By Lukas Belzeski

Copy Editor

After 28 years of teaching music, Douglas Padget has decided to retire from teaching and leave all his trebles behind.

Padget knew from an early age where his career lay. In seventh grade, he decided to become a teacher. He was inspired by good teachers, those who blatantly love their work, helping and supporting students, as well as the collaboration between teachers to better help one another and their students. Of his 28 years, he has spent all of them working in band, the brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments, and 22 years in BSSD, at Delta Woods and Moreland Ridge middle schools, as well as South as marching band assistant director, in addition to being a jazz band director for 21 years.

Padget has adored his time in BSSD. 

“The students, community and staff are among the very best,” he said. “Compared to the other districts I have worked with, the BSSD has been a place full of resources, support and friendships.” 

He has enjoyed countless performances, but his favorite part of teaching is that subtle moment when a music student finally “gets it”, all so suddenly becoming aware of the purpose behind the sounds they’re creating and how they can affect the world with them, like the philosopher in Plato’s cave. “It is an unforgettable feeling,” he said.

Padget says he’s retiring because it’s just about time. He’s worked long enough to, and there’s more to life than work, even work you love. He would like to spend more time with his family and try new experiences, as there’s never enough time to do such things. Combining the two, he hopes to have a full-family vacation, as well as really traveling with his wife, Robyn, which they haven’t gotten to do since their daughter was born in 2001. He expects to finally enjoy his summers, free from band camp and practices. When he reflects on his career, he remembers the people the strongest and most fondly, those he taught, entertained, helped, and supported, students, faculty, and parents alike.