When it comes to the arts, the Higgins family certainly have had their fair share of time in the spotlight. Both musically and theatrically inclined, Margaret, Brian, and Morgan Higgins have taken to the stage for two generations, participating in a variety of programs offered through the school district, and it all started with the Higgins’ family matriarch, Margaret.
A Versatile Education
Growing up in the State College Area School District, Margaret had a passion for the arts for as long as she can remember. “I have clear memories of singing in musical productions as far back as first grade at Park Forest Elementary. I later started clarinet lessons with Lenore Horner, which led to my participation in band, choir, and orchestra in middle and high school,” she recalls. Tapping into her love of theatre, she also participated in the Park Forest Junior High drama club.
When Margaret entered high school, she found it difficult to define herself as a primarily vocal or instrumental performer. Margaret was encouraged to try different instruments and quickly found out that she had a talent for easily picking up new woodwind instruments. “At some point, I was encouraged to the try bass and alto clarinet. This decision got me into the selective Wind Ensemble as a sophomore and during my junior year, Richard Victor suggested I might give the bassoon a try. While I loved singing and theatre, it was the bassoon that led me to the PMEA All-State Festival my senior year,” she says. This experience, and the encouragement to try new things, made a big impact on Margaret. “I’m grateful for the encouragement to become a versatile musician, rather than someone who specialized in only one instrument or style.”
Margaret quickly realized that music was meant to be an integral part of her life. “When I started college, my intention was to major in Music Therapy. While that turned out not to be the best fit for me, I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in vocal performance. Music was always a comfort zone for me.” Today, Margaret continues to make the arts a focus in her life. She has worked with State College Community Theatre and the school district in positions related to the arts.
A Surprising Benefit
As a mother, Margaret knew it was important to pass down her love of the arts to her children. Both her son, Brian, and daughter, Morgan, have been involved in the arts for most of their lives and she is grateful for the impact that has made on them. “The arts have given both of my children an outlet for creativity and expression. There’s plenty of research available about the positive influences of music instruction during childhood, and they are both great examples of those benefits. Participation in music and theatre has also served as the foundation for their social relationships, many of which will last for a lifetime.”
Brian currently attends Penn State University, majoring in Information Technology and Cybersecurity. While he isn’t studying music, Brian still seeks out opportunities to play. “I haven't been involved in any ensembles, but I did play in pit orchestras for a wide variety of musicals. I played for Penn State Thespians productions of Legally Blonde and Rock of Ages, but one musical I really enjoyed playing for was Company for the Nittany Theatre at the Barn. The music was amazing and fun to play, and I got to meet a lot of talented people.”
As a SCASD student, Brian earned top chairs at PMEA District Band and was a senior award recipient of the Mario Marcanti Award. While proud of these accomplishments, Brian likes to focus on the music itself, rather than awards. “They were very exciting moments in high school for me, but playing music was always better than receiving awards. I did earn a scholarship and high chairs, but I wasn’t aiming for them. I just wanted to play music.”
Brian attributes his passion and talent for music to his mother. “My mom always encouraged me to be involved in music. In 5th grade, she wanted me to choose an instrument to play in band. I don't remember why I chose percussion, but according to my mom, it was because I was enjoying being in my church's chime and handbell choir. After a few lessons, I became self-motivated. She encouraged me to join jazz band and marching band, but I motivated my own involvement in those bands.” Even now, Brian is realizing the benefits he continues to receive by studying music. His time spent playing for SCASD has nurtured his love of music and has even surprised him in a few ways. “It helped me appreciate more genres of music. Before my involvement at SCASD, I never went out of my way to listen to music. When I started playing music at SCASD, I realized that some classical songs were actually good. Jazz band helped me realize that some jazz songs are fun to listen to. Now I can sometimes catch myself drumming along to music I might not have liked 10 years ago.”
An Experience Like No Other
As for Morgan, she continues to be very active at State High in the thespian and music scene. Morgan is currently preparing for her role as Smitty in How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, and has played past roles in both Fiddler on the Roof and Peter and the Starcatcher. Each role Morgan has played helps to develop her as a performer. “In Fiddler on the Roof, I played a Jewish girl who was disowned by her father when she wanted to marry a Russian soldier. That was a great learning experience for tapping into intense emotions and finding a way to convey them honestly on stage. In Peter and the Starcatcher, I played Bill Slank, a sleazy, uncaring male ship captain. This was also a great learning experience, since I had to play a different gender and do it in comedic fashion. It was one of my first comedic roles.”
The Thespian group at State High is where Morgan’s close relationships with her peers have flourished. “Thespians has over 50 members this year. What I love most about the group is that many of us will stay together throughout our high school years. You often end of having your best friends there.” In addition to the deep connections developed through theatre, Morgan also receives an education into the technical side of performances. “I love all of the opportunities to explore different facets of theatre, especially our technical side. Although I’ve been cast in the past three shows, I still come to the set building and painting days often because I love the other creative side it offers.”
The Thespian group has also provided Morgan with the opportunity to tap into her love of service and leadership. Last year, she was the sophomore representative on the Thespian Board, providing her with valuable skills that will help her in the future. “Being on the board involved taking up a lot of leadership roles, including heading committees and make decisions on show selection.”
Morgan is also a member of the Master Singers Choir. She recently performed an opera with the group and was excited about the experience. “It was a fantastic experience. We got amazing feedback from music lovers and professionals within our community.”
With the continued support of her family, Morgan is now looking to her future and knows that her experience as an artist will be beneficial to her down the road. “After I graduate from State High, I’d like to major in world language education at Penn State. Most people are surprised when I say that because seems that all my activities are centered around musical theatre, but during the school day and at home, I love learning German and I'd really like to teach it someday. I feel that musical theatre has helped me develop a lot of skills that would be useful as a teacher. Learning how to project so that you can be heard without yelling is essential to keeping order in a classroom. I'm also not afraid to speak in front of large groups since I've been doing it for almost a decade now. Theatre has taught me how to engage an audience, which means I'll be able to keep my students engaged during lessons.”
Morgan is grateful for the early exposure to the arts and the excellent opportunities available to her at State High. “My parents have pointed out to me that if I was not in SCASD, I probably wouldn’t have been able to experience what I have. The music faculty in the school district work really hard to provide opportunities for their students.”
Reflecting on the special connection she shares with her mom, Morgan knows that they share a unique bond. “It’s still incredible to me that although my mom and I are from different generations, we’ve performed on the same stage with the same troupe. I love carrying the torch.”
With her children heavily involved in the arts, Margaret has found new ways to stay connected, sharing her knowledge and experience with this generation of artists. She was an officer for the State College Music Boosters for the past six years, just recently completing her term as Treasurer. Prior to that position, she also served as President and Vice President, staying part of a program that meant so much to her as a high school student. “State High Music is truly a legacy, and Music Boosters gave me a role where I could feel connected to the programs as my kids grew and embraced music in their own lives.” Her involvement in the Music Boosters, as well as Bravo Boosters, has allowed her to not only watch her children, but actively participate in their own experiences. From chaperoning this year’s Thespian trip to the Pennsylvania International Thespian Society conference to accompanying her son’s music ensemble to New York City, Margaret and her children have created memories that will last a lifetime. “I’ve had unforgettable glimpses into their friendships and interactions, how they support each other musically and personally. Music brings out the best in them.”
