Performing Artist
Claire
Claire's
Story
“I love that there’s so many different things to do at Chadwick. I’m in acting. I do percussion in the Middle School orchestra. I did cross-country in the fall, and track and field in the spring. I just started dance class. I do Eco Club, and I just started Math Club. I like that you get to pick and choose the things you’re interested in and want to expand your knowledge of.
My grandpa was a snare drum player in his high-school marching band, and he gave me a drum as a gift. I really liked it and decided to join orchestra. I love keeping the beat. I like that percussion is the backbone of the orchestra, making sure that everything goes together. In acting, I feel like you can really open up in the class. It’s a safe environment to be yourself.
Everyone on campus is really welcoming, especially last year, when I first came to Chadwick. It’s a small-enough environment that I can walk up to anyone in the grade and say hi, and they’d say hi back. Everyone is nice.
- Claire is also interested in:
- Academics
Richard Babcock
On Claire
“There’s joy in everything Claire does. She loves being part of the ensemble. She plays her part and wants to make her mark. But she’s not concerned with being the star. She’s fearless with percussion. Sometimes, she fails, but she bounces right back. Her attitude is always positive and uplifting.
One doesn’t move forward if one doesn’t fail. School is all about failing and taking chances. It’s a safe environment. I encourage that every day.
When I walk into an orchestra rehearsal, when Kevin (Babuder) walks into a choir rehearsal, it’s not like academics. Our heart is out there on the line. There’s no disguising that. We’re out there with the kids, baring our heart and soul.
This is really where a lot of magic happens. There’s a lot of growth intellectually and emotionally. Even in the Middle School, you can’t imagine what comes from their hearts when they’re moved. They feel comfortable expressing those emotions here. They embrace that.”