Music is a passion for a lot of Harbor City International School (HCIS) students, and this year we have someone new helping to nurture that love. Matthew Hunke has joined our team as Choir & Activities Director, and we couldn't be more excited about the creativity he brings to our students. We caught up with him to learn what brought him to Harbor City and what he's most looking forward to in his new role at our tuition-free charter school.
What’s one skill you have that might surprise us?
I can solve a lot of different Rubik’s Cubes!
What drew you to HCIS?
I went to the spring choir concert last year and I was blown away by the professionalism and camaraderie on display. It was clear to me that Harbor City really values the arts and gives students opportunities to explore music through a variety of avenues. I also love our community engagement. I think it’s harder than ever for people to find community, and building it into the curriculum is an awesome way to get our students involved in the Twin Ports!
If you could design your own HCIS symposium week, what would students be exploring with you?
I would love to do a hardcore punk music symposium! I love heavy music and DIY bands, but it felt unrepresented in my school’s music offerings growing up. Giving students the chance to learn non-traditional music in an academic setting would be a big full circle moment for me. I would love to teach students about the history of the genre and explore aspects of event promotion, dance, culture, and come up with a set list to play at a local show.
What's your favorite room of HCIS?
I love the music room! All the natural light and wood floors make it a great place for lesson planning and decompressing.
Tell us a little bit about your life outside of HCIS!
I teach music lessons in the Twin Ports area and I sing with the Twin Ports Choral Project (I would love to see you at a concert!). I live in Duluth with my girlfriend and I love snowboarding, hiking, and playing Magic the Gathering.
Talented, caring HCIS staff serve our students with top-notch whole child education in a tuition-free charter school environment. Contact us and enroll today.
About Harbor City International School
Harbor City International School is a tuition-free public charter school serving grades 7-12 in the Duluth, Minnesota area. Our highly ranked academic curriculum is augmented by robust arts and music programming and inspiring experiential symposiums, all in a warm and welcoming small school environment. Join the next generation of global citizens at Harbor City International School today! Enrolling now.
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