Welcome to a special Friday edition of the Thursday blog as I was waiting to share some very important news with all of you:
As of June 30, 2023 I am retiring from The Salem School District after teaching middle school music at Woodbury School since 1995. This decision did not come easy and has left me feeling like it is the right one for my family, my health, and myself. To put almost 30 years of working with adolescents into words is no simple task, but then again, no task in my life is simple so here I go….
To My Former Kids-
There are more than 5,000 of you out in the world now. Some of you have your own families and I have been around long enough for kids to walk into my classroom saying: “Hello Mr. Moeschen, my mom was in your class.” Believe me when I tell you THAT is a trip. When I began teaching, I thought I would spend a few years at the middle school level, and then find another job. My very first year was difficult in learning how to manage each and every personality along with the personality and vibe of each class. I was afraid of 8th grade as you were all taller than me, but by the end of year one I was loving the connections I made with students and enjoying teaching life through music. By year 3, I was hooked and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else besides talking about music all day, teaching instruments and expanding after school opportunities like an honors band, jazz band, and private lesson studio. I was all in. Remember when the bands were small enough that our spring concerts were held on the front lawn of Woodbury? Remember when we went to Washington DC and played on the steps of The Jefferson Memorial on Memorial Day? Remember step-up days with the high school and exchange concerts with Windham, trips to Six Flags, winning huge stuffed animals that went on display in the band room? Remember signing the ceiling tile on the last day of 8th grade? Remember The Beatles, Motown, Hotel California, The Day the Music Died, MTV awful videos, history of Rap, Sweeney Todd, acting improv., and The Doors? Remember Bohemian Rhapsody and making your own rap, composing cartoon music, recording tech. from Edison to now?
Maybe you do and maybe you don’t, but here’s what I ALWAYS get when I speak with old students. YOU tell me that you remember how you felt when you walked into my room each day. That is what I was always going for. I wished for you to relax, feel safe, learn, and be accepted. In fact these are the things I also wish for each and every one of you as an adult in the real world. I hope that you grew (grow) up to be who you want and that you are contributing to society. Well, and listening to The Beatles also. I would be nothing without all of you. To the 5,000+ kids that I had the pleasure of teaching: THANK YOU for believing in me and coming along for story time with Moeschen.
To My Private Lesson Students,
I have kept records of each and every time, date, and progress that you made. I’m still teaching drum lessons, so anyone who craves Syncopation, Stick Control or the Whaley books….come on over. You likely need to practice. Stairway to Heaven anyone? Let’s get those ghost notes….I’ve had hundreds of you and have enjoyed teaching you drums, percussion or any other instrument that you were passionate about. Winds..12 scales in 2 minutes…..ready? GO.
To My Colleagues,
ALL of you taught me valuable lessons: how to take things seriously but not lose my mind. How to navigate difficult parents. How to be organized. How to help kids love books (that’s you Pat M.). How to market our programs, be a go-fast person and multitask. How to know if a kid needs a pat on the back or a kick in the bum. How to be a team, and how to learn and laugh. ALL of you love teaching kids. Honored to work with all of you but more honored to have you all as friends. Except for Neil. One final note on this part if you have never worked in a public school. Here are the valuable people who really run things: Para professionals, custodians, front office support staff, nurses and cafeteria workers. Just smiling and being friendly and thankful may get you an extra sloppy Joe and who doesn’t need a little of that action?
To The Parents-
SO many of you over the years supported my programs and what I was working on with your kids at any given time. Your words of encouragement always helped. Be vigilant. Parts of education in our country are under attack. Don’t believe the politicians telling you that we don’t care about letting you know what’s going on with your kids. It’s the MOST important thing we do everyday. If something is up, we will tell you. Ask us. We play the role of teacher, coach, counselor, cop, judge, mentor, and friend everyday. School is supposed to be a fun place. Help us keep it that way. Music and the arts are paramount. Don’t let them get cut. Ever.
To the Kids I Have Now-
I never say goodbye. I just say see you later. Be awesome. You know how to find me.
And that’s all I have to say about that.
Stay safe, stay awesome and stay tuned. Thank you SALEM.
Patrick moeschen 
congratulations!
Thank you for everything you have done for Salem schools I never had you as a student but knew you during school and later as a adult and friend thank you so much for everything and happy retirement
Best of luck with your next adventure, Pat. You had a significantly positive impact on my three children and Woodbury is not going to be the same without you. Moeschen Mafia forever!
You are and always be an inspiration. Pat and Vanessa. Have a great time.
Patrick,
You are an unbelievable writer, teacher, role – model, dad and spouse, and friend. You inspire me every day!
Thanks for the shout out; you and me and all our students loving books.
Sorry to hear you are retiring from teaching, but I am sure you will still be influencing others through your charity work and blog!
Keep being positive!
Happy Trails, well earned
Best wishes on your retirement, and may you find much happiness in the next chapter of your life. You taught both my kids and they loved your class. Mackenna got so much out of your class, as well as her private lessons, and she still plays. She is beginning her own teaching career now, and she was fortunate to have such an amazing role model. You will be missed, but I am thankful for all you gave to our kids and our school district. Godspeed!
God bless you Mr Moechen,!! My Three kids were blessed to have you in Middke School. Each of them felt welcome , supported, taught well, and loved. The Brito Family has a very special place in our hearts for you. We love you so very much and are so Thankful to God for bringing you to our School System. You elevated the Music to exceed all expectations and the kids had a wonderful time in the Band and Jazz Band !! You have planted the seed of Music and excellent and fun in your students and have nourished it to grow and keep growing. You are priceless Mr Moechen. You are always in our prayers and in our hearts!! Now you are off to begin a new chapter in your life but you take with you so much love and admiration. Thank you !!! We know you will do well in your future endeavors.
We love you !!!!!!! from the Brito Family !!
Best wishes on your retirement and may you find much happiness in the next chapter of your life. You taught both of my kids (who are now 20 and 22) and they both loved your class. Mackenna got so much from your class, as well as her private lessons, and she still plays today. She is now beginning her own career in teaching and was fortunate to have such an amazing role model. You will be missed, but I am grateful for all you’ve done for our kids and our school district. Godspeed!
Congratulations on retirement Mr. Moeschen! We haven’t spoken in a while but I’ve been keeping up with the blog. Your posts have brought out the full spectrum of emotion from me (from anger and sadness to joy and happiness). You are an inspirational writer and teacher. Best wishes on the next phase of life and your future endeavors.
Vinod my friend. Thanks for your words. I have very fond memories of you in band. I hope all is well. Keep in touch.
While reading this, I can’t help but feel so sad for the upcoming middle school students. You and your teaching style were the best thing that ever happened to my daughter. Part of who she is today is because of you. For that, I can’t thank you enough. Those future middle schoolers will never be lucky enough to have the teacher that my kids got to have. The rest of me says, Congratulations on your retirement!!! You have more than earned it!!!! Keep in touch!!!!
Thank you Mr. Moschen for not only teaching but looking out for our kids. Your classroom was ALWAYS the safe space that Zak, Samira and Sarah wanted to be in (even when they weren’t supposed to be).😂 Enriching their lives with the gift of being able to play an instrument, read music and teaching the diversity of all genres is something I can’t thank you enough for! 🎼🪈🪇 Your lessons stuck with them for sure! As a matter of fact, Samira is home from college and rolled up in the driveway blaring “Get Back” not even a crew hours ago (I will also take some credit for her stellar taste in music).😂😂💙 You made a difference in so many lives…thank you for that. Congratulations on your retirement and hope to bump into you around town!😄🎊🎉
Patrick,
I remember you as a great writer in my 4th grade classroom and you certainly still can put your thoughts on “paper” so well! You managed to capture the best moments of being a teacher. Isn’t it wonderful to have had a “job” that as I always said didn’t feel like a job?
Enjoy retirement knowing that I’m sure you made such a positive impact on so many young lives.
Wishing you all the best,
Carole Grosberg aka “Miss Green”
Congratulations Pat, and thank you for everything that you’ve done for the kids, and parents of the Salem/Woodbury community. You were instrumental in the musical and personal development of my kids, and have left a lasting impression on everyone who has ever been fortunate to have met you. “Stay In Tune” I love it!