BY XUYING LEE
STAFF WRITER
So far, this MSA year has been off to a great start. We’ve got to know many teachers and staff members, as well as students. This will allow us to get to know our new teachers, and have many new learning experiences. On this note, here is one way to get to know one of our new teachers, Mr. Sletten, the band and orchestra director.
1. How are you liking MSA so far?
This is my first year here at MSA so far.
2. How long have you been a teacher, and what have you taught so far?
I have been a teacher for the past nine years. I have taught in all aspects of music education in public schools; K-6 General Music, Choir 6-12 (never again), 5-12 Band and 6-12 Orchestra.
3. What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I truly enjoy working with students, making music and those “light bulb’ moments when things click. Also, I get to come to a job where I get to hear music every day and be myself!
4. What has been the hardest thing about teaching?
I have found that the hardest thing about teaching is when a student walks away from their instrument. Many times, parents approach me and tell me they wish they would have continued with their instrument throughout high school and even beyond high school. Music is a lifelong skill – a passion for all – and I am excited that I will be able to explore music even further here at MSA because of the talented musicians we have.
5. Why did you choose to be a teacher? What do you enjoy about being a teacher?
When I first graduated high school, I had no idea what I wanted to study or what I wanted to be. I knew I wanted/needed to go to college so decided to attend a local university to start my generals as well as play my French horn in the band. Through building friendships and taking my first music theory class, I discovered my passion. Aside for exploring my options in college, I also knew I was a teacher because I taught swimming lessons for a number of years prior to college. I have never looked back since. Lastly, I had a wonderful band teacher, Mr. Johnson, who inspires me every day!
6. If you could pass on any wisdom you have for your students, what would you share?
Be fearlessly and courageously you! Easier said than done, I know. But middle school and high school is such a short period of time in your life. Friends are the family YOU get to choose; surround yourself with people who celebrate you for who you are. To this day, I am still really good friends with a very select few individuals I went to high school with. Everyone else went their own way, you move on.
7. Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
“If you can’t love yourself, how are you gonna love someone else!” RuPaul (paraphrased)
8. What inspires you to teach?
I am inspired by music that the students and I select. Knowing that we are all working together to make great pieces of literature come to life and take little bits and pieces from each of them to create a creative and emotional outlet for ourselves inspires me to teach. That is what is so unique about my position in a public school.
9. Since you are the band and orchestra director, how many instruments can you play? What are they?
I started out on clarinet in the 6th grade; my mom and grandpa both played growing up. Prior to that, I had to take two years of piano as it was a requirement of my mothers in order to be in band. After playing clarinet for 8 months, I decided I wanted to be more independent and unique so I switched to the French horn which my sister had been playing for years. I figured she could teach me a thing or two. While I started getting better than her and she got frustrated because of it! When in college, we had to learn a basic understanding of how to play all of the instruments throughout our education but I really took to the cello; another instrument my sister was proficient on. Since graduating college, I have a solid understanding of how to play all of the instruments but I play the clarinet and trumpet the most. Upon accepting the position here at MSA I have discovered an accordion here that I am really looking forward to getting my hands on!
I believe this school year will be great with all of our new teachers and staff members. I hope you take some time to appreciate a new teacher, and thank them for their hard work. I hope you got to know more about Mr. Sletten!
*I would like to thank Mr. Sletten for agreeing to do this interview with me. Thank you Mr. Sletten!*