Neenah Music Teacher Pushes the Limits of High School Performing Arts
Photo by: Unknown
Mr. Phil Smyth performing professionally in 2019.
October 11, 2021
High school club rosters are an ever-evolving labyrinth, with new students coming in and old ones leaving each year. This has a significant effect on all activities, including the development of music programs.
Despite the difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and issues with finding new members, Neenah Orchestra Director Phil Smyth continues to push the music program’s limits, scheduling one group, Touch of Class, to participate in a Croatian Music Festival in the Summer of 2022.
Always laughing with and working at students’ sides, Smyth implants his method of channeling passion into performance on students, bettering them in ways that extend beyond musical performance.
Even before the pandemic, Smyth works to give students a unique experience they remember for the rest of their lives before they graduate high school. World shattering performances aren’t something everyone gets to experience, much less perform in; however, for some students that isn’t the case.
In the 2018-’19 school year music students surpass all past expectations, giving an astounding performance of Mozart’s Requiem, a piece combining band, orchestra and choir. The performance leaves a lasting impression on many students and perfectly exemplifies the experience Smyth likes to leave students with during their time learning with him.
“When we actually did it, it went really well. I think the kids that performed in that concert; I think for them that’s something they’ll remember forever.”
Many of the incredible experiences provided by Smyth are possible in part because of his experience and connections gained through his time as a professional musician predating his time teaching. His time touring with Barrage led them to Pickard Auditorium where they performed with students, something which would be unheard of in nearly any other situation.
Surpassing his title of a music teacher, Phil Smyth instructs students on how to proudly stand in front of anyone and show their skill with confidence.
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Caleb Youngwerth • Nov 10, 2021 at 11:09 AM
I think this article is great at showing Mr. Smyth’s impactful teaching style and how he really wants his students to have a good experience with music more than anything else. The specific examples listed really add to the story, especially because they resonate with a lot of students who are in orchestra.
Emma Swanson • Nov 5, 2021 at 9:27 AM
This article truly captures Mr. Smyth’s stellar approach to teaching and conducting orchestra. It is clear to see that Mr. Smyth has an exuberant amount of passion for music and he instills that passion when he teaches!
Otto Zoesch-Weigel • Oct 31, 2021 at 2:42 PM
Great job describing Mt. Smyth’s commitment to touch of class and how he creates a great experience for the students in a touch of class. Your writing really helped me with understanding how special a touch of class is to the students in it and how Mr. Smyth has helped to make that special experience.
Grace Look • Oct 28, 2021 at 10:04 PM
This article is a true testament to the amazing teacher Mr. Smyth is. As expressed, his dedication to the performing arts has helped take the NHS orchestra program to a new level, and it is so cool that Touch of Class will be performing in Croatia! His past as a professional musician definitely elevates our program. I really enjoyed that you included a specific piece orchestra performed, as someone who heard the piece it helped take me back to that dad.
Matthew Roh • Oct 28, 2021 at 5:00 PM
Really nice use of language to really elaborate on Mr. Smyth’s commitment and quality.
Braiden Blank • Oct 12, 2021 at 8:33 AM
I think you really captured Smyth’s beyond-average teaching qualities. Well done!!