Big Hollow Middle School
Fine Arts Boosters
Who We Are
Big Hollow Middle School's Fine Arts Boosters is a group of parents, community volunteers and teachers who work together to support our school's Fine Arts Programs by raising money through a series of fundraisers throughout the year. This fundraising allows us to provide supplies for our arts clubs, materials for theatre & speech, and music and instruments for our choir & band programs.
We meet once a month during the school year and welcome everyone to attend! Meetings are held on Tuesdays at 7:00pm in the BHMS Library.
How many years have you been teaching?
13
What inspired you to become a Choir director?
My love for choral music along with my numerous performing experiences inspired me to pursue a career in teaching choir. I wanted to share that passion with my students and provide them with similar, memorable experiences.
What kind of music do you listen to on a daily basis?
Alternative
What is your favorite instrument to play?
My voice. :)
What is your favorite song?
Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles
What would students be surprised to find out about you?
That I didn't want to join choir in high school and that I definitely didn't want to become a teacher.
How do you spend your summer breaks?
With my 2 boys on adventures - pools, museums, parks, hanging out with friends, road trips
In which other teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?
Art. My art education was extremely limited growing up and Mrs. Paulson is awesome!
What are your "trapped on a desert island" books or movies?
Book - Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" / Movie - any of the Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings movies
What's your favorite part of being a Choir director?
My absolute favorite part is connecting with the students each and every day. Choir students bring a wonderful energy into my classroom that truly brings me joy. The concerts are a blast and the students work really hard to perform their pieces, but it's really the day to day lessons and activities that are the best.
How many years have you been teaching?
17th year teaching Band
What inspired you to become a Band director?
In high school I was lucky to be a student leader in several ways, and truly enjoyed helping his classmates learn how to play their music and all the aspects of band.
What kind of music do you listen to on a daily basis?
Hamilton soundtrack, Ben Folds
What is your favorite instrument to play?
Hmmmmm......tough question for a percussionist who loves to play every instrument with his students- in college, I fell in love with timpani and marimba, which both allow such fun musicianship.
What is your favorite song?
"Wait For It", from Hamilton.
What would students be surprised to find out about you?
Not a whole lot. Over the last few years, I've been lucky to lose about 75 pounds, and learned to love working out and hitting the treadmill at my local YMCA.
How do you spend your summer breaks?
Driving to my sons' baseball games, Do It Yourself projects around our house, camping with my family and with Scouts.
In which other teacher's class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?
Mrs. Cullotta- listening to the projects she develops for her students is so interesting, and I'm so jealous of what they get to work on.
What are your "trapped on a desert island" books or movies?
Hitch, When Harry Met Sally!!!
What's your favorite part of being a band director?
Getting to know my students (and their families!) over multiple years, and watching them grow up into young adults, warms my heart so much!
Programs We Support
We are proud to support all of Big Hollow Middle School's Fine Arts Programs: Art, Band, Choir, Speech & Acting, and Theatre.
Fine Arts education nurtures talent and improves and encourages creativity, confidence, and perseverance and develops crucial skills such as teamwork, responsibility, decision-making, leadership and more.
Calendar of Events
The Boosters hosts many events throughout the year. See what's coming up!
Be a Part of the Arts!
We rely on donations of both money and time to support our students and enrich their fine arts experience. There are many great opportunities to get involved in the Fine Arts Boosters! How much time you devote to volunteering is completely up to you. We are looking for parents and other volunteers who can help for just an afternoon or a small commitment.
Support the Fine Arts!
Your donation helps provide supplies for our arts clubs, materials for theatre and speech, and music and instruments for our choir and band programs.
⭐ Fine Arts 8th Grade Spotlight!!⭐
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
I wish to go to a respectable college, and I hope to have a job with a good salary. I also would like to own a 5 and 3 quarter pound male chicken named Jerome.
Why do you love the arts?
Getting to mess around within the limits of the role I have been cast in.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
My favorite book is called “Salems Lot” and my favorite poem is called “Wisps of the Chicken”
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
Spending time with friends and messing around.
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
I hope to visit Paris someday and travel around the world. I was thinking about being a veterinarian, marine biologist, or even pursuing a music career!
Why do you love the arts?
I love the arts because it lets me express myself. The arts program has always helped me through hard times, and it has always brightened my day. Without the arts, I don’t know what place I would currently be in.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
I love a band called Lovejoy, such an amazing band! And my two favorite musicals are Sweeney Todd, and Hamilton!
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
My favorite memory is closing night of our production of High School Musical Jr. We are all very close and it was such a special moment to share with my friends and be able to be involved in all of these activities with them! I’m very grateful for all of the opportunities I have been given throughout all of my years in the arts program!
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
Travel the world!
Why do you love the arts?
Watching concerts and plays
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
Olivia Rodrigo
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
Six Flags trip
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
Actor
Why do you love the arts?
All the different meanings it can have
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
Michael Jackson
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
When choir got to go see the clue play at Grant high school
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
I want to go to college to study astronomy.
Why do you love the arts?
It is a good way to express myself and hang out with friends.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
Favorite Artist: The Weeknd
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
The Audition Choir Trip to U of I for ACDA because I got to go with my friends and sing with the Honors Choir.
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
I want to go to college to study music and become a band teacher.
Why do you love the arts?
I love the arts because I get to be with all my friends and it makes me feel at home.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
My favorite band is Coldplay and my favorite artist is Taylor Swift
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
My favorite memory of Big Hollow fine arts was preforming High School Musical Jr. because it was my final musical in middle school and I made a ton of new friends.
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
I want to become an anesthesiologist or a nurse. I want to watch Hamilton one day and continue participating in the Fine Arts during High School.
Why do you love the arts?
Because they allow me to be myself and grow in my talents through the arts.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
Hamilton; The Hunger Games Series books
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
Enjoy every activity along my friends and making new ones.
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
Aerospace engineer. No bucket list.
Why do you love the arts?
Good way to express yourself and it’s fun.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
Band - Weezer. Musical - Dear Evan Hansen. Tv Show - Brooklyn 99.
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
Doing High School Musical when my microphone fell off and I had to adjust my choreography.
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
Engineer
Why do you love the arts?
Because it's fun and I feel happy playing music and singing.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
I like musicals like Hamilton and The Greatest Showman.
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
Six Flags trip
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
As of right now I do not have a career in mind.We will see how it goes. One of my goals is to skydive someday. I have already eaten Kentucky Fried Chicken in Kentucky and next I want to drink an arizona iced tea in Arizona and eat hawaiian rolls in Hawaii.
Why do you love the arts?
It is fun and I get to hangout with my friends.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
My favorite band is Green Day. I am excited to see them in concert this summer.
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
My favorite role that I played was Hobson the butler in It's a Madhouse. I loved the part where I got to drop my serving tray in shock. That was great!
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
My future dream and goal is to become an entrepreneur and run a very successful business.
Why do you love the arts?
What I love about the arts is the creative process, and working together with my classmates.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
I would have to say my favorite song is “Stay”, by Rihanna. Rihanna is also my favorite artist, because she is from the Caribbean like my parents and became a billionaire as an entertainer and entrepreneur.
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
My favorite memory of my time in the arts at Big Hollow Middle School is, creating music with my classmates, making new friends, and our field trip as a group to Six Flags.
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
I want to be a designer or architect when I’m older. I love to work around with different designs and decorations in my home. I would also want to have a bunch of different animals when I live on my own.
Why do you love the arts?
I love to be able to express myself through the arts, and being a part of all these programs is just a really fun experience.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
I love to explore all types of music, but I mainly listen to a mix of indie/alternative music. My playlist consists of many different genres though. I love exploring music and listening to it 24/7.
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
I loved the Frozen cast party. We had painting, face paints, karaoke, and a bunch of food. It was a really fun time and I really enjoyed it.
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
Bucket list item is to tour Europe. I want to be a physical therapist when I’m older.
Why do you love the arts?
It offers me the opportunity to explore something in school beyond academics.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
I am a country girl through and through. My favorite music artist is Morgan Wallen. My favorite book is Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi.
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
Playing with Grant’s and Gavin’s bands at the MIOS concerts.
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
Goal is to have a career in music production. My dream is to win a Grammy.
Why do you love the arts?
I love the arts because I find a way to put my feelings into my music.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
My favorite genre is rap/hip hop. My favorite music artist is Kendrick Lamarr.
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
My favorite memory was going with audition choir to the University of Illinois to perform at the college with many different schools.
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
I want to go to college and continue with band but become a pilot. There's also many places I would like to visit but I would love New Zealand or the Maldives!
Why do you love the arts?
I love the arts because it feels like home and I get to spend time with all of my friends while still learning and enjoying making music.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
My favorite band/artists is Arctic Monkeys, Mac DeMarco, Tyler the Creator, and Lana Del Rey. My favorite book is the Hunger Games, and I like the musical Hamilton!
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
My favorite memory was this year’s solo & ensemble. We got to spend time with each other but also have fun learning and performing new music. I also have loved the memories of going to Six Flags for our High Note Festival with my friends.
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
I would love to travel through Europe.
Why do you love the arts?
It allows me opportunities for self-expression and exploration of various different types of music.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
I LOVE reading science fiction, fantasy fiction and comic books. I enjoy rock music.
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
Participating in the High Notes Festival followed by going to SixFlags with my band friends in seventh grade.
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
To have a comfortable life and work as a doctor.
Why do you love the arts?
I love to sing songs.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
Pop and rap
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
Meeting my friend Michelle.
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
Stay involved with the arts in high school. I'm not sure what career I would like to pursue when I am older.
Why do you love the arts?
I enjoy singing and playing the flute while spending time with my friends who also enjoy the arts.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
My favorite band is WHAM! and my favorite book is Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac.
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
Going on our Auditioned Choir Holiday tour with my friends.
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
To become a nurse when I am older however I hope to continue to have the love for choir throughout high school.
Why do you love the arts?
It’s fun participating in these kinds of activities. Joking choir helped me make friends throughout middle school.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
Poem.
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
Singing at the Grant High school last year in 7th grade. It was really fun singing all those songs last year during the moment. I really enjoyed that time and it will forever be remembered.
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
Becoming an architect and moving to the city.
Why do you love the arts?
Because it gives me a way to express myself with songs I love.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
Favorite band is Arctic Monkeys
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
Elementary trip with auditioned choir
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
I have many goals for the future for example: buying a car, getting into a good college, getting a good job, buying a house, swimming in college, career choices (lawyer, accountant, or scientist), traveling the world, exploring new cultures and music.
Why do you love the arts?
It gives me an opportunity to try new/different things everyday. If I didn’t take this class, I would have not have known anything about music.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
My favorite genre in general is murder mystery. No matter if it’s a book or a play, I love to see the bad guy get caught in the end.
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
The high note festival last year!!
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
To travel and become a psychologist or esthetician.
Why do you love the arts?
I love to sing and love music in general.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
I love k-pop, edm, j-rock, and rom-coms.
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
Spending time with my friends.
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
I want to be in the military or navy.
Why do you love the arts?
So you can be who you really are.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
My favorite book is Harry Potter. Favorite band is ACDC.
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
Singing, playing and enjoying music, and being a student that makes others want to do the same. I love doing this...it makes me feel free and happy.
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
I want to be a journalist.
Why do you love the arts?
I think it is an amazing way to express yourself and you get to meet so many amazing people.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
The Smiths
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
Getting to perform in the musical.
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
Bowling and soccer and time with family and friends.
Why do you love the arts?
It allows us to make new friends and fun.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
Anything country.
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
6th grade the first concert experiencing all the kids coming and singing together for the first time and not over zoom. And another one is the High Note festivals.
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
I’m excited about continuing my artistic journey at Grant.
Why do you love the arts?
The arts have given me a number of avenues to explore and express my creativity.
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
Koji Kondo
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
The friendships and camaraderie we have built putting on the musicals and plays.
What are your hopes for the future (career, bucket list, etc.)?
I just know I want to do something creative.
Why do you love the arts?
(No response)
What is your favorite genre, band/artist, play, musical, poem, book, etc?
(No response)
What is your favorite memory from your time in the arts program at Big Hollow Middle School?
(No response)
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