After 31 successful years at Athens Drive, band director Dr. Jerome Markoch announced his retirement. Dr. Jerome Markoch, nicknamed “Doc” by students and colleagues, started working at Athens in 1993 and quickly became known throughout North Carolina as one of the best music teachers in the state.
People even come from outside of their school districts just to specifically be taught by Markoch, due to his reputation of being a fantastic music teacher.
Markoch could never have predicted that he would spend 31 years at the same job. Choosing to retire after being loyal to a place for so long is a heavy decision.
“It was a deep-seated feeling, it was growing in my heart that I had done pretty much what I wanted to do with Athens Drive. I have had tremendously great experiences. I’ve really enjoyed the whole ride, but the enormity of the job was beginning to grow a little weary to me,” said Markoch.
Being a teacher, mentor, and band director for 31 years, Markoch has gained a lot of experience and memories.
“There isn’t one singular memory. It could be anything from a wonderful rehearsal where everybody’s really into the music and really happy. It could be a marching show that just everybody’s into and just pours their heart out into. It could be our performance at Carnegie Hall,” said Markoch.
Since 1993, Markoch has been a staple at the drive from playing his guitar in the halls every morning, to inviting the special education classes down to the band room to get an exclusive peek into the music being prepared by the class ensembles. Now he is even teaching a music appreciation and music theory class to invite non-musically involved students to learn more about music and its origins.
Markoch is full of wisdom and advice for anyone who needs it. Lucas Meade, the current Assistant Director of the Athens Drive Band program, will be taking over Markoch’s role as band director next year.
“He’s gonna take care of you the way I’ve taken care of you. He will be different in some ways, but it’s okay. No one could be exactly the same,” said Markoch.
Markoch has a lot of faith in Meade. He is sure that Meade will take great care of the Athens Drive band and continue to lead them to great success.
“I urge future band people to embrace him so that this program continues to grow. I don’t want any bump in this program when I leave. I want it to continue to soar. We try not only to teach them to be healthy and to love music for the right reasons, but also just to be good people,” said Markoch.
The future is an unpredictable thing and like most people Markoch did not think he would be at Athens for 31 years. He assumed like most that he would move up in jobs from high school to college after a certain period of time.
“I didn’t think I was gonna be here for 31 years. I think when I took the job, I said I’ll be here for about 5 years, and then I thought I’d get a college job,” said Markoch.
But that didn’t quite pan out. Markoch had interviews with colleges, but it didn’t seem like the right move for his family, and he was enjoying his experience at Athens.
“So I said, I’m sticking around. I really like what we’re building here, and I’m so grateful I did because I would have never had those memories or those moments that we’ve shared together without it,” said Markoch.
Most people have certain things they would do differently in their lives especially with careers involved.
“If I had to do it again. I would tell myself, everything you’re doing, you’re on the right track. Love on the kids even more. They need love, said Markoch. Also make sure you balance your life in terms of band but do take time away with your family and everything.”
Meade comes highly recommended from West Johnston High School in Benson, North Carolina. Meade definitely has his work cut out for him when it comes to taking over the bands when Markoch officially retires.
“I have very big shoes to fill. Like Doc is a master of the craft. He’s beloved among directors throughout the state and is really well known, and it’s definitely something that I’m nervous but also excited about,” said Meade.
Although Meade has only been Assistant Band Director for 4 months, he is already seeing differences between Athens Drive and West Johnston.
“Coming to a place that’s a magnet school where kids are coming here for STEM and Health Science, the rigor among the students is higher. The biggest thing that’s kind of mind blowing to me is the incredible administration her,” said Meade.
Athens Drive is excited that Meade is here with open ears to listen to the student’s and parent’s ideas for what they would like to see for the future of the band.
The Athens Drive family wishes Markoch the best of luck as he transitions into retirement. They hope he takes time with his family and are very grateful for everything he has done at Athens Drive.
