A photo of Mr. Erin beave at the Hastings High Auditorium. Mr. Beave teaches both symphonic and concert band.
In the fall of 2004, Mr. Erin Beave began his position as Band Instructor at Hastings Senior High. Eighteen years later, Mr. Beave plans on retiring after the end of the school year.
Having made good memories, friends, and professional musicians at HHS, Beave mentioned the decision of retiring was not one taken lightly. Nonetheless, Mr. Beave takes this time to be grateful for everything Hastings High Band has done for him.
“It has been extremely gratifying work. The day to day stresses and the challenges that come in this profession can be a pain like any job,” Beave said. “But, the time with students, the rehearsals, the roadtrips, and everything in-between are my joy. There’s nothing I can complain about.”
After sacrificing many Saturdays to Marching Band performances and many evenings to concert/symphonic band concerts, Mr. Beave has made HHS band a priority in his life and will certainly miss a lot of those moments.
“One thing I know I will definitely miss is the rehearsal room. That’s where it all happens. I tell my kids all the time that some of our greatest musical moments are gonna happen in the rehearsal room and no one will ever hear it except us, and that’s okay,” Beave said.
The one person Mr. Beave spends the most time with at school is Mr. Troy Ehmke, the Band Director for Hastings Middle School. Through the years, the two have cultivated a great friendship. Both were in the 43rd Army Band and even play video games.
“He’s one of my best friends. Coming to work with him every day makes the days easier. It’s been great working with him all these years. Were philosophically the same on how to run a band program,” Beave said.
Being a professional musician, music has been a large part of Mr. Beave’s life. Though no longer being a Band Instructor, Beave plans on maintaining a career with his trumpet – as well as having more time for his other hobbies.
“I’d still like to continue a music career. I’ve discovered that I’m going to be terrible at doing nothing. I’d also like to have more time for my hobbies and more time for my family. I enjoy model railroading and love playing video games even though I barely have the time to do either,” Beave said.
Mr. Beave told his students on November 5, 2022 after the last march of the year. Junior Jake Braun mentioned that the band was very shocked and very sad when he told them the news.
“A lot of us cried and we all gave him a big group hug with the entire marching band around him. It was a very emotional day because he has been here for all of us for so long and it is sad to watch someone who means so much to all of us go.” Braun said.
Though they were sad to hear the news, Braun mentions the band is excited to see what the future holds for Beave. And, Beave plans to stay in Hastings and plans to go to concerts in town when possible.
“I have had so many memorable performances here, way too many to count. There have been so many memories made, it has all been fabulous.” Beave said.
