As a former student at Harrington, where Mrs. Carpenter once inspired so many of us, I was thrilled to learn about her new role as Director of Performing Arts. It feels like a full-circle moment to see someone so dedicated to the arts and to her students take on such an impactful role within Lexington Public Schools. To mark this special occasion, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Mrs. Carpenter and Mr. Hart, the Assistant Director, for an insightful conversation about their paths in music, their shared goals, and their dreams for our district’s performing arts program.

In this interview, they opened up about the challenges and rewards of their careers and shared their hopes for shaping an even more vibrant, inclusive arts community in Lexington. I hope this special issue gives you a glimpse into their inspiring journey and vision for the future—one that is sure to elevate the role of the performing arts in our schools and bring joy to our community for years to come.

Mrs. Carpenter:My first experience was watching my sister take piano lessons. I remember being so inspired by her playing that I asked my parents if I could take lessons too. That’s where it all began for me—seeing my sister play and wanting to follow in her footsteps.

Mr. Hart:For me, it was listening to record albums with my family. We’d gather together, put on a Beatles record, and sing along. Those moments of shared music were my very first experience with it.

Mrs. C:This is actually a funny story. It all started in seventh grade during a social studies class. We were doing a group project, and I remember my teacher walking around, observing us. He came up to me and said, “Angela, you should really consider becoming a teacher. You’re great at explaining things to your classmates and helping them understand.” I didn’t take it seriously at first, but as the year went on, I started to think more about it. I was already a dedicated musician, playing both piano and violin, and I realized this might be something I could actually do. It just goes to show how much impact a teacher’s words can have. By the end of the year, I knew I wanted to pursue it, so I went to music school and became a music teacher!

Mr. H:For me, it wasn’t something I planned at first. I went to college to play music—I was an oboe player—but I didn’t initially want to teach. When I didn’t get a job with a major orchestra, I had to consider other options. Teaching wasn’t something I loved from the start, but over time, it grew into something I became passionate about.

Mrs. C:One of the biggest challenges I faced was when I arrived at Eastman School of Music. It’s an incredibly competitive environment, and I went from being a big fish in a small pond to feeling like a small fish in a very big pond. Suddenly, I was surrounded by so many talented people, and it was a bit overwhelming at first. I had to figure out where I fit into this world of music. It took time, but I embraced the challenge as an opportunity to push myself to keep learning and growing as a musician.

Mr. H:For oboists, one unique challenge is making our own reeds—the small wooden pieces that go on top of the instrument. It’s extremely difficult, almost like learning two different crafts: one musical and one sculptural. It took a lot of patience and practice, but mastering reed-making was essential for developing my sound as an oboe player.

Mrs. C:My time at Harrington has been invaluable in preparing me for this role. I’ve had the privilege of watching my students grow and progress through the system. Some of my current students have four more years in Lexington, while others, like the kindergarteners I taught last year, have eleven more years ahead of them. This has made me think deeply about how I can shape and grow our program to best serve them throughout their entire journey. Ultimately, my goal is for every student to feel like they were a part of the program, that they belonged, and that they were seen and represented in some way. The relationships I’ve built with Harrington students will definitely help me achieve that vision. It’s been a very positive experience that I’m excited to build upon.

Mrs. C:For me, it was an easy decision. I was looking to relocate to the Boston area, and when I saw a job opening in Lexington, I decided to apply right away. I had already heard about the district’s strong reputation, especially in the performing arts, so it felt like a no-brainer. I also applied for a position in Chestnut Hill, but Lexington’s focus on the arts really stood out to me.

Mr. H:I was actually on her interview committee, and she did a fantastic job—it was an easy choice. As for me, I’ve been connected to Lexington for most of my life. I grew up here and attended Lexington High School, Diamond Middle School, and Franklin School (which is now condominiums). My kids went through the school system as well and have since graduated. It feels great to work in the same public school system that shaped us and to contribute to its ongoing growth for future students.

Mrs. C:The Community Children’s Chorus is a non-audition chorus open to all fourth and fifth graders who have a passion for singing. It’s designed for anyone who wants to make joyful music together, regardless of experience. The CCC provides an opportunity for students to come together, share music, grow as musicians, and foster a sense of community through singing. Teaching chorus is something I’m really passionate about, and I love seeing the joy it brings to our students and the larger community. That’s what the CCC is all about!

Mr. H:I’m excited to work with Ms. Carpenter and collaborate with her on creating new initiatives for the program.

Mrs. C:I feel the same way—I’m really looking forward to partnering with Mr. Hart. I believe we make a great team, sharing a passion for the arts and a vision for the future. I’m also eager to continue amplifying the incredible work our staff already does. There’s a reason why Lexington has such a strong reputation in the performing arts, and I want to keep supporting our educators, removing any barriers that might hinder their success.

Mr. H:And, of course, to celebrate our teachers.

Mrs. C:We want everyone to know that we’re here, always open to conversations and eager to hear your insights. We certainly don’t claim to have all the answers, so we welcome feedback and suggestions. Most importantly, we want the community to know that our focus is truly on serving you. We celebrate not only our dedicated teachers but also our incredible students and the amazing work they put into the performing arts.