The Head's Perspective

Over the past week, I have enjoyed watching our talented upper class students perform at a variety of levels. Boys soccer made it to the second round of the North Coast Section tournament. Despite a 2-0 loss to Branson School in the driving rain, the boys played with passion, creativity, and grit. Girls Varsity Volleyball is still forging ahead in the post season. I watched them battle back last Friday evening until finally beating cross-town rivals College Prep in the first round of the tournament. They then handily beat International High School 3-1 the following night in a packed HRS Pavilion.

Last weekend was also the opening night of Almost Maine, our US Fall play. I was mesmerized by the talent on the stage of students spanning all of our grades. This morning, I observed Josh Tower leading the Middle School Concert Band practicing a version of "Cold Water Crossing." As I watched the 19 middle school students, I was struck by the similarities between sport, theatre and music. The common thread was communication and coordination.

• 11 players on the soccer field in the driving rain
• 6 Volleyball players in the din of a raucous gym
• 2 thespians on a dimly lit staeg in front of a packed house
• 19 middle schoolers playing 12 different instruments

Each child was striving for the same thing - a harmonious connection with their mate, led by a coach, all working to a common goal. Each player had a role. Each participant was a part of a broader whole. Any one individual could not accomplish anything on their own. Coordination and harmony only occurred when each person played their small part within the scheme of the whole plan, the system, the game plan, the strategy, the stage manager's vision. Reliance on the other allowed each individual to shine. In sport, the communication was unstated, practiced, but omnipresent. In orchestra, the communication was auditory and visual. Different modes but equally esential for success.