season. Captains Kerry Bowler, Sarah Cochlin, Michelle Flynn, and Mary Niland lead the squad’s 24 participants.
The girls began the school year by walking the Nantasket Seaside Road race. By the end of September, they have pushed to a two-mile run during each practice.
The girls are also using the high school fitness center for weight training. During practices, the team is working hard to develop mounts, fulls, halfs, liberties, aerobasks, twist downs and basket tosses. These skills are then worked into the various routines that are being prepared for rallies and competition.
Coach Comrack will lead the Lady Pirates to their first league competition in three years – on Nov. 4, in Abington, the girls will compete in the South Shore League Cheerleading Meet.
As with each of our programs, a presence within the town’s youth organizations is important to our cheerleaders. Several of the Lady Pirates are involved in coaching the Hull Youth Football cheerleading squads under the direction of Donna Burke-Smith.
I look forward to seeing this organized, hard-working group represent our school on Friday during the big game with Martha’s Vineyard. Game time is 5:30 p.m., so please join the Lady Pirates cheerleaders in supporting our football team – with a national television audience. |
