Anyone in the student body, whether or not they play an instrument, is familiar with band director and music teacher John Slowensky, frequently referred to as “Slow.” Slowensky has shaped minds around key signatures and marcato articulation markings for 31 years, and he will be passing the baton as he retires at the end of this school year.
Slowensky has been surrounded by music his whole life, first playing the trumpet in fifth grade band.
“Music’s been in my family for pretty much forever…everybody has played an instrument or sang or done something…it’s always been a part of me,” Slowensky said.
Slowensky has watched so many students grow into the people that they are today since he teaches students from seventh grade all the way to senior year. Learning new instruments is no easy feat, but Slowensky helps shape the young minds to produce good music together.
“You [the students] are teachable and moldable, and I can create what I want to create,” Slowensky said.
Being so familiar with music can sometimes blind someone to the struggles of learning, but Slow has remained understanding, humble, and patient.
“Band is something that kids don’t have to do; they have to want to do it. The time commitment, the money involved, the responsibilities—it’s nothing light,” Slowensky said.
For Slowensky, the goal is to have fun. Music should be fun! The way that comes to fruition within the band program is with a passionate and thorough teacher who, above all else, cares.
“We want to make [band] a place that people want to be because, without the students, we’re nothing. We work for them, and their continuing to want to progress in the program is a big thing to me. It’s been very, very rewarding,” Slowensky said.
Slow believes anyone can be a musician; they just need to invest in themselves.
“Do it because you love it…you have to want to do it yourself, and it’s our job to help guide and mold and encourage that,” Slowensky said.
Slow’s impact throughout his three decades of teaching will forever hold a place in the hearts of many musicians.
“I’m going to miss this. I mean, every day that gets closer… I’m a million percent going to miss working with the kids every day and creating what we get to create. I have fun every single day, and that I’m going to miss a lot,” Slowensky said.
