Michael Coelho, the cheerful orchestra teacher and fine arts director of IHS, is known for his vibrant personality and commitment to the arts. What many don’t realize, however, is the depth of his dedication to teaching and his lifelong dream of educating others, even over pursuing his natural musical talents.
Growing up in Rhode Island before attending UMass Lowell, Coelho always knew he wanted to teach. “I came home from kindergarten, set up my stuffed animals, laid out papers, and played teacher,” he reminisced. Yet, his passion for music came later in life. “I thought I was going to be an English teacher my whole life,” Coelho shared. “But when I was 15, I lost my mother. I began to further my musical training after getting lessons. That’s when I knew I wanted to give back.”
If you’ve attended a Pops concert or watched a musical under Coelho’s direction, you’ve witnessed his vision in action, whether you realized it or not. His ability to bring performances to life is unparalleled, and he credits much of his success to collaboration. History teacher Mr. Ames, who works alongside Coelho in the theater department, spoke about his impact. “Michael brings characters to life. He allows performers to explore their roles and lets the characters breathe,” Ames said.
When it comes to the technical aspects of theater, Coelho’s creativity shines. Ames added, “He and I sit down together to refine the color schemes and set designs. He also works with Meg Finigian to bring his vision to life. From choreography to lighting, every element is thoughtfully planned, including his work with Mr. Pereira-Coelho to create engaging and dynamic dance scenes.”
Outside of school, Michael Coelho is an accomplished professional musician, regularly performing in orchestras and ensembles across the region. Whether he’s playing his instrument on stage or collaborating with other artists, his love for music extends far beyond the classroom. However, despite his success in the professional music world, Coelho finds his greatest fulfillment in teaching at IHS. “There’s nothing more rewarding than watching students discover their potential and grow through music and theater,” he shared. “Performing is amazing, but helping these kids find their voices and confidence—that’s what truly inspires me.”
Senior Lizzy Mosco, who has been involved in both chorus and theater throughout high school, shared her perspective on working with Coelho. “Mr Coelho takes a more artistic approach compared to other directors. He goes above and beyond to immerse performers in the world of each production. He meticulously designs the sets and colors, and during tech week, he’s constantly collaborating with Mr. Ames. Every moment feels emotionally resonant.”
Junior Jacoby Scarano, the concertmaster of the chamber and symphony orchestras, echoed these sentiments. “You can just see the excitement bubbling off of him—it’s like he’s a kid on Christmas Day,” Scarano said.
Despite opportunities to leave IHS for more prestigious institutions, Coelho has remained steadfast in his dedication to the school and its students. “You can’t replace the kids here,” he explained. “They’re the reason I come in every day.”
Michael Coelho’s passion and commitment infuse every moment of his work, whether in the orchestra room, on stage, or behind the scenes. Next time you see him, remember that he’s pouring his heart and soul into every performance, every lesson, and every student he encounters.
