Alta High music director says program gives students an emotional outlet and a place to belong

Caleb Chappesteri, director of instrumental music at Alta High School, told attendees that music classes give students an emotional outlet and a space to relax during a presentation in the school's new music hall. "Music does something for kids. It gives them an outlet to share their emotions that they can't share verbally," Chappesteri said.

Chappesteri, who said he graduated from Alta High School in 2008 and studied music education at the University of Utah, returned to teach at his alma mater and has been teaching there for 12 years. He described the new music hall as a place where students can "just come and be at home," and said his role is as much about mentoring as instruction. "My priority is my students, and I feel like if we create a culture and I create a space for my students that they can just come and be at home, I feel like I've done my job," he said.

Chappesteri emphasized the program's developmental arc: seeing students struggle with a skill one day and "the next day get excited that they nailed it," and following them from early auditions through graduation. He said building relationships and checking in on students' well-being are central to his work: "I need to be a mentor first before a teacher... Building relationships with the students, making sure they're okay," he said. He also noted everyday concerns such as ensuring students have time to eat in the morning.

The presentation combined personal background, classroom priorities and a brief demonstration of exercises used in rehearsal. Chappesteri concluded by stating his principal aim for students: "It's to be a good person and to treat people with kindness," adding that he hopes students leave the program having learned that lesson.

No formal actions, funding details or policy changes were discussed in the recorded segment.