Upper School at Wheeler

This summer, Kush P. ’28 performed at Carnegie Hall`s Weill Recital Hall in New York City after earning First Prize in the Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition, which recognizes talented musicians from around the world!

Although the invitation arrived this year, Kush explained that preparation began months earlier. Last October, he started learning Frédéric Chopin`s “Etude Op. 10 No. 4.” "I worked on it all year," he said. "Although it`s a short piece, just under three minutes and only six pages, it`s quite technically challenging." 

Mastering the notes was only part of the process; Kush said developing the musical interpretation took even longer. "I spent the last few months leading up to the recital really making it sound `concert-ready.` More than anything, that means practicing slowly and getting full control over the sound of every note."

As the recital approached, Kush continued preparing with his piano teacher, Nonetta Shatakhtsian of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School. "Her expert advice, encouragement, and enthusiasm have brought me to this point,” he added.

At Wheeler, Upper School Jazz Music Teacher Francisco Pais Cardoso has seen Kush`s curiosity and dedication firsthand, describing him as "an extremely motivated and wonderful classical pianist" with "amazing technique" and “a willingness to explore different musical styles.”

"Waiting backstage was the most challenging aspect," Kush noted. "In fact, when I got on stage to perform, it didn`t feel scary at all. In that moment, I knew I was prepared, and no matter how well the performance was going to go, I had made it to that point."

Following the recital, Kush joined musicians of all ages and instruments on stage for an awards ceremony, where they received trophies and certificates recognizing their achievements.

"After my final bow, I felt truly accomplished," Kush reflected. "Performing in Carnegie Hall is certainly a milestone in my musical career. It was meaningful to finally perform something I had spent so long working on. I can`t wait to continue growing as a pianist!" 🎹✨

📸 Credit: Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition

“When students, faculty, staff, and visitors walk through the Cummings Room hallway this fall, they`ll be welcomed by Wheeler`s previous heads of school, whose portraits are now being hung,” says Providence Campus Director of Operations Nicole Mineo P’38 as she gives us a tour of the campus renovations currently underway. ⚒️

Originally, Ms. Mineo explains, each portrait hung in the building dedicated to that head of school. “It made sense why they would be present in those spaces, but we realized that gathering them all in this common space, with Mary C. Wheeler as the lead, would create a connection to Wheeler’s history while celebrating the legacy and contributions of previous leaders.”

That same spirit of honoring Wheeler’s past while creating spaces for today’s community is evident across campus this summer. The first floor of the Hope Building is receiving a fresh new look, the Nulman Lewis Student Center is being updated with bright blue lounge seating, and Madden Gym is getting new touches of Wheeler pride, including a mural by alumna Elaine Phuong ’26, photo collages celebrating student-athletes and Field Day moments, and a bold “One Wheeler” tribute. 💜💛

One of the most anticipated transformations is the former locker room area in the Fresh Air Building (FAB), which is being reimagined as The Commons, a new work and lounge space for Upper Schoolers. Made possible through this year’s Senior Family Gift, the space will provide students with another place to study and connect. Students wondering where they`ll store their belongings can rest assured. Ms. Mineo says lockers will be relocated throughout Morgan Hall.

“These campus-wide upgrades represent a major milestone for our Operations and Facilities teams,” she adds. “We spent significant time engaging with our students, faculty, and staff to understand their needs, and we’re excited for the Wheeler community to experience these transformed spaces and modern upgrades this new school year.” ✨

A new season of learning is underway at Hamilton 🌞. 

“We were thrilled to welcome 42 children on Monday morning to this year`s four-week Hamilton Summer Program, where learning and fun are deeply entwined,” share Director of the Hamilton Institute Jeanette Epstein and Head of the Hamilton School at Wheeler Bill McCarthy.

Now in its fourth year, this intensive program supports students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences during the summer break. Through specialized instruction in reading, writing, and spelling, students develop essential literacy skills while building confidence – just as they do at Hamilton during the school year. 📚💡

“Our attendees are already showing progress in learning how to crack the code to reading, writing, and spelling, and parents and guardians have shared that their children are finding the summer program both meaningful and enjoyable,” shares Ms. Epstein.

“While one of the primary goals of our program is to help solidify children`s literacy skills, we also prioritize strengthening their confidence and identities as readers, writers, thinkers, and innovators,” adds Mr. McCarthy.

With three weeks still ahead, Ms. Epstein and Mr. McCarthy look forward to seeing each student`s growth continue throughout the remainder of the program.