HochStories

Voice instructor Elizabeth Lind, who joined the Hochstein faculty this past fall, issued a song challenge to students in her voice studio at the beginning of the year, hoping to inspire them to explore different genres of music. The song challenge is in the form of a grid with different topics for them to work on. She says, “I was inspired by the idea of New Year’s resolutions but wanted to expand it for lessons. Each student is completing this at their own pace.”

With 2020 now behind us, we took a look at all that happened during Hochstein’s 100th anniversary year. Although not all of our centennial celebrations took place as planned due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many exciting things did happen during the year. Hochstein’s faculty and staff quickly pivoted to offering online lessons and classes and worked together to find solutions to myriad new challenges.

Our first “Hochstein at Home” recital of the semester was held on Saturday, October 17. Instrumental and vocal students of all ages performed, with friends and family members watching on Zoom from as far away as Oklahoma and Michigan. 

​​​​​​​Chuck and Pat Williamson of Liverpool, NY, were married in the Hochstein building in 1963, back when it was still a church. They have come back over the years to take a photo of themselves in the main hall to mark the occasion. 2020 marks their 57th wedding anniversary! We’ve celebrated with them the past few years and it was nice to catch up with them again today and see family photos – just like old friends do.

On Saturday, September 19, the Hochstein Youth Singers' year got under way with a Barnyard Sing at HYS Director Maryellen Giese’s farm – with everyone masked and properly distanced so they could sing together. Both ensembles – Hochstein Youth Singers and the older Hochstein Singers students – are working on social justice repertoire this year. The day was all about being together, meeting the new singers, and seeing and interacting with each other in person.

This summer, Pia Liptak held the first “Complete Violinist” workshop series – which reprises this fall, starting on Wednesday, October 7. In addition to talking about violin techniques like harmonics and shifting, one whole session is dedicated to discussing the role of music in our lives. Read on to hear more from participants in the class, and see a video.

Despite having his wisdom teeth removed in July, Fairport 11th grader Kyle Kasprzak still took his horn lessons online with Colleen Wolf this summer even brought his horn along to have a lesson while he was on vacation. Colleen says, “This is the beauty of virtual learning – it can be done from anywhere!” 

​​​​​​​Nine-year-old Layne Hine started taking saxophone lessons at Hochstein in January 2020. He had two months of lessons in-person and since March has continued his lessons online. Layne says, “I love the saxophone and look forward to playing music every day.”

This past spring, the HochStrings Adult Chamber Orchestra continued to meet even after the start of COVID-19, moving to Zoom instead of gathering in person for rehearsals at The Hochstein School. HochStrings Director Pia Liptak says, “It was wonderful to stay in touch, to catch up with each other, and of course play. Everyone has become friends and more than just a member of an orchestra.” 

Hochstein music history instructor Rob Goodling can trace his musical lineage through J.S. Bach and Josquin Des Pres, all the way back to John Dunstable in the 14th century, thanks to a college professor who shared this musical genealogy with him. Goodling himself has had an impact on many students over the years, including an opera superstar ...