Curtain call: Retiring Castle South teacher hopes lessons from performances will endure
NEWBURGH, Ind. — When Treva Pruden first arrived at Castle South Middle School in 2009, her goal as choir director was to provide memorable experiences for her students.
In a year's time, Pruden established the school's first musical production, "Wipe Out," and from there, she would continue to organize these performances for 10 years, all of them varying in style and execution.
"The most rewarding part is the friendships that the students build and the memories they have," Pruden said. "What's really awesome is when you have a student who hasn't really found their niche anywhere else and then they find it.
"It's something they grow to love. Not that they have to go to Broadway or anything, but that they found a place where they belong at that point and time."
Now, after a February production of "The Music Man" that served as a curtain call of sorts for Pruden, she's retiring effective at the end of the school year.
She said she placed all her focus on her final production. That way, she could distract herself from the emotions she expected to feel once the last string of shows ended.
Pruden described the feeling as bittersweet. While she will have more time with friends and family, the students and parents she's connected with over the years will certainly be a big absence.
"The whole experience of having a musical at Castle South is by far one of the most fulfilling projects I've ever attempted in my career. I've had the opportunity to develop some amazing friendships with many wonderful students and families throughout the years. It has deeply blessed my life."
Before arriving at Castle South, Pruden was a traveling music teacher and organized musical productions at elementary schools in the area. She wanted to continue putting on those kinds of performances to build Castle South's music program and give students an opportunity to express themselves.
Missy Patterson, whose two children participated in Pruden's productions, said she's encouraged her daughters and other students to step outside their comfort zones and explore their creative side.
"They've totally come out of their shells," Patterson said. "It's all because of (Pruden). They love her. They respect her and she respects them. She really knows how to take care and really bring out the important things to these kids. I don't know how she does it."
Through the various productions led by Pruden, which include "The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree," "Hot Rod," "Friday Night Fever" and others, she says the preparation has always remained the same.
Every June, Pruden chooses a production to adapt and thinks about which students could fill specific roles. In late October, her students go through a series of auditions, where they are given scripts, CD's and any other materials needed for rehearsals.
And then, after several months of preparation, the students hit the Castle South stage to perform through one weekend of the school year.
Pruden says the school's productions are far from an independent venture.
Her husband, along with Castle South parents, help with each show's choreography, costumes, lights and set designs.
"I've always had wonderful support from the parents, and you really can't pull something off like this without that," she said. "It's essential to have a successful program, and I've been very blessed throughout the years to have amazing parents."
Patterson said each production nearly sells out because of the countless hours Pruden puts in to ensure each show is a success.
"She's put her life into this, and the last 10 years at Castle South have been great," Patterson said. "So everybody is just beside themselves, because no one knows who's going to take over the program."
Though her last production has passed, Pruden believes the values and lessons she's shared with her students will continue to endure.
"I hope they grow to love and appreciate the fine arts and to be respectful and kind to other people, because I really do stress the respect with other students," she said.