Principal For A Day
by Sybil Maimin
It was a day of sharing at LaGuardia
High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts as film
and stage star, dancer, and choreographer Rosie Perez assumed
the role of “Principal
for A Day.” Accompanied by acting interim principal Kim
Bruno, Perez was treated to the amazingly broad offerings of
the school as she interacted with students in photo, advanced
painting, and Honors English classes where events such as war,
peace, racism, and relationships were being tackled. She watched
dancers and was entertained with a variety of musical performances;
she tapped her foot in a jazz class, heard part of Tschaikovsky’s
Ninth Symphony played by the senior orchestra, listened to
the senior chorus rehearse for a performance at Carnegie Hall,
and ate lunch in the handsome art gallery surrounded by impressive
student work and the sounds of the school’s chamber group.
LaGuardia even has an instrument repair shop where three professionals
take care of musical equipment and teach their skills to students.
Instructor Gary Fogel proudly showed
Perez the state of the art recording studio where youngsters “get the whole
recording experience,” make a CD, and can prepare college
audition tapes. Fogel’s collection of old record players
and equipment fascinated the star who reported her father was
also a collector. A new major, Technical Theater, involves
building sets. LaGuardia presents Off Broadway-quality shows
and students, working with professionals, build full sets. “We
teach them everything they have to know,” explains teacher
Paul Eisenberg. “The kids bring Off Broadway energy.”
“They love you,” exclaimed a delighted Bruno,
as Perez traveled through the school, hugging, shaking hands,
asking questions, exchanging words, giving autographs, and
posing for pictures with excited fans who were clearly thrilled
to have this very special visitor and role model. Perez, in
turn, was clearly impressed with student work and energy. She
asked many questions, offered praise and encouragement, and
remarked, “This school is amazing. It is a gem. Use it.
Soak everything out of it you can.”
In a talk with drama students, she
said, “Acting is
make-believe, it’s a job. Set everything up and then
let the magic happen.” She advised, “Learn your
lines. You have no freedom if you don’t know your lines.” Additionally, “Reading
is essential to acting. Don’t just read the text. Understand
the subtext, the themes and subplots. You have to do homework
to find techniques and tools. I had to learn this along the
way. I didn’t have the privilege you kids have.” Giving
special encouragement to young people of color, she said, “When
you are a minority, you don’t have the liberty to be
yourself. Others are quick to criticize. Don’t let them
push you down so you become so angry you hurt your own career.
You must keep pushing on and insisting, I’m going to
be who I am.”
With about 2,360 students, 32 academic
classrooms, and 80 specialty rooms or studios, LaGuardia
is a very costly enterprise. Kim Bruno was pleased to share,
celebrate, and show her school off. She also expressed concerns. “We are a public school
and we need funds.” Generous alumni and corporate and
foundation grants are critical. Sharing the role of Principal
for a Day was Robert Hurwitz, chairman of Nonesuch Records/Warner
Music Group. While good-naturedly allowing the more recognizable
Perez center stage, Hurwitz showed keen interest in the students’ accomplishments
and thoroughly enjoyed the day. His company has given a much
needed grant to LaGuardia for which he was recognized in a
ceremony of appreciation.#
