SUMMER 2025 What does a typical workday look like for you? I begin my mornings with elementary ramp duty at 7:30 am. On Thursdays, I gather the student Worship Team and head straight to rehearsal to prepare for our 8:30 am chapel service. After this, I do administrative work and prep for the day’s 30-minute music rotations with 1st- 5th graders. Every class is hands-on and active. Depending on the day, we may use scarves, rhythm sticks, handbells, drums, beanbags, recorders, or learn music theory. Each class is a new opportunity to use God-given gifts. After lunch, I dive into rehearsals for one of the annual programs elementary has each year, including Grandparents Day, Veterans Day, Speech Meet, MLK, Kindergarten Graduation, Banner Chapel, or the Pre-K Love Bugs performance. There’s always something on the horizon! I also collaborate with our Fine Arts team, working closely with Art, Band, Choir, and Drama. One of my greatest joys is leading our Thespian Club for high school students (grades 9–12) at lunch, where we encourage participation in creative arts events and school musicals to earn points toward official Thespian membership. During one of my busiest seasons, January through March, my evenings are filled with Secondary Musical rehearsals from around 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. These productions are worth every minute of after-school rehearsals. Then it’s time to recharge, because tomorrow brings another opportunity to inspire, create, teach, and share the love of music! What inspired your love of music and the arts? When I was asked as a child, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I always answered, “I want to be on Broadway!” Later, I wrote a play for all the kids in my neighborhood, trained at a dance company, and sang frequently at church. I attended Ouachita Baptist University on a vocal scholarship, where my love for music deepened. I had no idea at the time that the Lord was preparing me to put song and dance together, and I would be directing, writing, and choreographing shows at Shiloh. Music and the creative arts shaped my deep desire, not just to perform, but to move hearts, tell stories, do hard KIM DARR 27 things, and create lasting memories. I want the audience to be a part of an experience and to reflect God's amazing handiwork through music and the performing arts. What are the most valuable lessons you have learned during your time at Shiloh? Ministry happens in the in-between moments: Some of the most powerful teaching has happened outside the classroom, in backstage conversations, after-school rehearsals, or quiet encouragement during a difficult day. I’ve learned that the role of a teacher is also to shepherd, mentor, be a prayer warrior, and a cheerleader. I am nothing without the army of talented people around me: They are creative, humble, kind, passionate, and put in hours upon hours striving for excellence. Worship is more than a performance: Watching students use their gifts for God’s glory is the greatest reward. Every child is gifted differently, and it’s beautiful: Some shine on stage; others thrive behind the scenes. God creates each child uniquely, and I’ve learned to value all their strengths. Theatre builds belonging: Students involved in various school activities, including sports, clubs, and extracurricular activities, unite with a common bond and become a tight-knit theatre family. The long game matters: All these years have allowed me to see the fruit of seeds planted long ago in my former students. I’ve watched students grow into godly leaders, which reminds me that every encounter counts, even on tough days.
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