A distinguished band director and teacher at WHS, Chuck Appleton has decided it is his time to retire. Of his total 31 years of teaching, 23 of those have been here at WHS, with the other eight spent at Dixon.

“There are two highlights of those years that come to mind: our symphonic band has played two times at the State Music Convention; the other one was winning Sweepstakes Champions twice this past marching season,” Appleton stated. Throughout these many years in Warrensburg, Appleton has acquired thousands of funny memories, including the many times the band students have pranked his house and decorated the band tower and field. These various decorations have included entire rolls of foil draped over the tower, spray painting the field, forking Mr. Appleton’s lawn, and giving the tower a new coat of hot pink spray paint.

As a devoted teacher, Appleton’s favorite thing about his job has always been working with the students. Though he has thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to share his love of music, Appleton takes the time to teach his students lessons reaching beyond the notes. Especially after his near-fatal motorcycle accident last spring, he made sure to tell all his students to “enjoy life, it’s short. Have fun and never give up.”

Appleton was inspired to become a teacher by his high school band director and has endeavored to impress some of the same ideas on his students. Between his near-constant jokes and amusing puns, he has helped his students learn to balance in-depth work with humor and fun. Appleton suggested, “Laugh often, and make sure you laugh at yourself.”

After retiring, Appleton plans to keep busy with music by playing in the Community Band. Beginning next fall, he will teach at Missouri Valley College two days a week as an assistant. He also plans to supervise student teachers at UCM and teach a motorcycle safety course. Other post-retirement plans include running more 5K races and spending some time in Nashville, TN with his daughter.

By Natalie Ward, junior at WHS

For The Spirit.