A New Addition to the Arts Department

The Kimball Union Arts Department is pleased to announce that Kevin White has been hired as the new full time Music Teacher to start in the 2017-18 academic year. White, a graduate of Millikin University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Musical Theatre, is an accomplished musician, performer, teacher, and music director in both academic and professional settings. He has taught at the New York Film Academy, Acting Out! in Brooklyn, Northern Stage in White River Junction, and most recently right here at KUA as the musical director for our Winter Musical, RENT.

“Working with Kevin was super cool because he came in and, even though he didn’t know us and didn’t know how we do things at KUA, he immediately took charge and everybody always wanted to listen to him,” says Abby ’17, stage manager of RENT. David Weidman, Dean of Faculty and Director of the Theatre Program boasts, “He is an excellent collaborator, holds high expectations, and enjoys working with young people. We are thrilled that he is joining the Arts Department.”

Hart ’18, one of the leads in RENT said “initially, I had trouble hitting some of the high notes. So, Kevin would ask me to do push ups and jumping jacks during rehearsal– to get me out of breath. Closer to production, when he asked me to sing the notes I could, because I had enough breath support at that point. It’s what really got me through singing on stage with all the movement and choreography.” Anna ’19 recalls, “I remember when we were rehearsing for the support group scenes. He [Kevin] kept us going and in the end, it sounded really good. He’s really dedicated to helping us get there.”

Upon arrival on the hilltop, White “immediately felt like I belonged. It was so apparent that everyone’s full support was in what we were doing, even as a guest coming in for a short time.”

A dedicated educator and professional performer, White is “excited to bring a whole new level of professionalism to student work, and help them know that they can bring their absolute best to the table, whether in their rehearsal, performance, or homework,” he remarks. “The biggest payoff for me is watching how hard the students work, seeing that all the way through to fruition, and then witnessing that ah-ha moment when the student gets it.”

Congratulations, Mr. White! We look forward to your creative contributions to the Kimball Union Community in June!