Joel Jank, the Hastings High School Orchestra instructor, is ending his 31st year teaching with Hastings Public Schools in 2018. As a young child, he was inspired by his very first orchestra teacher, Matt Shoemaker, and his musical family to pursue a string career.
“Every activity, every interaction, every rehearsal of every day must have the focus of showing the kids that each of them is important and each is capable of success. I enjoyed building a healthy, positive relationship with all my string students from grades 4 -12 every year,” Jank said.
Jank’s students have learned one recurring lesson from him, to be patient. Everyone interviewed praised Jank for teaching them the virtue of patience.
“I’ve learned that patience is a virtue that can be given to anyone.” senior Rachel Witt said.
In addition to learning about patience, Jank’s students have distinct things they loved best about him.
“Mr. Jank is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite teacher and I will cherish the memories I made with him over the past six years for the rest of my life,” sophomore Landon Power said. “Another thing I love about Mr. Jank is that he is always supportive of all the other activities his orchestra students do,” sophomore Landon Power also stated.
Senior Emily Beave remembers another significant life lesson taught from Jank.
“Practice may not always make perfect, but striving to do your best and staying positive is what will help the most,” Beave said.
Students of his absolutely looked up to his teaching style and ways of instructing.
“I’m going to miss his humor and laughter over simple things and his interaction with all of the orchestra,” Witt said. “I have to say my favorite part of his teaching style is his pure energy with everything, at times leading to flying batons,” Witt continued.
Despite his students being sad about his retirement, Jank looks forward to spending time enjoying the stage of retirement.
Jank envisions a bright future with more freedom to volunteer and play for musical establishments.
“My wife and I look forward to a fall foliage trip and more travel,” Jank states.
Jank still remembers what he learned as a student string player and he continues to pass on this lesson to his students.
“It has been a real joy, privilege and blessing to follow in the footsteps of Matt Shoemaker, my very first private cello teacher and string teacher. His words of advice to me many years ago was: Rome was not built in a day, week or month, neither will your string program be built in a year to two.”
