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Arthur Thovmasian, Department Chair and Instrumental Music Director
413-565-4220 ext. 2332
athovmasian@longmeadow.k12.ma.us
A native Rhode Islander, Arthur Thovmasian earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts from Boston University, a Master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire. As a trombonist, he has has performed nationally and internationally with numerous ensembles. These groups include the American Institute of Music’s Orchestra based in Graz, Austria, the Symphony Orchestra Academy of the Pacific in Vancouver, British Colombia and the Monterrey Symphony Orchestra in Monterrey, Mexico. Locally, he has performed with groups including the Albany Symphony Orchestra, Portland Symphony Orchestra (Maine), the Lexington Symphony Orchestra, the University of New Hampshire faculty brass quintet. In 2012, he was a finalist in the American Trombone Workshop’s International Solo Competition.
Prior to his appointment at Longmeadow High School, Arthur was on the faculty at Southbridge High School where he led the school’s concert band, jazz ensemble and marching band. During his first year at SHS, he was named Southbridge High School’s Educator of the Year. Arthur has additionally taught for the Boston University Music Education Department, the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, the University of Rochester Department of Music and Southern New Hampshire University.
During his free time Arthur is an avid runner and has completed thirteen marathons/ultra-marathons and other mountain races. He is a proud resident of Longmeadow and enjoys spending time with his wife Natalie , son baby Arthur and their Bernese Mountain Dogs, Armand and Maeby. Arthur is also on the state executive board for the Massachusetts Music Educator Association as well as MICCA (Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductor Association).
Emma Forest, Choral Music Director
413-565-4220 ext. 2353
Recently appointed to the Longmeadow High School faculty, Emma Forest is a proud Keene State College alumni, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. During her undergrad, she studied voice with a secondary in oboe, participated in several performance ensembles, and acted as assistant conductor for both KSC Chamber Singers and KSC Concert Band during her senior year.
After graduating, Emma taught for seven years in New Hampshire. Her first three years were spent at Newport Middle High School where she taught 6-12 chorus, 9-12 band, and other various general music classes. The other four years were spent at Moultonborough Academy where she taught 6-12 chorus, studio music, piano, drama, and middle level general music.
As a member of multiple professional organizations, Emma served as the NH Music Educator’s Association: Large Group Festival Chairperson from 2021-2025, headed the NHMEA Mentor Program from 2021-2024, and held the position of President-Elect of NH American Choral Director’s Association from 2022-2025. She has presented at many conferences across New England, including the KSC Academic in Excellence Conference, multiple NHMEA/NHACDA sessions, and most recently the 2023 ACDA Eastern Conference. Emma has conducted and sang across the Northeast US, Canada, and Germany and performed in ensembles such as the New Hampshire Master Chorale, New Hampshire Music Festival Chorus, and the Pemigewassett Choral Society as a soprano.
Outside of music, Emma is a passionate weightlifter, track & field enthusiast, and avid hiker. Residing on the western side of the Connecticut River, she lives with her partner Zachary and her two pet rabbits, Pepper and Peachy.
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