An Interview with a Music Director

The Westbrook Music Boosters is pleased to share reflections from Suzanne Proulx, K–12 Director of Music. With a long-standing commitment to excellence in music education, Ms. Proulx leads our department in fostering a vibrant, spiraling K–12 program that inspires students, engages families, and enriches our community. In this blog, she outlines her goals for the year ahead, highlights exciting opportunities within the program, and offers her vision for continuing the tradition of musical excellence in Westbrook.

Suzanne Proulx, K-12 Director of Music

In Westbrook, we are so very fortunate to have such a reputable and award-winning music program. Each day I get to work with a dynamic team of outstanding music teachers committed to creating a vibrant and spiraling  k-12 program. I speak for all the music teachers when I say we are humbled by the outpouring of support from our Music Boosters, Parents and Community Members which ensures this program continues to thrive.   

I’ve been asked by the Boosters to reflect upon this year’s goals as we continue together in our pursuit for an outstanding music program:

What are you most looking forward to in the music program this school year?

1. I am looking forward to expanding the program, especially in the choruses.  We have increased numbers signed up and a great deal of them are NEW, younger students.

2. I am also so excited about this year’s new Marching Band show.  The music and the drill are both moving and exhilarating.  It was so thrilling to experience the “reveal” of the show following this summer’s band camp.  I have no doubt this will be another banner year for the program.

3. Getting to know our new Athletics and Activities Director, Mark Campbell, has been a breath of fresh air. I know we are going to have a mutually collaborative relationship in which we all support each other.

Are there any exciting concerts, trips, or new opportunities planned for students?

1. We have a set tradition of concert dates that mark the Fall, Holiday, Winter and Spring seasons. The list of concert dates has been refined and posted to School and Booster calendars. Of course we will also participate in other civic events, and respond to invitations to perform at Senior Citizen events or special requests if permissible. Mr and Mrs Smith, Mr Hendricks and I love to accept opportunities for our ensembles to perform throughout the year if at all possible.

2. The destination for the annual Chamber Singers Spring Tour is yet to be decided, but will be formalized in the next couple of weeks so that we can prepare the necessary fundraising efforts and obtain School Board approval.  You can count on the singers putting on another Annual Cabaret, and, of course, Swing-O-Rama / Auction with the Opus One Big Band again this year.

What goals do you have for the music department this year, both for students and the program overall?

1. I would like to see all Academic Ensembles at MS and HS,  as well as Marching Band/Guard continue to  have exciting and successful performances.

2. I would like to see music literacy and musicianship continue to improve at all levels. This is an annual goal.  Repertoire is very carefully selected and lessons are planned to challenge and to help students grow in this area. Last year all ensembles that participated in the MBDA and ACDA spring festivals were assessed at excellent or superior ratings for their performance and for sight-reading — our goal is for this trend to continue and improve.

3. I would like to see a record number of students prepare for auditions and be accepted to festivals at district and state levels.

4. I’d love to see more students become involved in the jazz programs at both MS and HS.

5. I would love to expand the instrument inventory at all levels to best provide access to all students.

6. Last year there were interactive Unified Arts presentations built into the parent-teacher conference nights where teachers shared a short lesson segment with parents. This was well-received, but I would like to see more parents participate in these opportunities for our elementary students to share their experience and to showcase the skills that they are learning in class.

How do you hope to inspire students to stay passionate and involved in music throughout the year?

1. I think we can inspire students as we give them opportunities to take ownership for the program, to have a voice in shaping performances and events, and to volunteer in the hard work of putting on events, etc.

2. It is critical to give recognition when we see students’ working hard and succeeding.  A well-deserved compliment goes a very long way to keep the morale and inspiration going.

3. We will continue our collaboration between HS and MS ensembles by preparing combined concerts, and have more frequent collaborative rehearsals where HS students can support and motivate the 9th grade students.

4. The All-City concerts cannot be overstated – these are perfect opportunities to demonstrate the growth from 5th to 12th grades, and to inspire young students to continue in the program, and to dream of their future experiences in high school.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to students—new and returning—for making the most of this year in music?

BELIEVE IN THE INVALUABLE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE IN EVERY REHEARSAL/CLASS. Through your preparation, your attitude, your gratitude for your teachers’ and peers’ work, your willingness to be a role model and leader in your ensemble, your effort to let people know you see their accomplishments, and your investment in shaping a “community” of musicians – in these ways you are growing as a musician and as a human being. You are creating a legacy!

🎶Senior Spotlight: Gracelyn Gauvin

This week, we’re celebrating one of our amazing seniors as they reflect on their journey in the program. From first-time jitters to unforgettable halftime shows, marching band has been more than just an activity—it’s been a defining part of their high school experience.

We asked a few questions to hear their thoughts on what it’s like heading into their final year, what they’re most excited about, and what wisdom they’d share with the next generation of band and guard members. Read on for a heartfelt look at what it means to march one last season at Westbrook.

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How does it feel heading into your final marching band season? 

“It feels scary but really exciting at the same time.“

What are you most excited for this year—any traditions, performances, or moments you’re looking forward to? 

“I am definitely most excited for NESBA shows and the Halloween party!”

What has marching band meant to you over the years, and how has it shaped your high school experience?

“Marching band really brought me out of my shell and made me who I am today. To me, Marching feels like a family, and it has since day one. I am so grateful for how many doors it has opened for me over the past 5 seasons.”

Do you have a favorite memory or moment from your time in marching band so far?

“My favorite memory from marching band is our trip to Pennsylvania for the USBands competition last year.”

What advice would you give to younger band members just starting their marching band journey?

“Make every second count and treat every run through like it’s your last!”

💙 Thank you, Gracelyn, for your leadership, energy, and passion. We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish in your senior year—both on and off the field!

Welcoming a new Athletic Director

We’re excited to welcome Mark Campbell, our new Athletic Director, to the Westbrook community! With a passion for student success and a strong vision for the future of school athletics, Mr. Campbell brings both experience and enthusiasm to his new role. As he steps into this leadership position, we thought it would be the perfect time to introduce him to our Music Boosters community. We asked him a few questions to get to know more about his background, goals, and thoughts on how our marching band and athletic programs can work together to build school spirit. Read on to learn more about Mark and his plans for the year ahead!

Welcome to Westbrook, Mr. Campbell!

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what led you to your new role as Athletic Director?

I’ve been a lifelong athlete and coach, with a particular passion for track and field, which I’ve coached at the high school level since 1998. Sports have always been a central part of who I am, shaping my values around teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. Professionally, I’ve dedicated the past 27 years to special education - 25 as a teacher and the last two as a district administrator - where I’ve worked to support students and families with diverse needs.

As a proud resident of Westbrook, I’ve long felt a deep connection to this community. Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible impact that Westbrook educators, coaches, and staff have had on my own children. That sense of gratitude has inspired a strong desire to give back. I’ve considered applying for roles in the district before, but when the Athletic Director position opened this year, it felt like the perfect opportunity to align my professional experience, personal passion, and community pride.

I’m thrilled to be stepping into this role and excited to get to work building strong programs, supporting our student-athletes, and honoring the tradition of excellence that defines Westbrook athletics.

What are your goals or vision for the athletic department in your first year?

In my first year as Athletic Director, my focus will be on finding ways to make our work more efficient and impactful. The athletics and activities office will continue to explore how technology can streamline operations, improve communication, and better support coaches, staff, and families. A key part of this effort will include expanding our outreach through the development of a new, user-friendly website and more active engagement on social media platforms.

Equally important to me is taking the time to truly connect with the Westbrook community - not just as a parent or resident, but as someone who is here to serve all of our students and families. I’m committed to understanding the full scope of our programs, listening to stakeholders, and learning how we can continue to grow.

I also want to reignite pride in our mascot and our shared heritage. Being a Blue Blaze is more than wearing a jersey -it’s about character, community, and tradition. I look forward to supporting our students in embracing that identity and carrying it forward with pride.

How do you plan to support student-athletes both on and off the field this school year?

My ultimate goal as an athletic director is to help shape the men and women of tomorrow. While others may judge my success by wins and losses, staff evaluations, or facilities management, I believe our greatest impact is measured in the lives our students go on to lead. The true success of our programs will be reflected in how these young people grow into parents, spouses, siblings, friends, and community members.

Wins and championships are meaningful - but legacies are not built on records alone. They’re built through the relationships we form, the values we teach, and the support we offer beyond the scoreboard. To truly influence the lives of our students, we must show up for them in every part of their world: in the classroom, at home, in the community, and on the field of play.

When students know we care about who they are - not just what they do - they begin to believe in what they can become. That’s when real growth happens. That’s the kind of impact I hope to lead - and the legacy I wish to leave.

What are you most excited about as you get to know Westbrook’s sports teams and traditions?

What excites me most in this role is the opportunity to continue building strong, meaningful connections between our schools and the greater community. I believe in the power of athletics and activities to bring people together, and I’m committed to creating events that go beyond the scoreboard - events that truly reflect the spirit and pride of our entire community.

I want to build on the traditions that already make Westbrook special while creating new opportunities for connection, celebration, and support. By strengthening relationships with families, alumni, local organizations, and neighbors, my hope is that our community continues to stand behind our students - not just as spectators, but as active partners in their growth and success.

How do you see the marching band contributing to the spirit and energy of school athletics? Are there any hopes or plans for collaboration between the marching band and sports teams at events like games, pep rallies, or community nights?

I have high hopes for building a strong partnership between our athletic programs and Westbrook’s music department. I fully recognize that it’s not the band’s responsibility to support athletics - but I also know the power of what happens when our students across programs come together. Westbrook is a music town with a proud history of excellence, and our athletic events feel different - more spirited, more connected - when the band is in the stands.

As someone who’s followed sports my whole life, I think of iconic experiences - like the Ohio State marching band energizing the crowd with fight songs, or the electric atmosphere inside Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke when the band plays during key moments of a game. These environments don’t just boost performance - they build tradition and school pride.

I believe we can create something special here in Westbrook, too - but it will take collaboration, thoughtful planning, and respect for the time and energy our music educators already dedicate to their students. I’m committed to those conversations and to finding a path forward that brings music and athletics together in a way that enhances the student experience without adding undue burden to anyone.

I’m also working on community-centered events like “Meet at the 50” and a revitalized homecoming parade - initiatives where I’d love to see our band and music programs play a central role. My goal is to create opportunities where all students can showcase their talents, feel valued, and be part of something bigger than themselves.