notEs from thE rsc

Musical Theatre Conservatory Program Makes Its Debut

Since 2003, the Conservatory Program at The Rivers School has given advanced student musicians a way to dedicate themselves to both academic and artistic growth. Until recently, it has offered jazz, classical, and vocal courses of study. This year, the program introduced a fourth concentration: musical theatre.

Zoë Iacovelli, who directs the new major, came to The Rivers School in 2019 from Starline Academy and The Performing Arts Connection. She says that she quickly fell in love with “the community and everything about Rivers” and began looking for more ways to expand the school’s musical theatre offerings. “Musical theatre has always been where my passion is,” says Iacovelli, who was a musical theatre actress for six years in New York City between earning her bachelor of fine arts and her master of education degrees.

When she pitched the idea of incorporating musical theatre into the school’s one-of-a-kind Conservatory Program, Iacovelli was excited to receive enthusiastic support from faculty and administrators in the performing arts department. Dedicated students who perform in the annual winter musical were eager to continue studying with Iacovelli year-round, and prospective students expressed similar interest in an intensive after-school musical theatre experience. Supported by this response, Iacovelli threw her knowledge and passion into the development of the new Conservatory Program path, which launched in the fall of 2020.

When designing the curriculum, Iacovelli drew from key elements of vocal study, including music theory and performance classes. She then added weekly dance and acting classes to equip students with the technical skills of musical theatre that make them “triple threats.” Each student comes to the program with a unique set of strengths. “Some students are here because they love to sing, and they’re still working on their dancing. Some are incredible actors but are building their vocal technique,” Iacovelli explains. The program gives students abundant opportunities to challenge themselves in ways that fuel their growth. Jordan Felice ’25, one of nine students in the first cohort, confirms, “We learn new skills in every class in the musical theatre Conservatory Program.”

For Alex Massarotti ’23, dance classes have become a welcome outlet for exploration: “I don’t and probably never

In the fall, students in the Conservatory Program’s musical theatre track worked outdoors on campus. Roomy Rivera Recital Hall provided a safe indoor rehearsal space.

will consider myself to be a great dancer, but Zoë and the rest of the students gave me the confidence to be myself and not feel embarrassed if I mess up.” Felice’s interests have also broadened throughout the year. She initially considered singing her favorite part of the program but has since discovered a love of blocking scenes. Now, she says she has “started to love acting just as much as singing.”

Students also speak to the life skills they have learned through the medium of musical theatre, including empathy, creativity, and storytelling. Anya Carroll ’26 has especially appreciated the opportunity to practice teamwork: “I have learned how important it is to support my fellow castmates, because after all, a performer doesn’t make a show, a cast does.” Others share this observation, describing the program’s culture as exceptionally collaborative and welcoming. In Carroll’s words, the musical theatre program is “a community of friends who all want to succeed together.” From the perspective of Xavier Massarotti ’25, this caring culture encourages risk-taking in the classroom. “I know that it’s a safe space, which helps me put myself out there,” he says. His brother, Alex, adds, “I feel I can totally be myself within the walls of the musical theatre Conservatory Program.” The support of peers gives students the courage to express themselves boldly. “I truly believe that these strengths developed through acting, singing, and dancing will continue to serve students, whatever career path they choose,” says Iacovelli. “Whether they become journalists, doctors, or Broadway stars, they will be confident enough to put themselves out there and take risks as they did on the stage.”

While the actual stage has been off-limits this year due to social distancing, that hasn’t stopped Rivers’s musical theatre students from sharing their talents. They have released impressive digital performances, including the memorable and uplifting Middle School rendition of “Happiness” from You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. The students enjoyed hearing their voices come together in harmony, albeit through video editing. They also had the chance to compete and receive feedback in the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild Musical Theater Scholarship Contest, at which three Rivers students were honored and Anya Carroll ’26 won first place. Carroll credits the influence of the Conservatory Program in helping her prepare for this success.

Students in the Conservatory Program’s musical theatre track have had no shortage of opportunities to shine. Meanwhile, the program has advanced their skills and fed their love of the arts. Iacovelli muses upon the program’s bright future: “I can’t believe how much fun we’ve had, even during a pandemic. If this is what we can do now, imagine what we’ll be able to do next!” — Marissa Birne ’15

Conservatory Program alumni Find meaning in music

The past year has brought challenges on so many fronts. We asked a few Conservatory Program alumni the question: What role has music played in your life during the pandemic? For these graduates, musical appreciation and expression have been critical to their processing of recent events. Read their reflections below.

“During the pandemic, music has been an incredible outlet for me. It has allowed me to escape the commotion and fear while feeling connected to those far from me. In releasing music with my band, morning Dew, working on independent projects, and composing, arranging, and playing for the virtual concerts of the Northwestern Jazz orchestra and small ensembles, I have not only been able to keep my passion for music alive but have continued to grow, learn, and feel supported by the musicians

around me.” —Joe Nedder ’18

“It’s mainly been an object of nostalgia. thinking about playing the clarinet means longing to sit in the middle of a densely packed stage. From brushing elbows to staggering breathing with section mates, there are many magical moments I once took for

granted but never will again.” —Silvia Curry ’16

“I have been singing in a virtual choir, and although it has been different to sing asynchronously, we have still been able to connect through virtual performances. Last year, all of our repertoire focused on topics of social justice, especially Black Lives matter.”

—Isabel Hardy ’18

“During the pandemic, I have spent much of my time diving into my composition studies. the time at home sparked my creativity and allowed me to express myself through my music in a different manner. I was able to gather inspiration for my music from my family, nature, and reflection on life before the pandemic. this period of reflection helped nurture the meaning behind my pieces in a powerful way.”

—Apsara Balamurugan ’20