The start of school always brings with it a thrum of excitement as we take a collective breath and launch a new year. This year especially, I look forward to many new experiences at Hochstein – new for me because this is my first fall as President & Executive Director. I can’t wait to experience the bustle of faculty, students, and families filling our hallways.
This summer, I caught a glimpse of what I’m now referring to as Hochstein’s special sauce. “There is something special about this place” – I heard that time and time again as I spoke with students, alumni, parents, faculty members, Board members, and community leaders over the past two months. I suspect this special sauce comes from the dual sense of caring and artistry fostered within these walls and wherever we are in the community.
Hochstein embodies the idea that the arts are not transactional. There are no winners and losers, and one person’s success does not come at the loss of someone else’s. When you enter our space, you become a part of our community of learners – musicians, dancers, artists, performers – and we create together. You are welcome here, and together, we are Hochstein! As a new year takes the stage, I invite those not already involved to join us.
I had the privilege of spending time with some of you this summer, and I look forward to seeing many more of you this fall. Please feel free to drop in and say hello next time you’re in the building, or stop me in the hallway. It will be wonderful to meet you while on my journey of becoming part of this beautiful kaleidoscope of a community.
Here’s to new beginnings!
Hilary Respass
President & Executive Director