Lower School students gathered in the Hurlbut Theater last week for a special event: a Q&A and live performance by Phil Collen, the guitarist of the rock band Def Leppard. The event marked an opportunity for Lower School students to experience a powerful and personal insight into life as a professional musician.

Zach Hanna, Lower School music director conducted a Q&A with Mr. Collen, a St. Margaret’s parent. The interview session offered Lower School students a rare chance to hear directly from a working musician about his journey, inspirations, and the behind-the-scenes reality of performing professionally–including his adherence to nutrition and exercise to stay in shape for peak performance. Afterward, Mr. Collen treated students to a mini-concert, playing a set of 3–4 songs spanning multiple albums on both acoustic and electric guitar, including Def Leppard’s signature song “Pour Some Sugar on Me.”

For many students, this experience wasn’t just entertaining – it was inspiring.

“What an absolutely unforgettable experience we shared together! Taking our learning beyond the classroom and cranking it up—live and loud—with a true rock legend was epic! It’s a moment I’ll carry with me forever, and I know our students will too!” expressed Mr. Hanna.

In the Lower School, music classes begin each day with a 10–15 minute lesson in music history, featuring artists from a wide spectrum of genres such as hip-hop, rock, classical, pop, and beyond. Last week’s live performance and interview served as a natural extension of those lessons, offering an immersive experience beyond textbooks or classroom lessons.