HochStories

At the Hochstein All-Faculty Meeting on Tuesday, September 6, 21 members of the faculty and staff were recognized for milestone anniversaries with the School, from 5 years to 30 years. Hochstein’s dedicated faculty and staff are the life blood of the organization and we are grateful for all of their contributions. Read on to find out more about these people.

In August, Hochstein dance instructor Nydia Padilla Rodriguez was recognized by New York State Senator Samra Brouk as a 2022 Woman of Distinction in a special ceremony held at Geva Theatre Center. Nydia is the founder and artistic director of the Borinquen Dance Theatre, which was born in 1981 at the Puerto Rican Festival and several years later became an ensemble in residence at Hochstein with regular performances in the Performance Hall. Read more about Nydia and the award.

Hochstein faculty members are taking part in a number of Rochester Fringe Festival events starting on Tuesday, September 13 and running through Saturday, September 24. Events include a comedy show called “Band Geeks;” a reprise of a tribute to Chick Corea through music and dance; dynamic Latin dance; an evening of stand-up comedy and drag; percussion ensemble; jazz band; and ukuleles!

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.

A former Hochstein student showed up at yesterday’s Hochstein at High Falls concert. Chris Matheos is originally from Penfield and took bass lessons at Hochstein but now lives in Los Angeles and is a full-time musician.

Meet Flo the Flute Flamingo… or it might be Larry, Koda, Frodo, or Steve, one of a flamboyance of flamingos at Hochstein this week! Each of the campers at Hochstein Flute Camp has their own flamingo, since the students are all superheroes and every superhero needs to have a sidekick. They worked on earning their superpowers through different flute techniques.

When Sonia Rose was searching for a new piano teacher in high school, Joe Werner from The Hochstein School was highly recommended to her. She was familiar with Hochstein because she had done summer programs here when she was younger and her brother had studied here for a number of years. Sonia chose to return to Hochstein to take piano lessons from Joe, and now teaches K-5 general music in a public school district in Illinois. Read about how her Hochstein education has impacted her career.

In case you noticed the equipment outside Hochstein the past couple of weeks – and the warning signs now outside the Performance Hall – here’s the scoop on what’s going on behind those closed doors.

Three generations of the Blake family have taken music classes at Hochstein. Adele Blake started bringing her young son to Hochstein this fall for Music FUNdamentals classes with “Miss Barb.” Adele and her brother both took music classes at Hochstein as children, and their parents, Jim and Lynette Blake, also have taken classes at Hochstein. Watch a video about how Hochstein has impacted their family.

Dr. Margaret (Peggy) Quackenbush is retiring at the end of June after 30 years as President & Executive Director and more than 43 years at The Hochstein School. Read more about her accomplishments during her tenure and find out how to make a gift to Hochstein in Peggy's honor.