Ever since band student teacher Sam Khwice discovered his passion for conducting music during high school, he has worked to make this a part of his career.   

“My senior year I was a (teacher’s assistant) for band, and (my teacher) let me conduct a piece for the concert,” Khwice said. “The process of doing that and rehearsing the piece and actually conducting a group and getting to work with them was super cool. I think that was the point where I was like ‘I think I might to do this for a career.’”

According to band teacher Steve Schmitz, Khwice proves helpful by introducing his skills to the band.

“Mr. Kwice is well prepared. He has been a benefit, so kids have two people and two different styles,” Schmitz said.  “He has his strengths, which are more the brass instruments, so it has been helpful.”

According to senior band student Tommy Guddal, Khwice’s bright personality allows him to keep the class on task.

“He’s a cool guy, he seems like he has experience and really engages the class well,” Guddal said. “He is able to keep the class going and keep us working.”

Khwice said he contributes to the class by both teaching and assisting students while Schmitz leads.

“I run rehearsals half of the time and then support (Mr. Schmitz) when he is (running rehearsals). I help kids figure out stuff with their instruments when we have down time and tasks to keep things going,” Khwice said.

Khwice said Park’s diversity has increased his awareness of different cultures and improved his teaching abilities.

“It is really nice to get that experience of working at a diverse school and getting to be more acclimated to lots of different cultures and improving my cultural sensitivity and how I give instruction or how I do rehearsals with that in mind,” Khwice said.

Guddal said Schmitz’s passions for music shows in his work ethic during class.

“(Khwice) brings a second perspective to our class. He suggests ideas to Schmitz for him to use in our performances. He’s very easy going and is a nice element to the classroom,” Guddal said. “He is very passionate and it’s easy to see how much he cares about us and about music in general.”