Thank You, Mr. Kesterke

​From the moment we’re born, we’re subject to change. 

As we grow, we’re not often aware of the changes taking place in and around us because they occur so slowly, in such tiny increments. 

But every now and then, we experience a quick, dramatic change; a change that seemed to come out of nowhere. And, sometimes, we might feel it’s unfair. 

But, really, even those types of changes often brew for months or years before they present themselves.
 
On July 27th, 2018, Dan Kesterke announced that he was leaving his position as Director of Bands at Adrian High School. We heard from many people who, while happy for Dan, were shocked and saddened by his departure from APS. But that’s what life does: it throws changes at us and, by forcing us to deal with them, shapes and strengthens us. 

Dan didn’t see his new opportunity as Director of Bands and Percussion at Siena Heights University coming. It just appeared once a set of changes in somebody else’s life was done playing out. But, whether he knew it or not, Dan was preparing for this next step in his life - by dedicating himself to the kids at Adrian High School for the last decade; by building the band program to what it is today; by believing in and sharing the tremendous power of music; and by being good at what he does. 

If all those things weren’t true, we wouldn’t care so much that he’s leaving. 

“The scores at marching and concert band festivals were great, but the stories of the individual growth of our members and the joy of music making are what I will always remember,” Dan wrote. “The night the marching band played their music while the stadium lights were broken will be a point of pride forever seared in my mind. Your energy and willingness to keep going and playing was inspiring. You are all band heroes, and the Adrian community needs you to be brave and courageous.” 

“[And] Adrian Public Schools needs you, the band, at this moment. Transitions are difficult. How we handle [them] dictates the type of people we eventually become. By practicing grace and patience now, your future adult self is thanking you. Be a positive light in the darkness of negativity, and you will be much further ahead than most. Band kids are the light of the world, and the band needs you to be at your best moving forward. I believe in you. You can do it.”

Thank you, Dan, for all that you’ve brought to Adrian Music during this last ten years. We're sad to see you go, but we're so happy you were here. We wish you and your family all the best as your lives continue to change in exciting ways. 

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