FTG 0046 – Raising the Curtain with Musician and Music & Theater Educator Julie Florin '87

Following the Gong, a Podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State

05/23/23 • 69 min

Overview:

Julie Florin ’87 Arts and Architecture teaches Theatre and Chorus at Greenville High School Academy in Greenville, South Carolina. She also works with local theatres and plays organ at churches in the Upstate. Julie is a trained pianist and organist and has a rich career teaching at the K-12 level and serving as musical director for countless shows at the K-12, collegiate, and community theater levels. Julie joins the show to talk about her experiences and share her advice as a music teacher and life-long learner. She also shares advice for involvement in theater after college from her roles as musical director, as well as from her perspectives as a piano teacher, church organist, touring performer in the “War Bonds” show, and Penn State donor. This episode will be of interest to any Scholar who enjoys music or theater, and will be especially valuable to Scholars intending to pursue a career or continued involvement for personal fulfillment in any of these disciplines. Her full bio and a detailed breakdown of topics discussed are available below.

Guest Bio:

Julie Florin ’87 A&A teaches Theatre and Chorus at Greenville High School Academy in Greenville, South Carolina. She also works with local theatres and plays organ at churches in the Upstate. Prior to moving to South Carolina in 2016, she held similar positions and taught private piano lessons for over 20 years in Raleigh, North Carolina. She tours nationally in "War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of WWII" with EbzB Productions. She graduated from Penn State’s College of Arts and Architecture in 1987 with a BS in Music Education with Honors. She holds a Certificate in Church Music from Shenandoah University, a Masters in Music from East Carolina University, and a BA in Theatre Education from North Carolina Central University. You can contact her at https://fingertipsmusic.org or on LinkedIn.

Episode Topics:

Coming to Penn State and the Honors College as a State College High grad and overcoming sleeping through the SAT (from when it was part of the admissions criteria)
Leveraging high school challenges and opportunities in finding your path from mentors along the way
The difference between piano and organ – and how one helped Julie with physical therapy!
Writing a practical thesis that fills a needs gap – in the form of a research informed choral workbook – and the importance of saving your work!
Continuing education through graduate degrees and certificates – including taking matters into your own hands when your employer doesn’t offer something you need
Advice for student teachers, new teachers, and teachers in areas like arts, music, and similar and the difference between academic and co-curricular opportunities
Leveraging participation in the arts in internships and jobs across industries
Maintaining involvement in the arts through community theatre
Advice for church pianists and organists as a substitute performer
Creating and touring a unique program telling authentic stories and music from WWII on the War Bonds tour
Getting your motorcycle and commercial drivers licenses
Supporting currents arts students as an alumna donor