Hillbrook School Podcast

Episode Notes - In this melodic episode of the Hillbrook School Podcast, host Bill Selak sits down with the multifaceted Derek Primo Silverman, music and "other things" maestro at Hillbrook. The conversation strikes a harmonious blend of music, technology, and education as they delve into the intricacies of the Winter Concert and the role AI played in refining the show choir's performance. Derek shares the behind-the-scenes magic of arranging popular songs, the unexpected tempo tweaks, and the innovative use of AI-driven audio manipulation software from iZotope to polish the choir's recordings. The duo also explores the broader implications of AI in audio, from enhancing student creativity to its potential for improving urban soundscapes and overall well-being. As they discuss the transformative power of tools like GarageBand and Loopy HD, the episode resonates with the excitement of making music production more accessible and inspiring for students. Tune in for an enlightening symphony of ideas, illustrating how AI is not just changing the future of music but also amplifying the educational experience at Hillbrook School. Listen in as Bill and Derek riff on the future of sound, and don't miss the buzz about upcoming musicals "13" and "Beauty and the Beast Junior."Read transcript

Episode Notes - In this episode of the Hillbrook School podcast, host Bill Selak engages in a one-on-one conversation with Martin, the Hub Engineer at Hillbrook. Martin shares his unique journey from aspiring designer to industrial design graduate, highlighting his passion for helping students bring their creative dreams to life. He discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching, emphasizing the importance of failure as a learning tool. Martin also delves into his personal venture of crafting wallets, blending aesthetics with functionality, and the lessons learned from running a business. The episode explores the Hillbrook Engineering Learning program, where students are encouraged to experiment and innovate, and the impact of design thinking in education. Join Bill and Martin for an inspiring discussion on creativity, education, and the power of pursuing one's passions.Read transcript

Episode Notes - Explore how music education is not just an isolated subject but can be integrated into other areas of the curriculum. Hear about real-world examples from Hillbrook where music has been used to enhance learning in subjects like math, history, and even science. Jamie unveils her passion for the Orff approach, where young musicians improvise and find their groove. Derek rocks music class, leading a 20-piece middle school rock band, with so much student interest that students are doubling up on instruments! VanNessa conducts a choral revolution, growing enrollment from just four to over 100 voices. Listen in as this tight-knit ensemble fills Hillbrook with symphonic sounds.Read transcript

Episode Notes - The episode delves into the nature of creativity at Hillbrook, discussing the distinctions between performing arts, visual arts, design, and making. The educators emphasize the importance of mistakes in the learning process, the role of empathy, and the significance of audience-centric creation. The conversation underscores the broader implications of these creative endeavors, highlighting their impact on interpersonal interactions and personal growth.

Episode Notes - Join Director of Technology Bill Selak as hit talks with performing arts teacher VanNessa Hulme Silbermann and ceramic arts teacher Laura Hale about the Artist's Lens. Analogous to a scientific lens/bias, the artist's lens leverages lessons from the arts like co-creation and interpersonal skills to other disciplines.

Episode Notes Enable learning for all with simple choices. Learn how to make learning more accessible through audio, visuals, and built-in settings on mobile devices. Understand how both good pedagogy and technical skills can contribute to a more inclusive environment at conferences, in classrooms, and in schools. Understand how to be more inclusive in three simple areas: audio/sound, visual/presentations, and software (built-in OS settings). Evidence of success will be a better awareness of blind spots around accessibility tools; comments like, “Wow, that never occurred to me, and it’s so simple to make that adjustment,” will be the expectation. Instructional strategies are simple, yet powerful and inclusive. Resources at http://eduawesome.com/accessibility springcue

Episode Notes In this episode, Bill Selak sits down with Gulliver LaValle to discuss Hillbrook School's DEI Lens--a tool used for employees and board members for making decisions and having discussions in a more inclusive way.

Edis Mesic (’20) interviews lower school parent Chris Pruett in this episode. Edis was part of the Women in Finance and Technology Teaching Youth (WIFTTY) Reach Beyond Block.