After 29 years teaching, music instructor is ready to slow the beat in retirement

"My first passion is music, sharing that passion with students. Whether it's a music history course or a performance class, I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I've been here...," says Mark Wheeler (center) with his wife, Vicky (right), and son, Paul.

In 1987 Guilford Technical Community College hired a young doctoral candidate as a part-time music instructor. His only prior experience was a couple of years as a high school band director in eastern North Carolina.

It turned out to be a pretty good hire.

On May 13, Mark Wheeler, turned out his GTCC office lights for the last time, retiring after 29 years of leading and building the college's music department.

"It's been a wild ride, a great experience, something I've enjoyed all the way," he said. "I have loved being able to get up every day and come teach classes.

"My first passion is music, sharing that passion with students. Whether it's a music history course or a performance class, I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I've been here, sharing my interests and preferences over the years that helped many students."

Wheeler recently retired as the music program coordinator for GTCC and said, "I've had the title a long time. It does give me a sense of accomplishment for what I've done for 29 years." But it is the classroom he has loved. It was the classroom that first led him to GTCC.

"Having gone through three (college) degree programs, I had worked under so many teachers that were required to do research. My first love is teaching, and I knew community colleges wanted teachers," said the 67-year-old Wheeler, who says he does some ‘casual work in administration' but mainly teaches. "I've enjoyed being in the classroom, working with students, both performance-wise and the technical parts."

Wheeler has taught a broad spectrum of classes: music theory, music history, a rock music class, skills' classes …the list goes on and on. And, as a percussionist specialist, he has often set in on the drums with the college's music ensemble. He also plays kettle drums for his church's orchestra.

Wheeler's 29 years in GTCC's music program pretty much covers the program's history. When Wheeler was hired as a part-time instructor in 1989 to teach a music appreciation class, the music program was in its early stages. By the time he became a full-time instructor in 1994, the program had grown, but it wasn't until 2002 when the state approved a two-year music associate degree that the GTCC music department was officially born.

"It has just gotten bigger and better," Wheeler said.

With retirement looming large, Wheeler is looking forward to lots of vacation time, traveling with his wife Vicky, spending more time with their 26-year-old son, and reviving his long-dormant golf game.

And, he says, "I hope to get a little extra rest."

It will be a well-deserved rest for sure.