Brookwood High School’s musical director leads her 100th show

     Brookwood High School’s recent production of the musical, String, by Sarah Hammond and Adam Gwon, marked a major milestone for Musical Director Kim Peeples– her 100th show!

     As a former chorus teacher at Brookwood High, Peeples has been working with the musical theatre program for the past 43 years in partnership with drama teacher, musical director, and former student, Laura Lindahl.

     “Brookwood is a special place, and I am honored to have been part of the Fine Arts Department for so many years. There are many choral directors who also serve as the music director for school musical theater productions, but I am not sure many make it to 100 shows,” Peeples says. “Why would I ever want to leave a place that strives to offer the best opportunities for students who love the arts?”

     Lindahl met Peeples in 4th grade when her family moved to the Brookwood community, and Peeples served as Lindahl’s music director for the production of Annie. Peeples also worked with Lindahl’s parents, Ken and Patty Lindahl, on many musical productions and considers them family. In high school, Lindahl was part of both the theatre and the choral program, calling them her “two favorite classes of the day.” Lindahl says Peeples has helped lay the foundation for the award-winning Brookwood Theatre Program since the early 1980s. When not directing, Peeples could be seen performing on stage in shows such as The Sound of Music and Fiddler on the Roof.

     “Her decades of experience, both on stage and as choral and music director, have given our students invaluable knowledge from various perspectives. Her vast knowledge of the voice helps students to grow and develop into skilled vocalists,” Lindahl adds. “Additionally, Kim gives the students the confidence to see in themselves what she already sees in them. Students are often reflecting upon graduation how Kim Peeples made them feel seen and helped them learn the value they each held.”

     Lindahl says lessons from Peeples stayed with her for years and helped her in her own career as a singer and actor before she came back to Georgia to teach. She adds that working with her former teacher is a gift, and she continues to learn from Peeples alongside her students.

     “I cannot adequately put into words what joy it brings me to see Laura thrive as a director and teacher. I honestly learn from her every day and am blessed to have had such a long relationship with her,” Peeples says.

     One of the lessons Peeples instills in students is that the cast and crew of a musical theater production function as a team; it takes every single person working at their optimum to have a successful outcome. Peeples adds that she helps students understand that being involved in the productions helps build lifelong skills such as teamwork, communication, time management, creativity, and self-confidence.

     “We are both very passionate about theatre and the positive effects it has on students. If you come to a rehearsal, there is a chance you will see us both crying with pride in the work our students are doing,” Lindahl says. “Kim is more than just a friend or colleague. She is truly family.”

     Brookwood High students performed the full-length version of String in October and took a shortened version to the 2025 Georgia High School Association (GHSA) One Act Play Competition, where the ensemble won the regional award and placed 2nd at the state competition. Additionally, shows under Peeples’ music direction have been invited multiple times to perform in state and International Thespian Conferences. She has also won Best Music Director at the Georgia Musical Theatre “Shuler” Awards.  

     “I have been blessed to work with several children of past students, and this brings me such joy,” Peeples adds. “Maybe I will have the chance to work with some of their grandchildren soon!”