Knowing Your Neighbor: Esko Band Director

ESKO, Minn. — “I love the kids. Ever since having my own kids, I can really see how much love parents have for their children. I try to remember that everyday,” said Rich Mowers, Esko Band Director.

And for the past two decades, Rich Mowers has done just that. Holding the role of band director at Esko, Mowers has looked to pass his passion for music onto his students. He says having a balance of activities can shape young minds.

“Oh man, it rounds them out. I really like the kids that have the opportunity to do sports and the other things including music because it really makes them a whole person,” said Mowers.

The music department at Esko is a small, tightknit community. The love for music can be felt through generations. Mowers works with grades 6-12. He says, the connections made in the band room last a lifetime.

“Having taught so many years, now I’m starting to see my former students come back as parents. And that’s awfully special, said Mowers. “To have those kids, their children, up on stage working hard for me, it’s really a special thing. “The community thinks fondly of Rich, too. His years of experience has left its mark on the school.

“The Esko Bands are big in the community. There’s a lot of pride. The Esko Bands, the jazz band, the pep band, they do a great service for the community. Playing for sports games and jazz band dances. And so, it’s really important to keep that all alive,” said Stefanie Stewart, Music Boosters President.

They say percussion is the heartbeat of a song. Esko is in desperate need for a new timpani. During the recent spring concert, the music boosters shed light on their ongoing fundraiser.

“We have the longest running fundraiser in Esko school history. We’ve been raising money for the timpanis for quite some time now. They are fifty years old,” said Stewart.

Getting a new set of timpanis would improve the quality of music the kids perform. And with the end of his teaching career on the horizon, the community hopes to send Rich into retirement to the beat of a timpani drum.

Outside of school hours, you can catch Rich playing for the Big Time Jazz Orchestra. As well as small gigs around the Duluth area.