This year, Chapman welcomed Kendra Hamilton as the new orchestra teacher. This is her first year teaching at the high school level.

“I am so excited,” Hamilton said. “I hope to grow our orchestra, to build the culture and to grow it into our students and our program.”

Hamilton previously worked at Glenview Middle School in Anderson County but is excited to see what Chapman has to offer.

“The culture that this school has is very inviting,” Hamilton said. “Everybody — the staff, students and administration — are super nice, and I just felt like there was such a large support for every type of class, including the arts.”

Outside of school, Hamilton enjoys spending time with her family and pets.

“I enjoy spending time with my dog and cat,” she said. “I also enjoy crafting and just playing my instrument outside of school.”

Hamilton is looking forward to this year and is ready to make her impact on the orchestra department.

“I’m just ready to see what the high school experience is all about,” she said.