Abby Thompson, Elkhorn High School Class of 2006
Interview conducted by Ann Huddleston, Alumni Relations
2006 Elkhorn High School graduate Abby Thompson keeps busy as the vocal music teacher at Elkhorn High School teaching three choirs, music theory, directs both show choirs, directs the musical, and other small ensembles including Jazz Choir.
Your parents, LeAnn Thompson (Mrs. T), and Scot Thompson, taught in the Elkhorn district; what was it like growing up with parents who taught here? Did their teaching style or passion for education influence the way you teach?
School in Elkhorn was always an enjoyable place and felt like home. Like many teacher’s kids, I grew up playing school and wanting to be a teacher. This “back to school” time of year reminds me of spending many hours in my parents’ classrooms as they prepared for the school year, something I enjoy doing as well. Planning, dreaming, creating for the year ahead. Teaching has always been a lifestyle for our family. We enjoy the way we interact with our school community outside of the classroom and cheering on our students in their activities and life endeavors.
Music opportunities, especially in high school with my directors Mr. Torrens and Mr. Hays, were especially memorable and formative. Today, I enjoy music-making and facilitating musical experiences at the high school level where students are working to become independent musicians and their musical strengths/preferences become more evident.
What’s the most rewarding part of directing a choir or musical?
The most rewarding part of directing a choir or musical is finding a song, show, or concept meant to challenge and grow students’ skill as performers and having them take ownership and make creative decisions that exceed what they (and sometimes even I) dreamed they could do. The few months a year of preparing a musical is demanding but so rewarding. Students get to show off skills on stage and behind the scenes, taking on projects that showcase their skill sets as singers, dancers, actors/actresses, designers, etc. There are so many different facets to a well-run production and so many students step up to learn the skills required each year. I especially value the relationships built with students and their parent/guardians who always take such a huge role in set building, set decoration, painting, etc. There are so many costume pieces, set pieces, musical numbers to coordinate and it is not possible without an extraordinary amount of commitment, time, and expertise from an entire community who cares about the arts.
How do you choose the right songs or shows for your students?
I do a lot of planning over the summer, when I can listen and research a lot (especially for creative decisions about a show choir show or musical). Because I often get to work with students over four years, I consider the strengths of returning students/classes as well as areas we can challenge and grow. Over a student’s four years, I hope they have the opportunity to experience different styles, time periods, and types of music they wouldn’t have otherwise encountered on their own.
Do you see former students still involved in music? How does that feel?
I love seeing students involved in music beyond high school, especially in college choirs, student-led a cappella groups, churches, and musicals within the community. I have former students on both coasts and everywhere in between, many pursuing musical/drama or technical theatre as a career. I often catch many musicals in the Omaha Metro (especially during the summer) that involve EHS alumni!
You recently hosted an Elkhorn High 50th year musical event. What inspired that and please give us a brief synopsis and photos!
A few years ago, we decided to list the past EHS musicals in our musical program for patrons to see. At the time (with the help from EHS historians like now retired teacher Bob Wolf), we believed the first-ever EHS music was Brigadoon performed in the EHS Cafetorium (current EPS Teacher Training Center). (Side note: I grew up playing middle school basketball and attending EMS “5th quarter” social events at the Cafetorium.)
We were set to hit 50 musicals in the 24-25 school year, which we thought was a good time to celebrate, especially with the EPS bond which allocated major renovations in the EHS auditorium which has been such a huge part of our musical history (shows since 1980 on have taken place in our auditorium).
During my trips to the Elkhorn Historical Society, we were able to determine that Brigadoon was the first of 50 consecutive EHS musicals, but there had been 4 previous shows, so now 54 total!
When I attended EHS (2002-2006), I was taught by both of the previous two directors who are still active in the Elkhorn community and the metro Omaha music community. The three of us combined directed 48 of these musicals: Gene Torrens (28), Dan Hays (6), and Abby Thompson (14). Thanks to these two, we had great archives at EHS and also some materials in our own personal archives to represent the span of the 50+ years well. I was also extremely impressed with the coverage of musicals in the EHS yearbooks for shows that predated a lot of other print related materials.
Last year, in conjunction with the 50th Musical Anniversary Celebration we had archives representing all the EHS past shows as well as an Open House/Reception to show off the new space and welcome back alumni and alumni families. It was a joyful day spent sharing memories through photos, video/audio clips, and introducing our current students to the truly amazing and storied history of music and musical theatre at Elkhorn High.
What do you enjoy doing outside of school?
I enjoy traveling to see my brother and his family in Atlanta and spending many weekends with extended family in Wahoo (where my parents grew up). I enjoy house/yard projects, attending concerts/musicals, and naps to catch up on sleep after long days at school!
What was it like to see the school from a student’s perspective, and now a teacher’s?
I really enjoy the culture of Elkhorn High School, especially how it has maintained its “classic” spirit through (now two) school splits and many changes in staff/admin/departments. Despite changes, Elkhorn High has a unique spirit and pride and it’s a special place to spend time as a former student, now staff member.
