One of the first things students will hear when they walk into Lakeland High School is the peppy and cheerful sound of the school’s band.
Each note and chord that goes into the beautiful songs is carefully rehearsed for hours by every student to make engaging music. Behind all the talented and detail-oriented students is Lakeland’s band teacher, Mark Sescilla.
People rarely come across teachers remembered for many years after the class they taught. Every once in a while, a person’s teaching styles align and click with a group of students so well that it is undeniable that the teacher knows what they are doing.
Sescilla is one of these teachers. His small banter and bright personality inspire and motivate students to always give their all in his class. Students walk in with sleepy eyes each morning and leave with smiles on their faces.
It is no surprise to students that Sescilla has earned the award of LHS’ teacher of the year for the 2023-2024 school year.
Sescilla can beautifully teach lifelong skills to aspiring musicians.
“Honestly, music was the only thing I was really good at,” Sescilla said.
His dream to be a music teacher began during his high school years.
“I was inspired by one of my favorite teachers,” Sescilla said.
Teachers’ influence over students can change the route of their entire lives. While Sescilla inspired himself when he was younger, he now spends his days inspiring students’ futures.
“I love music and interacting with kids and making music every day,” Sescilla said.
Lifelong impact is given to students who choose to play an instrument. One of the most beneficial skills is that music engages every part of the brain and ignites a person’s creativity.
Learning an instrument can be highly frustrating, and teaching someone how can be even worse.
Sescilla shows a deep love for the art of music by giving great patience and education to every student who attends his classes. Sescilla has been teaching in the Lakeland School District for 27 years.
“Lakeland has been an amazing school district to work in for the past 27 years,” he said. “It’s like home.”
In the short hour every weekday that Sescilla sees his band students, he can take an absolute beginner and transform them into a musician who can play countless songs. His students can play various instruments, ranging from drums to guitars and flutes.
Sescillas’s deep understanding of music inspires and educates young students effortlessly. His easy-going and fun personality will enable students to open up in his class and find comfort in their band.
Members rely on each other as much as players on a sports team do. The band is like a family for its members, and Sescilla is dedicated to always being there for his students.
