A quick introduction to a larger topic that we’ll be covering in more detail- Will Graham, Midland School‘s Head of School, brought Midland alumnus Peter Coonradt and his work to our attention.
Peter, did as many boarding school alumni. He graduated; pursued his studies and went on to success as filmmaker. After being away from Midland for 40 years, Coornradt returns to campus and finds the school very much alive in his being. Midland’s continued presence in his thinking prompted Coonradt to make two movies about the school in the last three years.
The first movie, “Midland” explores Coonradt’s return and the accompanying awakening and realization that he’s been carrying and using Midland lessons and experiences though his life.
“…That’s me in 1962. After I graduated, I never came back, until now…What brought me back was just coincidence. Nothing I was ever planning on. But when I got here, something happened. Nothing dramatic and it took awhile to soak-in. But, it’s deep. That’s what I want to try to get across…” Coonradt narrates in Midland.
Graham writes:
“…Peter strives to capture Midland’s climate for learning as he digs deep to reveal the lasting effect the school has on the hearts, minds, and souls of its people; his films are a labor of love.”
While, “Midland” is personal, Coonradt takes a broader perspective in “Midland Stories” turning his lens outward taking his camera off campus and across the country to find and explore Midland’s lasting effects and the ways that alumni carry Midland through their lives.
Pete tells me, “Watching “Midland Stories” first is a little like taking Geometry 1B before taking Geometry 1A.”
So we’ll start with Pete’s suggestion, “Midland” first. “Midland” isn’t available on-line in its entirety so here are the first two (of six) sections on YouTube. Enjoy.
