Jan’s Story: The Horst family first heard about Rockbridge Academy from our friends the Schonthalers. My husband John attended one of the early information meetings, but it wasn’t until the spring of 1998 that we learned that Rockbridge was in need of a music teacher. John encouraged me (Jan) to apply. I had taught music in both public and private schools and was at the time homeschooling my boys. I interviewed and was hired.
I began teaching at Rockbridge in the fall of 1998 with 4 boys in tow. This was the beginning of a 14-year journey at the school for our family. While at Rockbridge, I developed the music curriculum and built the choir program. In the spring of 2000, I organized a musical event for the upper school and called it “An Evening of English Fare.” It was a catered dinner with a show to follow that included all things English: scenes from Shakespeare plays and musical numbers from Pirates of Penzance and My Fair Lady. The show ended with the English hymn “Jerusalem” by Sir Hubert Perry. At the time, the upper school had only 7th and 8th graders. By 2002, I partnered with Mike McKenna, our new headmaster, to produce a full musical, The Music Man by Meredith Willson.
“Thus, a Rockbridge tradition was born.”
During my 14-year tenure, my husband, John, served as an accompanist for all of our concerts, choral competitions and musical programs. His talent and skill made it possible for the choirs to perform challenging classical music. All four of my sons graduated from Rockbridge.
My son Justin was in the first graduating class of 2004. He is now a Rockbridge parent and board member. Now we attend grandparent events! Rockbridge will always have a special place in our hearts.
Favorite Memory: I have so many wonderful memories at Rockbridge; it is hard to narrow it down to just one. I was able to go on the Grand Tour with my son, Gilbert, and his classmates. It was a wonderful trip!
Part of Rockbridge Academy’s 30 Stories for 30 Years.