Matt Johnson watches over his students from the edge of the football field, paying close attention as sixty pairs of feet glide across the freshly cut grass. The thick echo of brass and woodwind instruments alike bounce off the press box and flattens out in the background, creating one big wave of sound. “One more time!” he shouts with a mischievous smirk after the abundant noise cuts off followed by the chorus of groans and sighs from his exhausted students.
Here lies Johnson’s reason for coming to work every day. “I really enjoy teaching music to students, seeing where they start and then listening to the end product,” he says.
Johnson received both his Bachelors and Masters Degree in music education from Illinois State University.
As the band director, Matt Johnson is unlike most teachers here at Jacksonville High School. Coming from a diverse teaching background, he has taught in schools all over the area and has had lots of experience with students of all ages. “I have been a band director at R.O.W.V.A CUSD, Knoxville CUSD, PORTA, and now Jacksonville,” he explains.
Fairly new to the district, Johnson is still making the adjustment. “This is my fourth year: three at JHS, and one in the elementaries,” Johnson tells. “I live with my family in Petersburg, and my wife teaches in Cantrell.”
Despite the hour drive both ways every day, Johnson couldn’t complain: he’s doing what he has always wanted to. “[My inspiration was] my high school band director, Ed Sheckler. Not only was he a good band director but he was also a great person. He cared about all of his students, and I think his students knew he cared about them. We would always go to the band room for lunch, and “Sheck” always was there to just talk or had music playing,” Johnson reminisces.
Although Johnson knew what he wanted to do with his life and the kind of influence he wanted to have on the world, he didn’t do it by himself. “I would not be where I am today without the help and encouragement of my teachers and especially the support of my parents,” Johnson says.
As the marching band season comes to a close, Johnson has made it clear that he is proud of all the effort that his students have put forth and hopes to see that same motivation throughout concert season and next year. “When you give less than your best, you will never know how good you can be. High school will go by quickly so don’t miss any opportunities to have fun and learn what you want to become. You can’t go back and make up for missed opportunities,” says Johnson. “Remember: music is to be fun.”