Kevin Welsch Retires after 41 Years
41 years ago, a new, young, fresh-faced music teacher and band director entered the Leigh Community Schools system, Mr. Kevin Welsch.
Little did he know this new teaching job would be the beginning of a long, extremely successful career in the district.
Mr. Welsch began his teaching career in Elwood, Nebraska, where he taught for two years.
Following that, he left teaching and worked at the Co-op in Cozad for two years.
When he got back into teaching, he taught in Orleans, NE for two years.
“I liked Orleans,” Mr. Welsch said, “but they were getting really small, to the point that they were going to start playing 6-man football. I knew it was time to look for something else, so I interviewed at Leigh and at Laurel. As it turned out, my principal at Orleans was a former college classmate of Cecil Fields, so I think he must have put in a good word for me because Cecil wanted to hire me on the spot, and the rest is history.
“Leigh has been a great fit for me and my family,” Welsch continued.
For much of his career, Mr. Welsch has taught elementary music and junior high and high school band and choir.
Last year, Leigh and Clarkson co-oped junior high and high school band and choir, with Mr. Ryan Dusso from Clarkson leading choir, and Mr. Welsch focusing on band for both schools.
Mr. Welsch relates that he has directed bands at Leigh that have been as small as 21 students to as large as 78.
Mr. Welsch has taken his groups of students to the NSAA District Music Contest held in Columbus, Nebraska for many years. Over his career, his concert band has received 11 number 1 ratings, the highest honor a band can achieve. The most recent 1 was won last year in 2017.
Despite his success with the concert band, throughout his career, his favorite memories come from directing the pep band.
“The highlights of my teaching career involve putting out a good pep band. I’m very proud of that. Like the year we won the championship in girls state basketball in the 90s, getting to play the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ before the championship game was really neat. All the state trip experiences were fun. And the trips we took were fun too.”
Some more of his favorite memories are taking the band on trips to the Nebraska Land Parade in Okoboji, Iowa; the Blue Water Festival; and Music in the Park Festival held in Shakopee, Minnesota.
Mr. Welsch said it has been rewarding to teach multiple generations of families, and that he remembers each and every student.
And he has certainly had an impact on his students through the years.
Ron Schroeder, graduate of 1990 said, “He was one of the best teachers in the school. He took pride in what he did and he motivated students to do better and to be involved in band.. He will be greatly missed in the school system!”
Current Leigh junior Cameron Miller said, “Mr. Welsch has been a huge inspiration to me. He pushed me to do great things and go out for band. He taught me to go to my full potential, and to give all I got. He is the best band teacher ever, and it will be tough to replace him.”
Junior Holly Kuhr said, “We are so lucky to have such a great band teacher. Mr. Welsch always made sure our performances were the best they could be; he really knows what he's doing when it comes to band and music. Mr. Welsch is just a really good, down-to-Earth guy who wants students to do their best. He has created a lasting legacy here at Leigh, and all of us students now and who have graduated appreciate the hard work he has done.”
Freshman Emily Loseke said, “As long as I can remember, Mr. Welsch has been passionate about what he does. He's been passionate about the music, the community, and especially the kids. He's taught me how to never give up on something I'm passionate about, and that practice will eventually make perfect (or close enough!) And even though I'll never play the trumpet as well as he does, he's somehow made me a good player nonetheless. I know it won't be the same without him, but he certainly deserves a happy retirement. Thanks for all the laughs and lessons, Mr. Welsch. You will be missed!"
Mr. Welsch said he has worked with some great administrators and great colleagues over the years. He also greatly appreciates the community support he has received and said he plans to stay in Leigh during his retirement.
“I’ve lived here over half my life,” he said. “Leigh is home.”
When asked how he plans to spend his retirement, Mr. Welsch said he looks forward to doing more things with his wife, Lori, and his kids and grandkids. He looks forward to watching his grandkids grow up and doing some traveling.
Enjoy your retirement, Mr. Welsch!