Super Staff: Pete Wilson, Band
Written by Kailee Mydske, Former Student on Tuesday, October 28, 2014
The band teacher at Snohomish High School is greatly known throughout the halls of campus. Being involved in band not only brings you into the classrooms of the PAC, but also into the musical world.
Q: Why did you decide to work in the Snohomish School district?
A: Because they hired me. I got out of college when I was 23. On my 30th birthday, I got a letter from my current job at the time saying they had hired a new person for my job. I had jobs that were long time sub jobs and through connections, [I] got the job at SHS.
Q: Were you in the band in school?
A: Oh yeah of course; I was a music jock. I actually think I did all music all the time. I think I was in four music classes out of seven my senior year. We...had a different schedule where you had seven classes, but only went to five a day so you could get extra help from teachers.
Q: Where were you born?
A: Stanford Hospital, San Francisco. Moved to Seattle in 1957 when I was four. Lived here in the Puget Sound area since then.
Q: Where did you go to school?
A: Northeast Seattle, Cedar Park Elementary, Jane Adams Jr. High, and Nathan Hail High School, then Central for college.
Q: Have you always wanted to be a band teacher?
A: No, not really. In high school, I had no desire to [become a band teacher]. I don’t know if my really great teachers made me think I wasn’t able to teach or not. I wanted to play instruments, but not teach. Then I got into college and realized that teaching was more of a realistic path.
Q: If you could go back to school, would you go back to the same school?
A: Oh yes, for sure I would go back to Central again because they have an amazing music program.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Music! I have a sailboat, [and I] like to garden. I like reading and listening to music.
Q: If you could have a different career, what would it be?
A: Merchant Marine. Seriously thought of that when I was a kid. I could travel the world.
Q: How many instruments do you play?
A: Almost everything at a high school level, except oboe, but the real one is trumpet.
Q: Were you ever involved in high school sports?
A: Not a bit, other than marching band.
