Instructors of performing arts at McDonogh are not just teachers: they are performers. All of our instructors perform professionally in the Baltimore area. McDonogh's performing arts teachers are recognized as some of the best in their fields. They impart their commitment to excellence to each student.
Pete Hengen, Band
Pete Hengen is a teacher, musician, and pyrotechnician. In addition to his positions as band instructor for McDonogh students grades 5-12, Hengen is a freelance musician and contractor with a degree in trumpet from the Peabody Conservatory. At McDonogh, Hengen has served as the technical director at the Ceres M. Horn Theatre in The Burck Center for the Performing Arts. He continues his technical theatre expertise as part-time staff at Towson University's Stephens Hall. His set design credits include McDonogh's Good News and Footloose as well as "Annie Get Your Gun" at Toby's Dinner Theatre. As a pyrotechnician, Hengen currently holds PGI certification, a Maryland Leadshooter's Certificate, and ATFE explosives permits.
Ilona Kessell, Dance
Since 1988, Ilona Kessell has choreographed and musically staged over 50 productions for Toby's Dinner Theatre in Columbia, MD. Over the years, Kessel has received the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Choreography twice and has been nominated for the regional honor seven other times.
Kessell's teaching specialties are jazz, tap, and musical theatre. Her concert dance choreography has been featured at the Chautauqua Institute and choreographers’ showcases in Baltimore, MD. In addition to her work at McDonogh, Kessell serves as an adjunct instructor for the Department of Performing Arts at American University. She has also been a member of the dance faculties of the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, Goucher College, the Chautauqua Institute, as well as a number of commercial studios. Kessell is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers and the National Dance Association.
Philip Olsen-Vocal Music
Philip Olsen is in his fifteenth year as director of the Upper School choirs at McDonogh School. Prior to coming to McDonogh, he held positions as Assistant Professor of Music and Conductor of the University Chorus at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, and Director of the Euterpean Choral Ensemble, a professional choir in New York City. He holds a master’s degree in choral conducting from Florida State University, where he studied with Joseph R. Flummerfelt and Colleen J. Kirk. In addition to his responsibilities at McDonogh, Olsen is music director for the Second Presbyterian Church of Baltimore.
Susan Tanury-Theater
Susan Tanury Pugh has been part of McDonogh's theatre staff since 1999. After earning a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's University of Minnesota, Tanury Pugh gained experience as a stage manager at Trinity Repertory in Providence, R.I. and Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. She also worked in Paris, London, and at various summer stock programs in Cape Cod, MA. She returned to her Rhode Island roots when the teaching bug hit, developing the drama program and managing the theater at her high school alma mater. At McDonogh, Tanury Pugh has directed several productions, developed a formal theatre education program, headed the Upper School drama department, and developed the McDonogh TV course. She is currently one of the theater managers.
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