Sometimes, mother really does know best. Although Quandrell Claybrooks wanted to pursue a career in the creative arts, his mother imagined a different script for his life in education. While he initially resisted, he consistently found himself working in education. Beginning his career in elementary schools, then moving on to the collegiate level at Spelman College, and even receiving an offer from the Atlanta Opera, Quandrell was led exactly where he was meant to be—blending his passion for the arts with education as the Chorale and Drama Director at Westlake High School.
Currently closing the curtain on his fourth year, Quandrell has already transformed Westlake’s music and theater programs into a creative powerhouse for the arts in South Fulton. His vision is for Westlake to be a cultural and artistic hub for the South Fulton community as the city continues to develop. He also hopes to be an arts partner in the community and collaborate with organizations like the Southwest Arts Center to help students prepare for college and pursue creative careers.
Under Quandrell’s direction, the program has already earned standing ovations and huge successes, including winning the Schuler Award—equivalent to a Tony Award for high school musical theater—for its production of “Sister Act” and being nominated for a Tony Award for Excellence in Theater Education.
Yet, Quandrell’s ultimate goal for his students is much greater than all the applause: he hopes for them to gain skills to be “well-rounded, well-versed, and dynamic, whether you channel it through the arts or not.” Many former students of Westlake’s program have gone on to study the arts in college or have launched their professional careers directly, already starring in local productions.
What’s on deck for Westlake? A production of the beloved classic, “The Wiz,” a show that the South Fulton community will be sure to cherish. With Quandrell continuing to make an impact on Westlake and South Fulton, the spotlight can only get brighter.
Claybrooks hopes for his students to be “well-rounded, well-versed, and dynamic, whether [they] channel it through the arts or not."