“Musicians don’t retire; they stop when there’s no more music in them.” – Louis Armstrong
Mr. Paterno, the Director of Bands at Wayne Hills, is officially retiring this year! He has been teaching for 36 years in total, 35 of them at Wayne Hills. Here is what he is planning to do after retirement and the advice he is giving to his students.
Inspiration to Teach
When asked what inspired him to become a music teacher, the response was heartfelt:
“I loved music, and even though I had to work hard at it, it just worked for me. I was really into sports when I was younger, but I was always too small or too slow. With music, though, hard work actually paid off—and I wanted to show other people that too.”
He emphasized that music became more than just a subject—it was a vehicle for teaching life skills:
“Music became a way to teach people about being people. I’ve coached sports, and I enjoyed that, but nothing could teach like music could.”
Teaching Career
Mr. Paterno has been at Wayne Hills for 35 years and has taught for 36 years overall.
“My first job was in Keansburg as a band director and a fourth-grade teacher. We started the year with 18 kids in the band and ended with 27. Coming to Wayne Hills was a shock—but after 35 years, we built something special.”
Favorite Memories
Though difficult to choose one, he fondly remembers a performance at Alice Tully Hall in New York City:
“The wind ensemble played so well—no one expected us to sound that big. But honestly, my favorite memories are about people. Alumni have come back saying things like, ‘I got promoted at my job because I’m always on time—and you were always on us about that.’ That matters to me.”
Growth of the Music Program
The music program has seen remarkable growth and evolution under his leadership:
“When I started, there were under 40 people in the band. At our largest, we had 158! The quality of the music program has changed a lot. We now have lessons, music theory, jazz improv, jazz band, winter guard, winter percussion—none of that existed before. The support from parents and the school has really grown.”
Moments of Pride
He’s most proud of the students’ growth and hard work:
“Seeing students put in the work, succeed, and say, ‘Wow, I get it now,’—those are the moments I’m proud of. One time we won best music at Bloomfield, beating some huge schools. That was big. But it’s really about the people, not the trophies.”
What He’ll Miss Most
Without hesitation, he said:
“The students. Seeing them smile, grow, and succeed—that’s what kept me in this job. It wasn’t about a concert or an award or a piece we played. It was about watching people succeed in enjoying that. I’ve seen a lot of people my age move out of it, but I never got tired of helping people improve. I think that’s what has allowed me to stay in it for so long.”
Advice for Music Students
“Keep music in your life, even if it’s just a hobby. As a profession, it’s tough—there are only a few outlets like performance and teaching. But if you love it, stick with it. I know musicians who are police officers, guidance counselors, even stay-at-home parents. They just loved to play. That’s what counts.”
Plans for Retirement
He won’t be slowing down too much:
“I’ll still be working with the Hanover Wind Symphony, teaching at William Paterson, and doing private lessons—just not coming here for 12 hours a day. I want to get back to playing more, take care of projects at home, and spend time with my family and dog.”
Thank you for everything you have done for the music program and the students here at Wayne Hills, Mr. Paterno! Hope you have a great retirement, and we will all miss you!
