KENT ISLAND — Senior Seth McLaughlin is Kent Island High School’s (KIHS) “Arts Teen of the Week!” Seth is also an honors student with a rigorous and well-rounded course load that includes Engineering Design, AP Statistics, Chorus, Concert Choir and AP Music Theory. He’s a member of the National Honor Society, the National Math Honor Society, the International Thespian Society and the National Science Honor Society.
Director Mr. Whitehair, who eagerly nominated Seth for this “Arts Teen of the Week” spotlight shared that Seth is also a Baritone/Tenor Seth who has not only performed incredibly with the Choir, but he’s also been Assistant Director to Theatre Director Mr. Reagan. He’s performed in KIHS’ Dance Company for three semesters, in addition to attending summer intensive Drama programs at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. In Theatre, he’s performed in Mary Poppins, Fools High, The Music Man, Check Please, and most recently in 12 Angry Jurors. In Choir, Seth has risen to Tenor Section Leader in his senior year.
“Over my four years in choir, I have learned everything that I know about music from Mr. Whitehair,” says Seth. “In addition to all of the music knowledge, I have learned more about independence. Mr. Whitehair guides us as students, but never to the point that we cannot walk alone. I have witnessed the growth not only in myself but in my peers, and a sense of confidence in our vocal ability, and in ourselves as people.”
Mr. Bell, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts shared, “I’ve witnessed Seth have such a commanding presence…from his role as an actor in 12 Angry Jurors, to the Fall Concert, and in Dance. He’s what I’d call a triple-threat, and not just in regards to his disciplines—he’s creative, extremely intelligent, and overall is just a really fine young man. We will see him on Broadway one day, or in movies or on television for sure.”
As a Choir, students have been given numerous unique opportunities to perform in venues outside of KIHS, which helps build this confidence and self-belief. Members of the Choir have performed in the Candlelight Processional in Disney World, and in Baltimore City at the first-ever statewide “Best of Maryland Arts Education Festival” where they were able to take masterclasses and workshops, in addition to performing as small ensembles among other top programs throughout Maryland.
“In any setting, Mr. Whitehair treats us as people that he works with and teaches, and not just as students,” says Seth.
We look forward to following Seth his senior year at in numerous Performing Arts performances throughout the year. He certainly has a bright, creative future ahead in the Arts! Want to see a brief one-minute clip of Seth in action? View him on the QACPS YouTube Page here: https://youtu.be/pAj0FGq6q9Y