Page 14 - Spring 2024

Spotlight on Alumni, continued...
musical traditions at Houlton High School. Additionally,
the strong community connection that the town
of Houlton has always had with the school’s music
department was also very influential. “The influence of
Dave McGillicuddy and Mark Scally shaped my career
path. Their passion for music education, coupled with
their ability to recognize potential in me ignited the
spark that led me to follow in their footsteps.”
Nick Foster ‘06 also
chose to major in
music education
based on his
experiences at HHS. I
did about everything
I was able to do,
except for percussion
ensemble. My mom
told me I could not
do everything, and
I was pretty upset
about that, but in hindsight as an adult I am grateful
she did not allow me to burn the candle at both ends.
I participated in show choir, chamber choir, jazz choir,
musical, pep band, jazz band, and All-State Chorus. I
would have to say my favorite musical memories are
performing in musicals. My favorite roles were playing
Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, and Don Lockwood in
Singin’ in the Rain.
After graduating, Nick attended Boston University,
where he received his Bachelor of Music degree in
Voice Performance in 2010. He then went on to receive
his Master of Music degree in Vocal Pedagogy from
Boston Conservatory in 2012. He began teaching
musical theatre voice lessons and musically directed
productions as an adjunct faculty at Dean College. He
worked as a choral artist for the Metropolitan Opera
Guild, where he taught at many urban schools in the
greater Boston area. His time with Guild made him
realize he loved working in public schools. He returned
14
home to Houlton and is now in his fifth year of
teaching at Houlton Middle/High School as the choral
director. Nick says that Mr. Fagnant and Mr. (Pat) Moore
had the biggest impact on his career choice. “To this
day, I hold them in such high regard as teachers and
I try to emulate them in my teaching. I try to provide
a safe space for our students who need it, just as I did
when I was a student. I am so grateful to them for
laying the musical foundation that would put me on
the career path that I am on. The opportunities I had in
Houlton shaped who am I today.”
According to current HHS band director Kevin Mania,
the music department is always planning in order to
offer students the best opportunities. “I think one of
the things that make us unique is that we are always
looking at what is next, whether it be trends in music
education or looking forward to what we can offer kids
that will impact their continuation of interest in music.
We are always trying to keep one foot forward.”
Barbara London ’66 is one of the most prominent
musicians to graduate from Houlton High School.
“Music was a central part of my childhood, family
events, and high school experience. Although my
teachers did not suggest I make it a career, the
strong foundation, positive feedback, and regular
participation in the many musical opportunities at
HHS, all helped me to decide to pursue music. I have
www.houltonalumni.com