A Life-Changing Education: Visual and Performing Arts at Milton Hershey School
By Malina Gangadin, MHS Senior
As my two younger brothers prepared to attend Milton Hershey School in the summer of 2023, I was amazed by the vast opportunities available to students. I had played the trumpet for six years and just started the French horn, so when I learned more about the MHS Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) program, I decided I wanted to apply, too. Our family soon learned I was accepted, so my brothers and I would go to Hershey, Pennsylvania, together.
During my first week at MHS, I attended marching band practice. I felt awkward and out of place. Then, before I could even think about how I was going to fit in or integrate into MHS, the marching band members welcomed me in, and it truly felt like a family. Everyone was incredibly warm and kind. If I didn’t have the marching band or the VPA program, I wouldn’t have experienced such a smooth transition into life at MHS.
My music teachers from my previous school taught me what they could, but I still felt stuck in my musical journey. After meeting my MHS band instructors, Mr. Ulrich and Mr. Gable, I began progressing in my understanding of music and my instruments. They are both so knowledgeable and passionate about helping their students thrive.
They were the catalyst for my success with my instrument and were one of the significant factors that led me to do well in the VPA program. They have one-on-one sessions where they ensure you understand the music and provide you with resources that’ll help you further your instrument career. This year, with their support and motivation, I auditioned for the county band and made second chair on baritone, which I learned to play while at MHS.
At MHS, the opportunities available to Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) students are expansive. Since the start of my junior year, I’ve participated in marching band, concert band, Lebanon Valley College honors band, county band, and played in the pit for the musical “Matilda.” I’ve performed at a Hershey Bears hockey game, the Opening of School Assemblies, and The Hershey Company to celebrate Mr. Hershey’s birthday. Through activities like these, students learn from experts in the field about the variety of careers available in the performing arts.
After graduation, I hope that visual and performing arts will continue to be a huge aspect of my life because it was my key to finding community and getting out of my comfort zone. In the marching band, it was the first time I felt like I could truly be myself. I knew my peers wouldn’t judge me. We grew and learned together, being true to ourselves as we dedicated time to learning the music and becoming better musicians. Now, most of my friends are in the band or other VPA activities such as New Horizons and theatre. It feels like all of the students across our VPA program are a family unit I am so thankful for.
What VPA Has to Offer Our Students:
Visual and Performing Arts is an amazing program at MHS with so much to offer. Here are some of the ways the program raises the bar for students:
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Design Special Jerseys for the Hershey Bears:
During the 2022-23 school year, Middle Division students were asked to design special jerseys for the Hershey Bears hockey team. The students redesigned the team logo using color to symbolize the future of hockey. The jerseys were auctioned after a game to raise money for several local charity organizations.
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Meet & Greet with VPA Experts:
This fall, Zac Brown Band percussionist Daniel de los Reyes visited campus to speak to and play with the MHS concert band. He shared the journey of his musical career with students and how he dedicates himself to practicing his craft. During the 2022-23 school year, students in the musical production “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” met with representatives from RWS Entertainment Group to learn about career opportunities in performing arts.
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Community Art Installations:
Last school year, several students collaborated to create pieces of a mural focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion that was installed in the Hershey community, while 20 Senior Division students created a mural at Zoo America featuring North American animals. Additionally, MHS students in all divisions were honored with a special artist reception hosted at the Hershey Entertainment & Resorts executive offices, where the artwork will continue to hang.
