Returning to the high school where he once marched across the football field, Seth Burk now stands in front of the band as its new Assistant Director, eager to give back to the community that gave him his start.
After teaching at Lincoln High School for four years, Burk is beginning his first year at Southeast, where he hopes to build stronger connections with students and help the music program grow. For him, returning to the school he once attended is more than just a job. It’s a chance to give back to the community that inspired him and help future students find the same love for music that helped shape his own journey. “I have always kind of enjoyed explaining things and getting people to be able to do newer things,” Burk said. ”Once I got to high school, seeing this program and the influence that the teachers have on student’s lives and for the better, was pretty cool.”
While teaching music and working with the marching band has already brought exciting moments, Burk shared that his first day at Lincoln Southeast also came with certain challenges.
“The hardest thing for me personally is coming into a new school and not knowing or having much of a connection with a bunch of students,” Burk said. “This year, rather than learning 20 people, you have to learn 100 at least”.
But those early challenges are beginning to turn into opportunities. Building relationships with students and seeing the marching band perform has made the transition worthwhile. His journey shows not only his passion for music but also his commitment to the students who make it possible
“I mainly want people to know that I care about them as individuals and people,” Burk said. “I really care about the music that we make together, because both as individuals and the group, it’s irreplaceable.”
