Robert Fevola

Robert Fevola

Robert Fevola attended Alexander Hamilton Vocational School and did cleaning and maintenance at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden before coming to Juilliard. A Brooklyn native, he still lives there and proudly points out that he has resided in the same neighborhood for 25 years.

  How long have you worked at Juilliard, and what do you remember about your first day?

  I have worked here for more than 10 years. On my first day I was amazed at how many students attended Juilliard. Working with the plants at the Botanic Garden was quieter. I've noticed how students' moods can change: one day they will talk to me about anything and the next day, silent. I asked them if they had classes on their minds, and they said, "Yeah, that was it." They all work very hard.

  What job at Juilliard would you like to try out for a day and why?

  I would like to be a manager of maintenance for a day, so I could give orders instead of take orders. And I would be sure not to speak harshly to my coworkers. Some people yell, but I wouldn't do that.

  What is the strangest job you've ever had and what made it strange?

  I helped out at my friend's father's butcher shop for a short time. I didn't get paid, but it was interesting work. I would wrap up the meat or do whatever they needed help with. I also helped out a friend in his glass shop, cutting glass.

  If out of the blue your boss said to take the day off, what would you do with your free time?

  I would visit museums. I like science museums more than art. I like the Museum of Natural History; I like to understand the history of the earth. I would go to see the rocks and the dinosaurs. I'm really interested in plants, and science museums have more connections with plants than art museums do. Except, sometimes, the paintings are of plants—like Monet, and that's interesting.

  What kind of performances do you prefer to attend and why?

  I prefer drama performances. When I was in high school, my teacher took us to shows and operas. That's what I still like to see today. Some of my favorites are Man of La Mancha and Grease. They have great music, and I like how Grease shows the era of the '50s.

  What other pursuits are you passionate about?

  Planting and gardening are my passions. I grow houseplants and sell them, especially around the holidays, like Easter. I grow foliage plants and flowering plants. That's what people like in the house. They are pretty and they help the environment—they clean out the air. I start them small, in December if I want them ready for Easter, and then people can buy them and give them as gifts. I like orchids, but I don't grow them because they are too expensive to sell.

  What was the best vacation you've had and what made that trip so special?

  My most exciting vacation was Las Vegas. I saw all the shows outside, like the volcano at the Mirage Hotel. And I saw the white tigers. I'd never seen white tigers before. And I gambled a little at the quarter slot machines.

  What might people be surprised to know about you?

  People are surprised to learn I know a lot about plants.

  Is there anything you'd like to add?

  I think the American flag should be flown at school.