Alumni Stories

The following are stories from alumni of the bands and how their participation in the LH Band Program has helped shape their lives.

BEN PHILLIAN

Mathematics education
​Drum Major, Bassoon, Tenor Sax and Baritone - Class of 2015

Music is a universal language that can be understood anywhere; it gives us the opportunity to connect with individuals of many cultures across the world or right in our backyard. I believe it is the reason we are so inclined to be musical. Throughout high school, you could always find me in the band room. I participated in the Symphonic Band on bassoon, Jazz Ensemble on tenor saxophone, and Marching Band on baritone and as Drum Major. The experiences I acquired not only helped me grow as a musician, but also as a future educator. The drive and perseverance for success that I obtained from Mr. Santore is exactly the kind of motivation I want to convey to my students. An important lesson that I learned is that our stories should not be focused on the final chapter but rather the journey getting there. I would not be the person I am today had it not been for the music program at Laurel Highlands. Mr. Santore has provided so many students with the opportunity to be themselves and find comfort in a community of music. Being in any arts program isn’t just about making art; it’s about seeing the world through the eyes of others and learning more about yourself along the way.  

​Currently, I am working on my Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Mathematics Education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In addition, I have actively been a participant in the University’s Symphony Band and Bassoon Ensemble.

Nicole Bounds

PHARMACIST
FRENCH HORN & TRUMPET
​CLASS OF 2001

“Because a song can take you back instantly to a moment, or a place, or even a person. no matter what else has changed in you or the world, that one song stays the same, just like that moment.”― Sarah Dessen.

​Though I haven’t been able to keep close with many of my old band mates, I am reminded of this quote every time I hear “The Horse”, or “Final Countdown”, and many other songs. It takes me back to friends on the field of the Friday night football game, or the bleachers with the pep band during basketball games, or even just casual jam sessions in the band room. Being a member of the band was a huge part of my life through high school. I started playing clarinet, then learned to play trumpet, and eventually branched out to French horn. I participated in marching band, jazz ensemble, pep band, concert band, and pit band during the musicals. I was even voted Class of 2001 “Most Musical” with my friend Mark Santore. From being a freshman and learning about all the traditions from the older members, to eventually becoming one of those older members and being a leader, there are many special friendships, many memories, many lessons, and many opportunities I’ve gained from my experience.
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I am currently a pharmacist at an independent pharmacy in Canton, OH. My husband Andrew and I have a 2-year-old son, Matthew, who already shares our love of music. He loves watching marching bands and loves playing drums with Daddy. I get excited thinking about his future and teaching him more formally about music and all of the experiences he will get to have, hopefully similar to mine.

ELIZABETH ROCKWELL

MUSIC EDUCATION
​PERCUSSION - CLASS OF 2018

My time at Laurel Highlands was shaped largely by my participation in the fine arts program. Band had always been an integral part of my high school experience- I was a member of the drumline, percussion ensemble, symphonic band, and the pit orchestra. Each music-related activity that I participated in provided me with the fundamental education that unfortunately not every high school musician has access to.  Through my studies at LH, I developed into a strong musician and was extensively prepared to enter into an undergraduate program following graduation.What I learned in theory class or at ensemble rehearsals became just as valuable to me as the information I was learning in my traditionally “academic” subjects.

​I am currently studying music education at West Virginia University as a member of the percussion ensemble, symphony orchestra, and steel band. I am beyond grateful for the opportunities I was granted to further my abilities and grow as a not only a musician but as a person, and I attribute a large majority of it to the fine arts department. Without the comprehensive instruction and undeniable dedication from the faculty, the music program would not be at the level that it stands. I would like to thank Mr. Santore and Mrs. Stewart for the their constant support and devotion to bettering their students and for shaping the music program into the impeccable organization that it is today.

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ABBEY PHILLIAN

AMBER SHIPLEY

KEVIN RICHARDSON

Elementary education
Drum Major, Trumpet,
​French horn - Class of 2018

Being involved in the music program at Laurel Highlands shaped my high school experience into one that has helped me academically and mentally grow into who I am today. I played trumpet for the marching band, symphonic band, and jazz ensemble, and was drum major my senior year of high school.

Unlike my other classes, band taught me lessons that I knew were important for everyday life, including how to communicate with others, problem solve and handle errors, model, balance enthusiasm and energy with a good work ethic, and show, musically and visually, that you are proud to be who you are and support a cause that is bigger than yourself.

​My experiences in band have easily translated to what I am doing today- studying Elementary Education at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina- in the sense that it has guided me to always put my heart into everything I do and everything I support and to always stand up for what I believe in.

Attorney/Higher Education Administrator, Clarinet and Tenor Sax - Class of 2002

Though I have not made music a career, it has always been a huge part of my life.  I was a quiet and awkward child who never quite fit in until I found a love for music.  I started out on the infamous recorders in elementary school, and then learned to play the clarinet as soon as I was allowed.  I participated in the band from 5th grade all the way through graduation.  It was an ever-present part of my life, and I am forever grateful that I became involved.  For me, music is what helped me to express my emotions and gave me a creative outlet.  It also taught me discipline and time management – skills that I still utilize to this day.  Those long hours that were spent perfecting a song or a field show taught me that anything worth something is never easy.  I also learned to play tenor sax in junior high to fill a need, which opened even more doors for me musically.  I played in the jazz ensemble, the concert band, the pep bad and the marching band through all 4 years of high school.  I was also in the pit band for the Spring musicals for 3 years, and on stage for the last production in my Senior year.  I was the junior drum major in my Junior year and one of the drum majors in my Senior year.  This experience helped me to begin to develop my leadership skills, as well.  While I did my fair share of complaining about how much work things were, or how much time it took, I am glad that I stuck it out and had some of the best experiences and made some of the best friends that I still have today.  
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I currently work at Bethany College as a Student Life administrator, and also maintain a part-time legal research business, as well.  My husband, Paul, and I still live in Uniontown and have three beautiful little girls who have already started to express themselves with music – both instrumental and vocal.  Having them in the same school district where we grew up is an exciting prospect for us.  I can’t begin to express the pride that I already have in their participation in school activities and cannot wait to see how they grow as musicians through the years. ​

Kevin Richardson
Middle Level Education 
​ Drum line - Class of 2013

“Music is to the soul what words are to the mind.” ― Modest Mouse 

​How very true. I have always been attracted to music ever since I could remember. I loved how it speaks to your emotions. I can remember some of the first music I heard was in church on Sundays at St. John’s in Uniontown as well as movies I watched at home. I always knew music was where I was most happy. I love to dance to music at family weddings. 

Looking back at my past experiences in the Music Department of Laurel Highlands, I enjoyed every minute of it. I had two fantastic teachers Mr. Santore and Ms. Groves. They have helped shape me into the man I am today. Marching Band was my favorite part of High School. I learned that music helps you as a person and it can bring out the best memories. In Marching Band I found that music teaches patience and devotion to your goals in life. 

Currently, I recently graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s Degree in Middle Level Education. I hope to bring music to my future students and that they can learn something from music like I have. I still love to go to see the Pittsburgh Symphony and attend shows at Benedum Center.