I have been teaching middle school band for the past twelve years.

I started playing saxophone in fifth grade. You might say music is in my blood. My great uncle led a huge concert band that toured the Great Lakes region and played at amusement parks like Euclid Beach and Cedar Point. I decided I wanted to teach band during my junior year of high school.

I promote music literacy. In other words, my students learn how to read, compose, perform, and write about music. A small percentage of my students will follow a professional career in music. However, all of my students learn how to decipher code (read music notation and rhythm), identify & solve problems, and work together. All of these skills are applicable to any career path they choose after they graduate high school and college.

I spoke with some of Mr. Swis’ students.  Each one of them said they wanted to continue band in high school.  They all agreed that the pieces of music Mr. Swis decides on for them to learn is what they enjoy most.

“We’ll recognize some songs and he introduces us to other types of music,” said student Mariah Powall.

Some of their favorite pieces were Marches of the Armed Forces, The Tempest, Mission Impossible, and Ironman.  “My favorite was Push It by Salt-n-Pepa,” said my kid, of course.

What is the best motivational advice you’ve ever received?

Early on during fifth grade band I decided I was bored and wanted to quit. My mother left the choice up to me. She did not force me to stay in or make me feel bad about my decision. She understood that in order for a child to have success in something they have to want it themselves. Obviously, I decided to stay in band. During my freshman year at the Conservatory of Music I was struggling to keep up with my work. Band went from something fun in high school to “work” in college. I contemplated switching my major so I could be a math teacher instead. Several people including my parents, future wife, and professor helped me work my way through all of my concerns. I came out of that situation stronger and with a renewed outlook on my music education career.

Mr. Swis shows the kids that band is fun.  Each year some of his 7th grade students have an opportunity to play at a Cleveland Monsters game and a Lake County Captains game.  Mr. Swis is a fantastic role model for his students.  I’m very fortunate that my son has had the opportunity to be in his class.  Mr. Swis has helped Trenton grow his musical passion.  Not only has he learned to play the trumpet pretty well, but his guitar playing has improved quite a bit.  I hear Trenton in his room frequently teaching himself a new song on the guitar that he plays on the trumpet in band class.

I love my mom’s homemade spaghetti & meatballs and my dad’s beef paprikash. I suppose that makes me a savory. Also means I have to run a whole lot to stay in shape.

It looks like he is going to have to be a “sweet” today because I helped a student decorate some music note brownies for a last day of school gift for him.  Enjoy the whole plate of brownies with your family, Mr. Swis, then go run a few miles.  I see a half-marathon in your near future.  Trenton will be happy to help you train.