Band director leaves, hard act to follow Mr. David Fenske - LifeTouch Thursday, May 17, 2012 By Nicole Italiano Advertising     If one is to ask another, “Who is Mr. Fenske?” one is sure to get many different answers. “Mr. Fenske is the band teacher.” “Mr. Fenske is my homeroom teacher.” “Mr. Fenske is the guy who makes random jokes that do not make any sense.” This is the man who all the people at Lakeside have gotten to know.      Mr. Dave Fenske has been teaching Concert and Symphonic Band for 33 years. He has also been teaching Summer Marching band during this period. This past year, he has also been teaching health class to the sophomores. These are many of the reasons people at Lakeside, and the surrounding areas know him. He is a very popular guy with the kids at school, and his jokes are infamous. “You guys need a new set of lungs…because you take a breath every two measure!” “F-E-R-A-L! It means wild children and animals… like YOU!” Not only does he say that, he also has a passion for animals who may hear squeaky, out-of-tune music:  “Do not kill the cat! The cat will die!” Those are just some of his numerous quotes. It has been said that, in Mr. Fenske’s 33 years of teaching, he has never once uttered the same quote twice. Mr. Fenske is definitely a fount of knowledge. If one has a question in music, Mr. Fenske is the man to go to. He knows loads about music and instruments, and is more than willing to help someone with their musical questions.      Even though Mr. Fenske is retiring at the end of this school year, he is still going to be going on the Summer Marching Band trip to Calgary, Canada to encourage the band kids while they participate in the Calgary Stampede. But not only are they going there, they are also going to Mount Rushmore, Montana, and Minnesota. The kids will definitely be making more splendid memories with Mr. Fenske on this trip. They will be gone for two whole weeks. On July 14th the marching band will be having a Homecoming Parade in Lake Mills. Please come and watch them perform their amazing songs and marching band routines!     Mr. Fenske has given all the students at Lakeside, especially his band students, great and special memories, whether it is from his jokes to some crazy moments they have shared with him. Senior Lura Poyner says, “Mr. Fenske never makes band boring.” Sophomore Bethany Grunewald says that Mr. Fenske is, “the bestest band director in the world and is really passionate about what he does.” Mr. Fenske will be greatly missed, and not only as a band director, but also as a homeroom teacher, friend, and mentor. Mr. Fenske is most definitely a legend, and all the students and staff are thankful that he taught them. They are proud to have known him as a teacher and as a person.

Back to the articles list