02/21/2025
by Michael Zeiler, HS Choral Director
On Friday, Feb. 14, Highlands High School partnered with the Pittsburgh Ballet by attending a performance of Romeo and Juliet at the Benedum Center. This experience provided a remarkable opportunity to engage in a cross-curricular collaboration with the HHS Vocal Music Department, the English Department, and the performing arts.
The intricate choreography brought Shakespeare's timeless tragedy to life, while the musical compositions underscored the emotional depth of the narrative, demonstrating the power of artistic expression across disciplines. This performance not only allowed students to witness the intersection of dance, music, and literature, but also offered a practical application of the four academic standards for career education and work.
Standard 13.1, Career Awareness and Preparation, was evident as students observed firsthand the careers that combine artistry with education, providing insight into the professional paths of dancers, musicians, and stage performers. Standard 13.2, Career Acquisition, came into play as students saw the importance of honing their craft and building networks within the arts community to secure opportunities in the performing arts. Through the performance, Standard 13.3, Career Retention and Advancement, was demonstrated as students understood how consistent skill development, adaptability, and collaboration with diverse departments can help maintain a successful career in the arts. Finally, Standard 13.4, Entrepreneurship, was showcased as students reflected on how the production itself—entailing creative partnerships, marketing, and event management—requires entrepreneurial thinking to bring artistic visions to fruition in a real-world setting.
This performance not only enriched students' artistic and academic understanding but also helped them see how different careers within the arts intersect to create a cohesive and vibrant cultural experience. A wonderful shoutout to the collaboration efforts of Mr. Zeiler, Mrs. Erb, Mrs. Glesk, Mrs. Kremer and Mrs. Gettens. Combining literature and music was nothing short of a golden experience for the 62 Highlands students and staff who attended the Pittsburgh Ballet!
