Mike Knutson Leaves Behind A Bittersweet Goodbye
Knutson will be teaching at BCMS come the 23-24 school year
After years of teaching music and inspiring students, Band and Orchestra Director Mike Knutson is bidding farewell to Buffalo High School to pursue his passion project. He is on a mission to create a method book for beginning band/orchestra students, kickstarting their careers early.
Knutson will be directing beginning band students at Buffalo Community Middle School. As he sets his sights on this new adventure, his departure leaves a void in the hearts of his high school students, but some are optimistic about the future and what it holds for their music program.
“I was really sad when he announced it at first,” Elyse Branger ‘23 said. “But I think this is the best choice for him and for the future of the orchestra program.”
Mike Knutson is the Varsity Band and Concert Orchestra teacher, so his move will open up these positions. Band Director Scott Rabehl and Orchestra Director Kristine Wiese have to fill the shoes he is leaving behind at BHS. They are ready to conquer any challenges that come their way.
“I think one of the challenges will be to maintain my energy with all of the groups throughout the day, as well as manage all that comes with running a program solo,” Kristine Weise said. “I have run programs alone before, however, so I am not too concerned. I am very excited to be able to work with the students for all four years of their high school orchestra career.”
As his last days at BHS come to an end, the staff members and students are preparing for any and all emotions, whether they be happy or sad.
“I’m so happy for him that he gets to do what he wants to do,” Jocelynn Geib ‘23 said. “I think he’s crazy for wanting to hang out with middle schoolers but it’s truly the best thing for him in his career right now. I was already going to miss him but now it’ll be more bittersweet.”
Mike Knutson, who was honored by the orchestra students with gifts ranging from a t-shirt that says ‘Mega Slayed’ and a flowy platinum blond wig, is more focused on his seniors’ next life chapter than his own.
“It is wonderful and difficult every year knowing that the seniors are done with here,” Mike Knutson said. “It is wonderful that they don’t really need us anymore and are off to the next chapter in their lives. The difficult part is saying goodbye to “my kids”.”
Mike Knutson created many beautiful connections, memories, and has had the biggest impact on his students. Many of them are sad to see him leave BHS, but they will never forget the image he left behind.
