Piano class. Guitar class. While for some students, these may be classes they try for fun and don’t take seriously, for some students, music is everything. And the addition of a new teacher to Salisbury High School this year, Mr. John Sigafoos, has changed everything. Not only does he teach the school’s music classes, but he is also in charge of the band and chorus.
His classroom is very warm and welcoming, especially for being a new arrival at the school. The lights are dim, pianos and guitars can be seen everywhere, students are scattered, a guitar is being strummed, and often, Mr. Sigafoos can be found laughing and joking around.
After just a few months of teaching at SHS, he’s managed to create a low-pressure and supportive environment for those who want to explore music.
He believes his career in teaching music was something that was inevitable for him.
“I’ve always been super into music. I started playing instruments when I was six years old. My dad was a musician. All that stuff. I just wanted to share that music with other people. I was like, hey, with teaching, you can do that. And then I did it.”
Since he is younger, his taste in music often connects to that of the students.
“I like pop music, like Harry Styles, and Conan Gray. I like classical music. I like opera. I
I’m teaching world music right now, and it’s getting me into music with other languages.”
Even when he was young, his love for music was always extremely prevalent.
“You know when you’re studying and someone tells you that you should listen to music? I can’t do that because I get too excited about the music. That’s just how my life is. I get too excited about music, and it’s all I think about.”
His love for songs and instruments allows him to be passionate about his job and create a positive learning environment for his students.
He always knew he wanted to share his love for music with the world, but he wasn’t initially sure teaching was the right path.
“I was always super nervous about the teaching part even though I knew music was my thing. And then I took teaching classes in college, and I loved it. And now I have fun with you guys [the students] every day.”
He is one of the newest teachers at Salisbury High School. Coming to a new school can’t be easy for anybody, teacher or student, but he seemed to have a somewhat easy time with the initial transition.
When asked how his first day at Salisbury went, his response was quite positive.
“It was actually really good. I was so nervous. I got a really great mentor teacher, Mr. Frick, and he helped me out so much. My favorite thing about Salisbury so far is that everyone checks in with each other. The other teachers and the principal and vice principal always ask if I’m okay and if I need anything. I feel like that’s a small thing, but it makes such a difference in a teaching job.”
Since he went to a larger school when he was younger, he was slightly surprised by Salisbury’s culture.
“I knew Salisbury was a small district, but I didn’t realize it would be this intimate. I didn’t realize everyone would know each other. That’s my favorite part. I love that. I like that everyone checks on each other. I like that I know most of my students’ names.”
Along with knowing the names of his students, he values getting to know his students on a personal level.
“I feel like connection is the whole thing. I feel like I wouldn’t have any fun if I didn’t connect with you guys. We could just sit there and play the same piano songs every day, but I like hearing you guys talk. I like it when people feel comfortable around me. I feel like you learn the most when you’re comfortable in class.”
He truly values the individual personalities of his students.
“I like joking around with you guys. It’s so much fun. I would have no fun without that.”
While he loves his new job and his students so far, there have been some challenges.
“It’s a big role that I took on. There’s a lot to do. My schedule is quite full. I think that stepping into that role for the first time has been kind of crazy.”
Mr. Sigafoos’s classroom is located in a wing of the school that some people barely even know about. For those students who have never gotten to walk by the room, meet Mr. Sigafoos, or even considered taking a music class, he left these last few words for them.
“Anyone can join music as a beginner. Even if you’re not the world’s best musician or the world’s best piano player, you can still find a way to express your ideas, communicate and have some fun through music.”
For some students, walking into a classroom they’ve never known could change their lives. And Mr. Sigafoos will be waiting there to support them.
