At Random Lake School District, the performing arts are more than just an activity, they’re a place where students find connection, confidence, and community. Choir Director and Drama Club Advisor Nikki Anderson has played a key role in shaping that experience, and the impact of her work is evident in the growing strength of the choir program, the enthusiasm around drama, and the relationships built along the way.
Anderson describes the choir program as a space where students truly feel like family. “Everyone pushes each other to be the best they can be, without feeling like they have to be perfect,” she explained. That balance has made choir a space where students not only connect with music but with each other. This year, the Vocal Jazz group earned a perfect score and first-place finish at the state level, a testament to the dedication and effort the students put in. The concert choir also made significant strides, advancing from three-part music in the fall to performing college-level pieces by spring. Anderson believes these successes give students hope and a sense of what’s possible.
What makes Anderson’s approach stand out is her focus on building strong relationships with students. In a small school setting, she’s able to connect with kids even before they reach middle school. “I believe in encouraging students for who they are, even outside of choir,” she said. She’s intentional about making her classroom a fun, safe space where students can be themselves. “I allow them to be their weird little selves,” she said with a smile. Her hope is that every student leaves feeling valued, welcomed, and confident in their ability to contribute, regardless of talent level.
Beyond choir, Anderson leads the drama club and volunteers with Lakeshore Productions, Inc. (LPI), a community theater organization that gives students the opportunity to perform alongside adults and peers from other districts. She believes those experiences help students grow in unique ways, offering connections that extend beyond Random Lake. The drama club also exposes students to the broader world of performing arts. They’ve attended professional productions in Chicago, participated in the Milwaukee Bucks’ Drama Day, and explored how theater skills translate to other areas like sports and public speaking.
Anderson has seen firsthand how involvement in the arts helps students step out of their comfort zones and grow, both personally and academically. Skills like listening, collaboration, and confidence often carry over into other areas of students’ lives. Whether it’s through choir, drama, or community partnerships, she’s passionate about helping students realize their potential and find joy in the process.
Anderson believes music and theater offer something truly unique: an experience built entirely around collaboration. “It’s one of the few spaces where everything depends on the group coming together for a single purpose: the performance,” she said. “Then it’s over, but the memories last. They stay with students in a deep, meaningful way.”
For Anderson, the rewards of teaching are clear. She is constantly reminded of why she does what she does, watching students grow, take risks, and form lasting bonds. As the performing arts programs at Random Lake continue to thrive, her dedication is helping ensure those opportunities remain strong for years to come.