At Flint Hill, there are some faculty positions that are truly “behind-the-scenes” – roles you do not truly realize the value of until they are unfulfilled. This was especially true last school year, when Flint Hill’s fine arts programs had no Director of Fine Arts to back them.  

Many students at Flint Hill, even those in the arts, did not realize the effects of this change immediately. Faculty in the arts, however, realized the sudden load of work that had been thrust upon them in the absence of an arts administrator. The Director of Fine Arts aids all aspects of the arts programs, including planning events, budgeting, and being the voice of the arts at the administrative level. 

This summer, Joshua McClymont stepped into Flint Hills community to fill this role. Prior to his arrival, Mr. McClymont had worked as a Director of Fine Arts for ten years at a school in Louisiana and a school in Atlanta, respectively. He had also fulfilled several leadership positions in the performing arts department at different high schools and community theaters. When asked about how he got into teaching performing arts, Mr. McClymont responded, “I really enjoyed working with students, and that’s where I discovered my passion for arts education.” 

What makes the arts so special and integral to a community like Flint Hill? To Mr. McClymont, “When you start to do music or theater or art, it’s like tapping into something as natural as breathing.” The opportunities for expression that students gain through visual and performing arts are irreplaceable. The experience that students gain by participating in these activities differs greatly from the skills they gain in an academic or athletic setting – and provides them with the necessary tools to be a contributing member of any community or field. Mr. McClymont’s spunk, passion, and true care for the triumph of Flint Hill’s arts programs will ensure another successful artistic year.