It is with great pleasure that we announce Dr. Mark Schuppener's appointment as Holton-Arms' next Director of Fine & Performing Arts. Dr. Schuppener comes to us from Westminster Christian School in Miami, Florida, where he is Director of Orchestras.With over fifteen years of experience as a violinist, music educator, and leader in the field, Dr. Schuppener has worked with students of all ages from elementary school age to the university level. While working at Westminster, he has concurrently served as the Director of Chamber Music for the Philadelphia International Music Festival. He is excited to work with Holton's artists as he enjoys helping young people build their foundation and love for the arts.
Prior to his time at Westminster, Dr. Schuppener served on the music faculties of the University of Texas, El Paso; the University of Michigan; and Spring Arbor University. Dr. Schuppener has garnered acclaim as a soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, concertmaster, and devoted music educator and conductor. He was honored as a semi-finalist in the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and acted as concertmaster of the Michigan Philharmonic, Dearborn Symphony, Las Cruces Symphony, El Paso Opera Orchestra, and Associate Concertmaster of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra. He is also a founding member of the Ann Arbor Camerata, a professional chamber ensemble. As a recording artist, Dr. Schuppener released a CD under contract with Centaur Records along with International Steinway Artist, Dr. Oscar Macchioni. In 2007, Dr. Schuppener was awarded a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Michigan where he earned a Master of Music in 2003. He has a Bachelor of Music from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Dr. Schuppener's appointment ends the thorough, 6-month national search that began shortly after Director of Fine & Performing Arts Mary Jane Pagenstecher announced her plans to relocate to Maine. We are so thankful for Mrs. Pagenstecher's visionary and enthusiastic leadership these past 26 years during which time Holton developed its premier arts programs. Mary Jane and the entire Fine and Performing Arts department will work with Dr. Schuppener throughout the summer to ensure a smooth transition. Dr. Schuppener's appointment will begin July 1, 2018.
In addition to Dr. Schuppener's responsibilities as the Director of Fine & Performing Arts which involves overseeing Holton's extensive programs in dance, drama, music, and visual art, he will direct Holton's strings program including both the Middle and Upper School Orchestras. As we work out his specific teaching responsibilities, Holton-Arms is also conducting a search for a Middle and Upper School Choral Director.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Mark to our Holton community!