Stephanie Bonte-Lebair Joins Academy of Fine Arts
In announcing Ms. Bonte-Lebair's hiring, founder Phil Hosford noted that the new position was a step forward for the Academy. "Stephanie possesses a unique blend of talents and abilities," said Hosford. "She is well known throughout the Washington area as a singer, actress and teacher. She is active in the Montgomery County arts scene in a variety of capacities, and she also has a degree in Arts Management. She was an ideal candidate to both build on the success of our programs while moving us toward becoming the premier teaching facility in all facets of the fine arts."
"I'm excited to be a part of The Academy Fine Arts," said Bonte-Lebair. "There is a real sense of community here, and the arts help bring people together. This is a dream opportunity for me and a chance to focus all of my energy and passion on arts education. I'm looking forward to helping the Academy grow in new and exciting directions. We're already looking at adding dance and singing for musical theatre, summer children's theatre, and expanding our acting and music offerings, including more adult programming. We want The Academy of Fine Arts to be a place where everyone can discover the joy of a lifetime in the arts."
Hosford also noted that Bonte-Lebair will also be teaching at the Academy, leading beginning keyboard, musical theatre and vocal projection classes.
Bonte-Lebair holds a B.M, M.M. degree in Vocal Performance from Illinois State University and a Master's Certificate in Arts Management from American University. She currently serves as president of the Damascus Theatre Company and is the co-conductor of the Kentland's Children's Chorus. Her local performance credits include the MetroCabaret vocal quartet, as well as a number of starring roles in musical theatre productions with Rockville Musical Theatre and the Damascus Theatre Company. She has also been a principal in several world premier operas with New York's Golden Fleece Opera and has traveled to Europe as a part of Oberlin School of Music's Opera in Italy program.
Academy Welcomes New Faculty
As the fall semester starts, the Academy of Fine Arts is joined by several new faculty members. They were all hired for their exemplary performance and teaching abilities.
Christiana Iheadindu is a new Private Piano and Off-Campus Early Childhood Music teacher. A native of Romania, Christiana started playing piano at age seven. Pursuing her love for the instrument, she later moved to the United States, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in music at Southeastern Louisiana University. She earned a Master's in Piano Performance at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she is currently pursuing her doctorate. At the University of Maryland, she studied with Bradford Gowen, one of the most acclaimed and sought-after piano teachers in the United States. It was Mr. Gowen who recommended her for a position at the Academy.
"The students are very committed to their lessons, and the faculty is very nice and professional," Christiana said. "I like that the Academy provides private rooms for study, and that it hosts monthly recitals."
Michiaki "Mr. Mickey" Yokayama is a new Group Piano teacher. Originally from Japan, Mickey first became interested in the piano at age three. "I wanted to do what I loved best for a career," Mickey said. "It's a challenge, but it's always worth it."
Mickey earned a Master's in Music from the Musashino Academia Musicae in Tokyo, one of the country's finest music schools, and also studied in France, Germany, and Austria.
He was attracted to a position at the Academy of Fine Arts because he admired the Harmony Road Program's method for introducing groups of students to piano performance.
"There are very good relationships between teachers and students. The atmosphere is very friendly, and it was easy to find my way," Mickey said. "Students are very happy here."
Alice Ji is another new Private Piano teacher. The South Korea native first started playing piano at age five.
"Korean society is very rigid, so the piano was an outlet for me to express myself," Alice said.
Alice earned a Masters in Music from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She was hired by the Academy to fill the vacancy left by Mrs. Yiling Shih, who moved to Florida with her husband. Before Leaving, Alice met with Shih to get a better sense of her students' abilities. This made for a very smooth transition
"I like the Academy's teaching philosophy," Alice said. "All of our students are committed to practicing regularly. They enjoy performing more than students at any other school I've been to."
News in Brief
Eve Crompton and Hedy Hosford, both students in the Actor's Garage, have been cast in the Montgomery Playhouse's fifth annual benefit production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." In this hilarious play, a couple struggling to stage a church Christmas pageant is forced to contend with casting the Herdmans, "the worst kids ever." Performances are December 18-20. For reservations, call 301-977-5751.
The Academy is the first Actor's Garage location to successfully launch an adult section. The eight-week program will focus on improv and scene-study with a showcase staged at the end of the term.
Evelyn Song, student of Natasha Dukan, plays first violin in the Young Artist section (sixth to eighth graders) of the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra.
Ai-Wei Lee has returned to teaching at the Academy after the happy arrival of her daughter, Elizabeth Pan.
Congratulations to Gabriel Magana, who won the Academy's drawing for free tuition on October 12. Gabriel is a private Piano student with Ai-Wei Lee.
"I'm really excited about continuing lessons with Ms. Ai-Wei," Gabriel said. "She's really nice, and has taught me a lot of new notes and songs."