ArtScene | the Podcast

Episode 20 of ArtScene | the Podcast takes you on a captivating journey into the world of instrumental music with Centreville Middle School Band Director, Heather Fullerton. Delve into her remarkable 25-year legacy in QACPS, Maryland, where she embodies musical excellence through prestigious roles and dynamic leadership as a conductor, adjudicator, and new 2024 Eastern Shore Band Director’s Association President. Explore her family’s rich musical lineage and her innovative teaching methods, as she shares insights into her current once-in-a-lifetime project making a world premiere. Join us for a symphony of inspiration and creativity. This is her art. These are her stories.

In episode 19, Rain Diederichs, a senior at Kent Island High School, discusses being honored with the 2024 National Rising Star Award by the National Art Education Association in a LIVE interview from the 2024 NAEA National Convention in Minneapolis, MN. Discover Rain's journey to excellence and her participation in national workshops in Minnesota alongside renowned artists like Lynda Barry and Alice Mizrachi. Nominated by QACPS 2023 Teacher of the Year and MAEA Secondary Art Educator of the Year Mrs. Andrea Schulte for this prestigious award, which is presented to only a few select NAHS students in the entire nation, Rain's dedication to her craft and to service projects shines through, making her a true rising star in the art world. This is her art, and this is her story--LIVE from NAEA in Minneapolis, MN!

In episode 16, Reanna Sherman takes center stage as a crescendo of inspiration on the February 1st episode of "ArtScene | the Podcast." A rising star in Maryland's music education scene, Sherman's journey began as a mid-year middle school hire during COVID to Kent Island High School's multiple All-State award-winning Choir Director. A trailblazer as the first Music Education graduate from Washington College, and accolades that include earning top honors in her class and being recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education as a "Teachers of Promise" honoree in 2019, her story echoes in every note. Tune in to be inspired by her musical journey. This is her art, this is her story.

Episode 15 unveils 15 minutes of exclusive BONUS outtakes from an insightful interview with Eric Wright and Kim Scully, Directors of Band at Queen Anne’s County High and Kent Island High. In this brief segment, they discuss integrating ensembles into the school community, and how they teach valuable life skills through symphonic band, jazz band, and marching band. Learn stories behind some emotional pieces as well, including a touching tribute to the late Robert W. Smith. Join us for 15 more minutes with these accomplished directors as they reflect on their proudest moments, and highlight experiences from the winter 2023 – 2024 concert season. ArtScene | the Podcast – where art and stories converge!

Ring in the New Year with ArtScene | the Podcast! Episode 14 delves into the musical odysseys of outstanding Maryland High School Band Directors, Kim Scully of Kent Island High School and Eric Wright of Queen Anne’s County High School. From unexpected turns to prestigious accolades, their journeys converge on an unyielding love for music. Discover how Mrs. Scully's freshman year at York College reshaped her life, leading students to Carnegie Hall and earning QACPS ‘Maryland’s Best Communities for Music Education in 2020’. Uncover Mr. Wright's clarinet beginnings, rising to Director of Bands for the QACHS Marching Lions. Part 1 of this 2-part episode unveils their impact on communities, encouraging all students to pick up an instrument. The excitement continues with a "15 MINUTE BONUS SEGMENT" on January 15th, offering insights and a touching tribute to Music Industry educator and renowned composer and arranger Robert W. Smith! Tune in, and Happy New Year!

SHOW NOTES ON SOUNDTRACKS OF THEIR LIVES:

Kim Scully: "Flight of the Piasa" by Robert Sheldon

https://youtu.be/toI0j0n3Njs?si=Vvd_bod7nOqic43h

Eric Wright: "Music Speaks" by Randall D. Standridge

https://youtu.be/7SsdNG2uLTo?si=EHXTGxW809hdUjB7

In episode 12, explore Mr. Luke Whitehair’s inspiring journey as Choir Director at Queen Anne’s County High School in Centreville, MD. Discover his profound impact as a music trailblazer, and the pivotal moment that ignited his passion for music education. Hear about his commitment to students’ musical dreams in a career spanning over two decades. Join host Michael Bell for this compelling episode, and immerse yourself in Mr. Whitehair’s world. This is his musical journey. This is his story. Tune in for inspiration.

In Episode 11 of ArtScene | the Podcast, join us for an inspiring conversation featuring a return visit to the studio with Heather Gray, accompanied by her dynamic Media colleague Danielle Lowe. Together, they're redefining the modern library experience with infectious enthusiasm and innovative arts-integrated methods, reinvigorating student motivation through providing student choice and by infusing STEAM into the learning process. Explore their transformation of traditional libraries into vibrant hubs where arts, reading, and creativity unite, empowering students to not only read but also create and innovate. Embark on a journey with us into the future of education, where libraries become stages for artistic expression and platforms for dreams to come alive.

Episode 10 airs on International Dot Day with the dynamic Heather Gray! She's a guru of Arts Integration and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, ART, and Mathematics), and has turned her Kennard Elementary School Library into a 21st Century learning hub, complete with Creativity Zones, mind-blowing Makerspace activities, Book Tasting events, and award-winning Conflict Resolution Day Bookmark Art contest winners. Gray has also begun taking her expertise nationwide, inspiring others on how providing student choice can spark student motivation. Art enthusiasts and Media Arts innovators, this episode is your fuel for creativity! Tune in, and don't miss it!

Dive into Episode 9 for Part 2 of the captivating interview with 2023 Queen Anne’s County Public Schools Teacher of the Year, Andrea Schulte. Discover how her passion for visual journaling and theme-based challenges is revolutionizing Visual Arts education at Kent Island High School. Unveil stories of student triumphs, like winning the Arc of Maryland Disabilities Day art contest, and inspiring journeys of self-discovery through art. Learn how Schulte's personal challenges have helped shape her path, empowered her students and inspired her entire community. Don't miss this impactful half-hour. Hit play now to share in part of her remarkable story!

Episode 8 presents Part 1 of an inspiring two-part interview with Andrea Schulte, 2023 Queen Anne’s County Public Schools Teacher of the Year and Maryland Art Education Association’s Secondary Art Teacher of the Year. Explore her journey, from studying Art Therapy in college to becoming a nationally renowned art educator, fostering creativity and success for all students. Learn about her passion for helping students with developmental disabilities and how her National Art Honor Society earned over $1 million in scholarships this year alone. Her art students also achieved a 100% pass rate on AP 2-D Art and Design portfolios for a fifth year straight. Don't miss this captivating story of art and achievement! Don’t wait, hit play now! This is about her art. This is her story. 🎨🌟

In episode 7, Stephanie Zeiler rejoins ArtScene | the Podcast for Part 2 of her compelling interview, sharing stories around her own art-making process, her proudest moments as an art teacher, and her experiences earning national art honors. Learn how her holistic approach to creating community through her art classes has saved students’ lives, and how championing the Visual Journaling movement led to QACPS’ historic first Scholastic Art National Gold Medalist. Zeiler’s creative drive has helped her find joy re-connecting with colleagues as an artist, with students as a teacher, and with the community by championing ArtScene at Queen Anne’s County High School. This is about her art. This is her story.

In episode 6, Stephanie Zeiler shares her experience of being awarded 2023 NAEA National Art Honor Society Sponsor of the Year for the entire nation. Explore how her rise as a nationally renowned high school art educator began with her first statewide award winner in 2018, and how championing the Visual Journaling movement led to QACPS’ historic first Scholastic Art National Gold Medalist. While Zeiler has accomplished tons as an art teacher, her work is rooted in service, finding ways to “stay an artist” and “give her gift” of service to others. This is about her art. This is her story.

In episode 5, Rick Strittmater shares his experiences growing up a musician who became a graphic arts instructor and then Executive Director for the Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts and QAC Arts Council. Strittmater also shares his journey in advertising, publication, architectural and exhibit design, as well as digital and traditional illustration and music production, with nine published CDs. Arts partner week is about their art. These are their stories.

In episode 4, Arts Partners Peter Pucci, a Broadway Choreographer and Executive Director of the  Carole Cascio Fund for Mind Movement and Dance joins Chesapeake College Associate Professor of Theatre and Chair of Arts and Humanities Rob Thompson to share their experiences “becoming artists” and creating groundbreaking Theatre and Dance programs.  Learn about the launch of the first annual Eastern Shore Arts Festival Saturday, April 22, followed by QACPS’ ArtScene exhibitions on Tuesday, April 25 at QACHS and Thursday, April 27 at KIHS. This is about their art. These are their stories.

In episode 2 of "ArtScene - the Podcast" Michael Bell sits down with Amber Wright, QACPS 2020 Teacher of the Year, Dance teacher and Performing Arts Department Chair at Kent Island High School. Amber shares how stepping outside her comfort zone has helped shape her approach to teaching Dance, producing All-State champions, and being a dedicated mother to her young son. This episode also reveals personal stories around how Wright inspires positive change through building strong relationships, and how her classes are all ‘like family’ to her. This is about her art. This is her story.

In episode 1 of "ArtScene - the Podcast" Michael Bell sits down with QACPS 2022 Teacher of the Year Cassie Hosler, Art teacher at Church Hill Elementary School. Cassie emerged on the scene as a Maryland State Arts Leader in 2019, delivering state presentations in 2020, and then a national presentation at the 2022 NAEA Convention. Prior to her award-winning career in art education, Cassie worked as a Counselor at a Drug and Alcohol Clinic, and as Correctional Counselor at a Maximum-Security Prison working with Supermax and Death Row inmates. Her story is incredible and inspiring.